Youth Programs and Outdoor Adventures Manager

The Youth Programs and Outdoor Adventures Manager provides leadership for Ghost Ranch's youth, family, recreation, and outdoor adventure programs. This role creates safe, engaging, and mission-centered experiences that foster learning, personal growth, community connection, and appreciation for the natural world.

The Manager oversees the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of youth and family programming, including curriculum development, staff training, risk management, and program operations. The position supervises a year-round Youth Programming Guide, seasonal Outdoor Adventure Guides, a seasonal Pool and Waterfront Supervisor, and the Summer Staff program.

In addition to youth programming, the Manager leads outdoor recreation and adventure offerings, including hiking, archery, low ropes initiatives, waterfront activities, swimming, yoga, and other experiences that connect guests with the landscape of Ghost Ranch.

The position serves as a key collaborator across departments and with external partners, including public land agencies, volunteer organizations, schools, and community groups. The successful candidate will be an organized, adaptable, and mission-driven leader who enjoys working with people of all ages and creating exceptional experiences in a dynamic outdoor environment.

About Ghost Ranch

Ghost Ranch is a historic, mission-driven retreat and education center set on 21,000 acres in the high desert of Northern New Mexico. Visitors come from around the country to experience awe, connection, and transformation through art, nature, science, spirituality, and adventure.

The land is an essential part of the learning experience at Ghost Ranch. With access to extensive hiking trails, ancient geological formations, the Chama River and Abiquiu Lake, Ghost Ranch offers guests unique opportunities to explore the natural world, develop outdoor skills, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the land and its stewardship.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Development

• Lead the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of youth, family, and outdoor adventure programs.
• Develop curriculum, activity plans, training materials, and operational procedures that support high-quality participant experiences.
• Oversee major annual programs, including Family Week, Community Camp, Church Youth Week, Youth Summer Adventure, Teen Adventure, January Term, and other seasonal offerings.
• Ensure programs align with Ghost Ranch's mission, values, safety standards, and guest experience expectations.
• Coordinate educational and recreational programming for school groups and field trips in collaboration with other Ghost Ranch staff.

Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate year-round and seasonal staff.
• Provide leadership and support for the Youth Programming Guide, Outdoor Adventure Guides, and Pool and Waterfront Supervisor.
• Recruit and oversee the Summer Staff program, a two-month work immersion program for 18 young adults.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate training in safety, risk management, participant engagement, and program delivery.

Outdoor Adventure and Recreation Operations

• Oversee all outdoor adventure, recreation, and waterfront activities.
• Manage equipment, facilities, inventory, inspections, maintenance schedules, and replacement planning.
• Maintain accurate records related to equipment safety, inspections, certifications, and preventative maintenance.
• Ensure facilities and equipment are safe, functional, and prepared for participant use.

Safety, Risk Management, and Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety and responsible risk management across all youth and outdoor programs.
• Develop and implement emergency response procedures and operational protocols.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, child safeguarding standards, and organizational policies.
• Coordinate First Aid, CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and other safety trainings as needed through internal or external partners.
• Monitor and assess program risks and make operational decisions to ensure participant and staff safety.
• Maintain records, reports, certifications, permits, and program documentation.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Coordinate with representatives from Carson National Forest and Santa Fe National Forest to support outdoor programming and land stewardship efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, schools, and volunteer organizations.
• Support grant-funded projects and volunteer initiatives related to trail maintenance, conservation, and outdoor recreation.
• Coordinate volunteer groups and community partners for land-based projects and stewardship activities.
• Represent Ghost Ranch professionally in the community and with partner organizations.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education, Youth Development, Recreation Management, Education, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Three years or more experience leading youth programs, outdoor education programs, camps, recreation programs, or related experiences with diverse audiences. Must include experience working with children and youth.
• Demonstrated success managing staff, volunteers, or youth leaders. Minimum three years.
• Strong organizational, leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead activities safely in outdoor environments.
• Calm, steady, and solution-orientated when unexpected challenges arise. Ability to respond creatively to changes in guest needs, program logistics, or inclement weather.
• Willing and able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain.
• Able to lift and move equipment required for program operations.
• Valid driver's license with at least three years of clear driving record.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating seasonal staff teams.
• Experience working with public land agencies, conservation organizations, or trail stewardship programs.
• Experience with grant-funded projects.
• Wilderness First Responder certification.

Position Details

The Youth Programs and Outdoor Adventures Manager reports to the Director of Experience & Social Impact and serves on the management team. This is a full-time exempt (salaried) supervisory position with a target hiring range of $53,000–59,000. The role requires on-site work at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM. This position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and seasonal peak periods. Housing options are limited but may be available as part of total compensation. Housing is rustic and often includes shared bathrooms or living spaces with coworkers.

Ghost Ranch offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement savings plan (RSP) with employer match; student loan assistance (if eligible); employee assistance program (EAP); and flexible spending account (FSA).

Staff receive paid sick leave and paid annual leave, 12 paid holidays, and opportunities for community service.

Lunch is provided daily in our Dining Hall.

Staff are encouraged to participate in one Ghost Ranch workshop each year at no cost and receive discounts on lodging and retail.

Spanish preferred but not required