Head of Youth Programming

Company Description

Shaker Rocks is a state-of-the-art rock climbing gym located in the Van Aken District of Shaker Heights, Ohio. It provides a unique opportunity for sport, camaraderie, and civic pride. The facility features top-rope climbing, lead climbing, and bouldering, along with yoga and fitness classes. With a strong focus on community, Shaker Rocks fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for adventure and personal growth.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role as the Head of Youth Programming at Shaker Rocks.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Be responsible for coordinating and executing all aspects of Shaker Rocks youth programs.
• Design, develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive and engaging climbing curriculum catering to youth climbers of varying skill levels, including recreational and competitive teams.
• Identify program needs and implement changes and/or new programs to grow the department. Option to develop programs that align with your own interests and desires.
• Recruit, hire, train, develop, and manage youth climbing coaches, instructors, teaching assistants, and camp counselors.
• Develop, update, and implement use of a training manual for all new and existing instructors.
• Be responsible for all instructional administrative duties including but not limited to scheduling and managing instructional staff, communicating with parents and program attendees, working collaboratively with instructional staff and managers to ensure program coherence and alignment with Shaker Rocks’ goals, overseeing all travel for USAC competitions (including transportation and accommodations), managing instructional programs in RGP.
• Ensure robust participation and enrollment in all youth programs.
• Work with the Marketing Manager to develop creative marketing content related to youth programming.
• Provide expert instruction in climbing techniques, safety practices, and training methodologies for select youth programs including Goats, club, camp, and team. Provide personalized coaching and feedback to each climber to help them overcome challenges, improve weaknesses, and achieve their climbing goals.
• Travel as needed to coach at youth climbing competitions.
• Ensure all programs adhere to risk management policies.
• As the manager of the youth instructional team, lead by example with our core values of safety, inclusiveness, education, cleanliness and quality.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• 2 years of leadership or management experience
• 2+ years of climbing experience
• CWI certification through CWA or AMGA or equivalent
• Prior coaching or teaching experience
• Excellent writing skills including the ability to craft clear, compelling, and grammatically accurate content tailored to diverse audiences

Facility Environment and Physical Demands

• While performing the essential responsibilities of this job, the employee will be regularly required to ascend/descend climbing walls; sit in a harness; stoop, kneel, and crouch; walk up and down stairs; walk and stand on hard and soft and even and uneven surfaces; use both hands at the same time; reach overhead with arms; grip with hands; talk, yell, and hear; use a computer and other office equipment such as a copier; use climbing equipment including but not limited to ropes, harnesses, quickdraws, belay devices and carabiners.
• The employee will regularly be required to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds, and occasionally to lift and/or carry 25 to 100 pounds.
• The employee will regularly be exposed to chalk and other airborne particles, water, loud noise, falling objects, and trip hazards.

Compensation

• $43,000 to $49,000 annually, depending on experience
• Medical insurance plan option
• Employee Assistance Program – free confidential support for things like stress, anxiety, financial planning, and legal issues
• 401(K) Employer Match (based on plan eligibility requirements)
• 3 weeks paid time off
• Free membership to Shaker Rocks for you, your significant other and any children
• Industry pro deals and in-gym retail discounts
• Professional development opportunities