Assistant Director Outdoor Centre

YMCA of Greater Toronto•King, ON

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of the Outdoor Centre supports the Director in ensuring the delivery of high-quality outdoor education programs and exceptional guest experiences aligned with the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values. This position collaborates closely with senior staff to recruit, train, and guide the seasonal team while maintaining operational excellence in alignment with industry standards and organizational values. It involves coordinating program development, managing communications with client groups, and overseeing the maintenance of facilities to ensure safety and readiness. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Commitment to fostering a positive team environment and upholding the highest standards of program quality is essential.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in Recreation, Outdoor Education, Education, or related field or equivalent experience
Standard First Aid and CPR required
Minimum 2 years supervisory experience in outdoor education or camping
Valid G License
Excellent time management and written/oral communication skills, ability to effectively manage a large number of emails on a daily basis and balance maintaining a presence in outdoor programming simultaneously
Well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff, volunteers, and clients
Ability to bring out the best in others and act as a role model to staff members
Proven ability to work constructively as a team member in a complex organizational setting
Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends (and outdoors during all seasons)
Must have access to a vehicle. YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is not accessible by public transit
Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion, and equity including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design
Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Nice To Haves

National Lifesaving Society (NLS) preferred or willing to obtain
Challenge Course Level 2 Facilitator an asset. If candidate does not hold this certification, they must be willing to obtain it immediately and meet the requirements to do so

Responsibilities

Recruit, hire, and train the seasonal outdoor centre team in collaboration with the Outdoor Centre Director
Directly supervise the team of Outdoor Educators, provide ongoing feedback, deliver end-of-season performance evaluations, meeting all HR and payroll deadlines
Work in partnership with the Outdoor Centre Director, General Manager, and the full-time team to ensure excellence in all areas of the Outdoor Centre and alignment with guiding principles, YMCA initiatives, Ontario Physical & Health Education Association (OPHEA), YMCA Camping Quality Recommended Practices, and Ontario Camping Association (OCA) standards
Support efforts to ensure programs are innovative and progressive, continuously improve program quality and standards, and organize and maintain program materials and spaces. Assist the Outdoor Centre Director with budgeting and purchasing equipment
Assist the Outdoor Centre Director in planning and implementing strategies for the growth and development of both low and high ropes course elements
Organize and execute training courses, specialty programs, community programs, family camps, retreats, and outdoor education groups to ensure a high-quality experience for all clients
Complete administrative tasks accurately and on time, including program paperwork related to hiring, payroll, group communication, program scheduling reports, surveys, and accident and incident forms
Maintain account holder relationships with approximately 50 groups per year, manage all communication from initial booking to post-visit follow-up (including virtual and in-person info sessions), and ensure that all guests have an enjoyable experience at the location
Work with the team to ensure all areas of the location are clean, organized, and well maintained; support proactive health and safety practices; assist in ensuring risk management plans are in place; and support meeting and tracking all audit requirements. Collaborate with external vendors for successful completion of annual high ropes course inspections
Perform other duties as assigned