Program Director

Location: Preference for candidates based in Portland, Hood River, The Dalles, Maupin, Warm Springs/Mecca Flat area, as well as McCall or Riggins, ID.

Program Sites: Lower Salmon River, Idaho; Lower Deschutes River, Oregon

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: $55,000–$65,000 annually + benefits

Reports to: Executive Director

About Life Expanding Adventure Program (LEAP)

In the heart of wild rivers, healing begins. At Life Expanding Adventure Program (LEAP), we believe that nature has the power to transform lives. Since 2010, LEAP, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has provided no-cost, multi-day immersive wilderness inflatable kayaking and rafting programs for individuals who have experienced trauma and adversity. Through the rush of whitewater and the quiet of canyon nights, participants discover strength, connection, and a renewed sense of self and possibility.

LEAP partners with Greater Portland area nonprofit organizations at no cost, expanding their missions to reach those who need the healing power of nature. Through immersive wilderness experiences, LEAP serves burn survivors, unhoused youth, children facing serious illnesses like cancer, military veterans, families escaping domestic violence, neurodivergent youth, and others. To learn more, visit: www.leapadventure.org

About the Role

LEAP is seeking a passionate Program Director to lead its programs, which operate primarily on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho and the Lower Deschutes River in Oregon. This position oversees all aspects of program execution, risk management, partnership development, and guide supervision and mentorship.

LEAP programs are not simply whitewater kayaking trips; they are immersive program experiences designed to create life-expanding opportunities for participants. The ideal candidate leads with a trauma-informed lens, bringing both a passion for and an appreciation of nature immersion. They understand the profound impact that connection to nature, to one another, and to oneself can have in supporting healing from life’s traumas and adversities.

The Program Director will work closely with the Executive Director, the Board’s Operations Committee and Program Committee, and LEAP’s community partners to ensure high-quality programming aligns with LEAP’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution

Oversee all wilderness programming, ensuring a trauma-informed, inclusive, and mission-driven experience in collaboration with the Operations Committee and Program Committee of the Board of Directors.

Lead on-river logistics, risk management, and compliance with federal, state, and tribal regulations.

Implement, continuously improve, and evaluate group programming and facilitation methods, integrating best practices in wilderness leadership.

Maintain strong relationships with land agencies, tribal representatives, and local organizations to ensure ethical and sustainable use of natural spaces.

Guide Team Development

Recruit, vet, onboard, train, and mentor a team of professional guides, including those advancing through LEAP’s mentorship programming in alignment with fair hiring practices.

Foster a positive, growth-oriented culture that emphasizes professional development, safety, and inclusivity.

Develop and oversee team leadership, staff training, and mentorship structures to ensure high-quality participant experiences.

Support staff in conflict resolution, communication, and best practices for working with youth overcoming adversity.

Technical & Wilderness Experience

Oversee risk management and critical incident response systems.

Provide on-water guiding and outdoor leadership, with a strong understanding of wilderness risk management.

Ensure the technical proficiency of guides, managing outfitter/guide operations to ensure adherence to permit compliance, operational plan management, and seasonal job expectations.

Maintain and oversee gear and inventory management.

Utilize database and data collection tools (e.g., CampDoc, Excel) to support program documentation and reporting.

Foster relationships with other industry leaders and attend industry conferences to ensure the organization operates within industry best practices.

Partnership & Community Engagement

Collaborate with nonprofit partners, healthcare organizations, and youth-serving agencies to tailor LEAP programs to diverse participant needs.

Represent LEAP at events, fundraising initiatives, and partner meetings, supporting development and outreach efforts.

Partner on the logistical coordination and partnership planning for the annual Paddle Picnic.

Develop and maintain positive working relationships with LEAP’s operations support partners, Orange Torpedo Trips, and River Drifters.

Administrative & Remote Work

Plan and coordinate logistics, including budgeting, scheduling, and permit applications.

Travel to Portland 4–6 times per year for Board meetings, gear and vehicle management, special events, and partner engagement (with additional travel during the field season as needed).

Oversee program data collection and ensure reporting aligns with grant and funding requirements.

Spend time in Riggins during shoulder seasons on inventory and equipment maintenance.

Skills and Experience Preferred

2+ years hiring and managing small teams; 3+ seasons leading multi-day outdoor programs.

Backcountry guiding experience; river technical skills preferred.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or ability to obtain before the season.

Flexibility and enthusiasm for primarily field-based summer work.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Word, Excel, and tools like Constant Contact, Squarespace, and Wholsum.

Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to work independently.

Experience gathering and analyzing program data and survey results.

Creative problem-solver, able to refine programs and grow impact.

Physical Requirements & Accessibility

Ability to work in remote wilderness settings for sustained periods (up to 4 months with minimal time off).

Must comply with LEAP’s zero-substance-use policy while facilitating programs.

Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks such as loading/unloading gear, rigging rafts, rowing rafts, and executing river rescue operations.

Must be able to drive a pickup truck with a trailer and be able to back up a trailer, or be able to learn how.

Must be comfortable working at a desk as needed, using a computer, phone, email, and video conferencing tools to coordinate with partners and stakeholders.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to support candidates with disabilities in fulfilling the core functions of this role.

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

At LEAP, we honor the strength and resilience of every individual. Our participants come from all walks of life, navigating diverse challenges and experiences. We believe in the dignity of every person and welcome their stories of healing in all forms.

LEAP is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. Your perspective and passion may be exactly what we need.

Paid health and dental coverage for the primary employee

3% employer match for Simple IRA

20 days PTO plus recognized holidays

The opportunity to lead life-changing river experiences in breathtaking wilderness settings

English: Professional proficiency required (written and spoken)

Spanish: Conversational proficiency a plus (written and spoken)

Additional languages are a plus, particularly those spoken within LEAP’s partner communities.