Manager of Youth Programs

About the Role

Youth Programs at Bouldering Project empower participants to embrace growth, develop climbing skills and gain community and connection. We believe in building creative curriculums that are a combination of climbing, fun, and games. BP believes that climbing is for everyone and works tirelessly to maintain a supportive environment for all participants. 

The Manager of Youth Programs develops, directs, and manages all aspects of programming at the assigned location including youth programs, summer camps, youth groups, birthday parties, and school partnerships.  This is a full-time position at 30 hours/week with opportunites for additional hours within programs or other departments.  Expect 40 hours/week during youth camp weeks.  Please send in your resume and cover letter for the position.  Ideal start date: February 19-23, 2026.  

What You’ll Do 

Program Development and Direction:

•  Initiate continued development of fun and innovative programming and curricula for children that includes clubs, camps, birthday parties. 
• Participate in hiring by interviewing candidates and making recommendations on selection. While final decisions are made in consultation with the management team, your recommendations are given particular weight. 
• Communicate with participants, caregivers, staff, and instructors to ensure program quality. 
• Oversee and supervise Youth Program activities. 
• Attend session starts and debrief courses with the General Manager in weekly meetings to ensure program quality and to support staff development. 

Staff Management 

• Collaborate with Manager of Operations to schedule staff via organized, economical, and efficient staffing systems.
• Maintain employee motivation and job satisfaction via dynamic leadership and support, both individually and through our Programs Leads. 
• Communicate with staff to understand availability and share scheduling. 
• Maintain discipline and professionalism among staff. 
• Ensure staff quality by leading and participating in assessment and evaluation. 
• Develop Programs Leads through the delegation of appropriate tasks and responsibilities. 
• Communicate with managers and staff, as needed, to ensure staff quality. 

Logistics 

• Develop and maintain organized, clean, and efficient logistics, registration, and payment systems. 
• Ensure that facilities and equipment remain clean, functioning, and high quality while maintaining a forecasted budget. 
• Introduce and maintain staff support tools. 

Risk Management 

• Serve as staff lead (with General Manager and key staff) to support Risk Management in Youth Programs.
• Support incident reporting and reviews, safety reviews, emergency scenarios, and policy-writing. 
• Act as Incident Commander in an emergency. 
• Ensure all programs have sufficient emergency support through systems and notification sequences. 

Marketing 

• Collaborate with the Sr Marketing Manager & SEA market General Manager(s) to align and implement marketing strategies. 
• Collaborate with colleagues in building relationships with industry contacts and companies for events and opportunities. 

Other Duties 

• Manage participant-initiated groups and events at BP including birthday parties and youth groups.
• Occasionally serve as Operations Specialist, Instructor, Program Staff, or other roles as needed.  
• Other duties as assigned by the leadership team. 

Management Team 

• As a member of the local management team, collaborate cross-functionally with other department managers on decisions that impact staffing, discipline, program quality, the community, and the gym. 
• Work with each department to support one another and create the best experience for all users.
• Partner with the Head Setter to maintain appropriate climbing in our dedicated youth climbing area. 

Requirements

What You’ll Bring 

• 2+ years leadership experience 
• Additional leadership experience working with a team of 10+ staff members is helpful 
• Proficiency in Google Suite 
• A basic understanding of accounting principles 

Working at Bouldering Project 

At Bouldering Project, we aim to cultivate excitement for movement, belonging, and community. We lead by example—making our spaces and offerings accessible and welcoming to all. Our core values—Inclusive, Quality-Obsessed, Local at the Core, and Growth-Oriented—are expected to be demonstrated in both leadership and daily operations. These values guide how we build community, deliver exceptional experiences, and continually evolve together. This role may require availability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs and events, including evenings and weekends. Duties often occur before and after regular business hours.  

Compensation & Benefits 

This is a full-time position at 30 hours most weeks with 40 possible through weekly additional instructor opportunities and during camp weeks (following the Seattle Public School Calendar: winter, mid-winter break, spring & summer).  Compensation is based on experience and local market benchmarks. Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits and perks: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• 401(k) retirement savings plan 
• Generous paid time off package 
• Paid parental leave 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Bouldering Project membership for you and a plus one
•  Discounts on gear, merchandise, and local retail partners
•  A joyful, supportive, and respectful work culture