Mustangs is a climbing-focused community space in Kingston, NY (read: 20 mins from the Gunks) set on bringing The People stellar climbs and good vibes.
Hiring Objective:
We’re starting up various educational climbing programs, including youth climbing programs, and expanding our educational offerings starting this summer. This includes:
- Competitive climbing team (USAC) – 12 athletes max
- Recreational climbing team – 12 athletes max
- Summer camps – 12 participants max
- Private coaching
- Additional offerings as the program grows
*We will always keep our ratios intentionally small to maintain strong coach-to-athlete ratios and high-quality instruction.
As the gym and our community continue to grow, we hope to see our youth climbing and educational programs grow with them into the future.
We’re looking for someone to lead the development of these programs and their operations, helping to add a youth-engagement/educational component to Mustangs that matches the quality of the experience we hope to provide in all that we do. That is to say – we want them to be really, really, really good 🙂
A note: While we wish to have a highly competitive climbing team and help young climbers reach their ultimate climbing potential, it is far more important that we do everything we can to help them become well-rounded, thoughtful, and engaged humans.
Position:
Head Coach/Programs Director
Summary of Position:
As this is a new program, this position will have the unique opportunity to help build it from the ground up.
The Head Coach/Programs Director will help develop curriculum, environment, and methods aimed at providing climbers with exceptional instruction, athletic development, and encouragement. This process will be supported by Mustangs’ climbing-obsessed owners, Ivan and Steve.
The Head Coach/Programs Director will be responsible for leading and overseeing climbing education, coaching, and youth programming at Mustangs. This includes weekly instructional classes, youth climbing teams, camps, and more as the programs continue to grow.
The hours for this position vary throughout the year with the competitive climbing calendar:
- Summer – 30-35 hours per week + Private Coaching hours
- Fall/Winter/Spring – 20-25 hours per week + Private Coaching hours
- Programs primarily run afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekend days during comp season
- Additional non-coaching hours can be provided if necessary
*As the program grows, we expect this role and its hours to grow as well.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee and lead all climbing education programs
- Create and maintain curriculum, standards, and athlete development models
- Run all aspects of the youth climbing team, including coaching, administration, competition planning, and all communication with athletes and parents
- Hire, manage, and develop assistant coaches and instructors
- Manage scheduling, registrations, and program communication
- Create and teach weekly instructional climbing classes for members and guests
- Plan and execute seasonal youth camps
- Ensure the highest quality of instruction, safety, and a positive team culture
- Create a supportive, welcoming, and safe environment for climbers to step outside of their comfort zones and grow
- Plan and manage off-site competition and training experiences to support athlete development
Qualifications
- Experienced climber with a minimum of 2 years coaching climbers/youth climbing athletes
- Previous experience working with children in a supportive and instructive capacity
- Positive group management skills
- Highly organized
- Ability to work autonomously
- Flexible competition season schedule
- First Aid/CPR/AED certifications (can provide)
- SafeSport certification (can provide)
- YES (Youth Exercise Specialist) Preferred
- USAC Certified Preferred
Compensation + Benefits
- $25-$28/hr
- $50/hr for private coaching
- PTO + Sick Leave
- Free membership to Mustangs for you and one additional person
- 40% off Mustangs retail products
- 25% off at Rock and Snow (legendary local gear shop)
- Access to industry pro-deals
- Free cafe drinks
- Mustangs is 20 minutes from the Gunks, home to world-class climbing (trad and bouldering), hiking, trail running, biking, and cross-country skiing. The schedule for this position is such that daily engagement in outdoor activities would be possible.
A bit more about Mustangs <3
Mustangs is a bouldering-only facility serving Ulster County and the Mid-Hudson Region in upstate New York. Located 20 minutes from the world-class climbing of the Gunks and a short drive from dozens of incredible climbing areas throughout the Northeast, Mustangs offers a unique opportunity for those looking to work in the indoor climbing industry while enjoying truly unbeatable access to outdoor climbing. Founded in 2025, Mustangs seeks to elevate the climbing gym experience by offering inventive routesetting in a warm and thoughtful space for a tight-knit community of newcomers and veterans alike.
We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
To apply, please email both Stephen@mustangsbouldering.com and Ivan@mustangsbouldering.com with your resume and a few sentences about yourself.
