About the Role
The Director of Youth Education leads the team that implements CityROCK’s vision and structure for its youth climbing programs. This role exists to help our youth climbers go more up—not just on the wall, but through thoughtful curriculum, strong staff leadership, and a safe, inspiring learning environment.
This is a director-level position focused primarily on program development, staff management, and systems, rather than daily coaching. We’re looking for someone with an educational background who has coached youth climbers, understands the realities of instruction and climbing competitions, and is ready to lead—shaping programs, mentoring staff, and building sustainable systems that serve our community.
The Director of Youth Education reports to the General Manager and oversees all Lead Coaches and all youth program classes.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Risk Mitigation
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve youth education programming
- Establish and enforce clear safety guidelines for all programs, classes, and instructional spaces
- Ensure appropriate supervision ratios based on participant age and group size
- Maintain a safe teaching environment by identifying and mitigating hazards
- Oversee equipment inspection and maintenance in alignment with industry standards
- Ensure staff are trained and prepared to respond appropriately to emergencies
- Empower youth participants to take responsibility for their own well-being
Staff Leadership & Engagement
- Hire, train, and retain staff who positively contribute to CityROCK’s culture
- Provide clear expectations, consistent oversight, and ongoing professional development
- Model professionalism and strong leadership
- Give and receive timely, constructive feedback
- Foster engagement, morale, and collaboration within the team
- Reduce operational friction and support staff success
- Work collaboratively with other departments to align goals and operations
Customer Experience & Loyalty
- Create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for youth and families
- Maintain clean, organized, and inviting instructional spaces
- Stay informed on current teaching methods, climbing instruction trends, and best practices
- Build and maintain a strong, research-informed youth curriculum
- Ensure programs are staffed appropriately with the right people in the right roles
- Design and implement programs that encourage repeat participation
- Develop new programs that reflect customer needs and interests
- Maintain open, clear communication with members and guests
- Deliver experiences that surprise, delight, and build lasting relationships
Financial & Operational Management
- Design and price programs to optimize both attendance and profitability
- Manage youth program administration efficiently and professionally
- Ensure RGP is set up correctly for billing and program administration
- Promote program offerings to increase awareness and enrollment
- Encourage repeat business and long-term engagement
- Create, manage, and maintain the department budget
Qualifications & Experience
The ideal candidate will bring a balance of youth coaching experience, administrative skill, and leadership ability, including:
- College degree or equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of 3 years of experience teaching and administering programs for preschool and elementary-age children
- Minimum 3 years of experience in climbing-specific instruction for children
- Readiness to focus on administration, management, and systems
- Demonstrated experience in staff management and coordination
- Strong organizational, administrative, and goal-setting skills
- Excellent communication and customer service abilities
- Ability to manage large groups of children effectively
- Adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Comfort in responding to unexpected challenges and shifting priorities
- Experience with operations or scheduling software
- Knowledge of the climbing industry and instructional standards
- CWI, AMGA, and/or SPI certification (optional but appreciated)
- Current First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
Who You Are
You’re a leader who cares deeply about youth development, safety, and quality instruction. You value systems, consistency, and collaboration—but you also bring warmth, enthusiasm, and approachability. You’re excited to build programs that help kids grow as climbers and people, while supporting the staff who make it all possible.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual Salary: $47,000–$50,000, commensurate with experience
- Paid Time Off: Paid vacation and sick time
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans available with employer contribution
- Retirement: 401(k) with employer match after the first year of employment
- Work Schedule: Full-time, 38+ hours per week.
