Adventure Manager

Keystone Science School • Keystone, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Adventure Manager plays a key leadership role in shaping and delivering Keystone Science School’s summer Adventure programs. These programs are fully field-based, with students spending entire sessions backpacking, camping, climbing, and traveling by watercraft. This role supports instructors in the field, communicates with parents and ensures every trip is delivered with safety, excellence and the KSS Leadership Framework. The Adventure Manager oversees staff, logistics, permits, equipment and safety for each Adventure session. Working closely with other teams at KSS, you’ll help meet the evolving needs of students and staff. This is a seasonal position, with expected employment April - September. This position is required to live on campus.

Requirements

• Ability to supervise, coach, and motivate seasonal staff while fostering an inclusive and positive camp culture.
• Strong skills in planning, organizing, and overseeing youth programs, with attention to safety, logistics, and camper experience.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and resourceful in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
• Works effectively across departments and with leadership to achieve organizational goals.
• Understanding of best practices in camp programming, risk management, and experiential education.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation, Environmental Studies, Youth Development, or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• Minimum 4 seasons of experience in trip management, outdoor education, or youth program coordination.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing youth programs.
• Experience with program logistics, scheduling, and risk management in outdoor or residential settings.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor required.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive 15-passenger vans (or willingness to complete training).
• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.
• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, sponsors, donors and clients on a daily basis.
• Able to work for long periods of time without break during the conduct of presentations and events.
• Able to lift 25 lbs. with minimal assistance.
• Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Customer service or family communication experience strongly preferred.
• Additional certifications (lifeguarding, SPI, etc.) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for the Adventure Program.
• Serve as an on-call leader for all programming throughout the summer.
• Manage and monitor program budgets to ensure cost-effective delivery.
• Work closely with external vendors and contractors.
• Uphold safety standards, risk management procedures, and compliance with CO childcare and ACA licensing requirements.
• Lead and facilitate programs on an as-needed basis.
• Support other summer programs (Overnight and Day Camp) as needed.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise Adventure Instructors.
• Lead staff meetings, foster a positive team culture, and ensure clear communication.
• Observe staff in the field, offering constructive feedback and modeling best practices in outdoor education, safety, and risk management.
• Support staff in addressing challenges related to students, program delivery, or logistics.

Benefits

• Free meals and housing may be provided depending on position.
• Up to 48 paid sick hours.
• Paid holidays.
• Access to medical, dental, and vision benefits after four months of employment.
• Sick time, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) are offered.
• Discounts to outdoor retailers and discounted ski pass opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager