Summary
The Youth Programs & Competitive Team Director provides strategic leadership and hands-on coaching for all youth climbing programs, including recreational classes, developmental teams, and competitive athletes. This role is responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where climbers of all ages and abilities can develop confidence, technical skills, and a lifelong passion for climbing.
The Director oversees seasonal programming, curriculum development, staff hiring and training, scheduling, parent communication, and competitive team operations. They lead by example through exceptional coaching, foster a culture centered on community, grit, and growth, and ensure all youth programming reflects CRG's commitment to safety, athlete development, and exceptional member experiences.
Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Administration
- Develop, oversee, and evaluate all youth programming, including recreational classes, developmental teams, camps, and competitive teams.
- Collaborate with the General Manager to establish seasonal programming schedules, staffing plans, and pricing.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, train, mentor, and evaluate youth coaching staff.
- Create and implement age-appropriate curriculum and structured training plans for all youth programs.
- Maintain consistent communication with parents regarding program updates, athlete progress, scheduling, and expectations.
- Ensure compliance with all Department of Health (DOH), SafeSport, and organizational policies and procedures.
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and positive environment that reflects the values of community, grit, and growth.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Coaching & Athlete Development
- Lead recreational classes, team practices, and competitive training sessions with confidence and professionalism.
- Design and implement structured, progressive training programs for competitive athletes.
- Evaluate athlete movement and performance, providing individualized coaching and technical feedback.
- Support athletes through local, regional, and national competitions as needed.
- Guide athletes in goal setting, skill progression, and competition preparation.
- Provide mentorship and support for youth and teenage athletes in a positive, challenging, and emotionally supportive training environment.
- Collaborate with coaching staff to ensure consistency in programming, athlete development, and communication.
- Uphold and model the CRG Coaches' Code of Conduct at all times.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience coaching or working with youth in climbing, outdoor recreation, education, or adventure-based programs.
- Demonstrated experience coaching competitive youth climbers.
- Minimum of four (4) years of climbing experience.
- Proficiency in top rope and lead climbing and belaying and instruction.
- Strong understanding of climbing movement, technique, and athlete development.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and behavior management skills.
- Ability to analyze movement and provide clear, constructive coaching feedback.
- Ability to support youth and teenage athletes in a structured, high-expectation training environment.
- Availability to work weekday afternoons, evenings, weekends, and competitions as required.
- Completion of, or willingness to complete, SafeSport training and maintain all required certifications.
Preferred Qualifications
- USA Climbing competition experience as an athlete and/or coach.
- Strong knowledge of USA Climbing rules, competition formats, and athlete development pathways.
- Experience designing long-term athlete development and seasonal training plans.
- Experience training, mentoring, and supervising coaching staff.
- Creative and engaging teaching style with the ability to adapt instruction for a variety of ages and skill levels.
- Passion for growing youth participation in climbing and fostering a positive team culture.
- Commitment to long-term professional growth and continuous improvement as a coach and leader.