Head Routesetter & Coaching Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About the role

The Head Routesetter & Coaching Manager is responsible for shaping the climbing experience at Happy Valley Partners in Climb’s soon-to-be-opening rock climbing facility in Boalsburg, PA. As a member of the Core Leadership Team, this role provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for routesetting, coaching, competitive team development, and climbing safety while managing the staff, systems, and culture that support them.

Success in this role requires balancing technical expertise with strong leadership. You'll train & mentor staff, build sustainable programs, collaborate with fellow leaders, and continuously improve the experience for climbers of every age and ability, from first-time visitors to competitive athletes.

This is a hands-on leadership role. In addition to owning the long-term direction of the climbing experience, you'll help solve the day-to-day challenges of running a community climbing gym. Our leaders collaborate across functions, support one another in operational needs, and step in where needed to keep the gym running smoothly.

What you’ll do as the Head Routesetter & Coaching Manager

• Lead the Routesetting Program
  • Own the organization’s overall routesetting vision and strategy.
  • Design and maintain a diverse, engaging climbing experience for climbers of all ages and ability levels.
  • Develop routesetting cadences and oversee all routesetting sessions
  • Lead forerunning and route review to ensure quality, consistency, and safety.
  • Collect and incorporate community feedback into future setting cycles.
  • Collaborate with leadership on routesetting budgets, staffing, equipment, and long-term planning.
• Lead Coaching & Competitive Team Development
  • Oversee the competitive team program.
  • Coach athletes during practices and competitions.
  • Mentor assistant coaches and develop coaching standards.
  • Support advanced climber development beyond the competitive team.
  • Build relationships with athletes and parents through clear, proactive communication.
  • Travel with the competitive team to competitions.
• Train & Develop Climbing Instructors
  • Maintain a Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Programs Provider Certification to support training and certification opportunities for staff.
  • Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate routesetters and climbing coaches.
  • Support the Programs & Community Manager in training and evaluating programming instructors
  • Help train 
  • Develop & maintain applicable documentation, training materials, and operating procedures.
• Own Climbing Safety
  • Maintain high standards for climbing safety throughout the facility.
  • Manage climbing equipment, holds, PPE, ropes, anchors, and routesetting equipment.
  • Maintain equipment check log, inventory, replacement schedules, and equipment budgets.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards and organizational policies.
  • Maintain required certifications and help train staff on climbing safety best practices.
• Engage with the Climbing Community
  • Collaborate with the Programs & Community manager to support competitions, clinics, community events, and special programming.
  • Build relationships with athletes, coaches, setters, and other gyms to stay connected and ensure the organization is leveraging current best practices. 
  • Support the visibility and reputation of the organization’s competitive team and climbing programs through coaching presence and event participation.

This role involves working at height and performing physically demanding tasks, including routesetting and equipment maintenance in overhead environments. Candidates should be comfortable operating in these conditions and taking appropriate responsibility for personal and team safety.

What you’ll do as part of the Core Leadership Team

As a small business, Happy Valley Partners in Climb LLC expects strategic leaders to help shape the long-term success of the organization while also contributing to day-to-day operations, as needed.

All members of the Leadership Team are expected to:

• Own the strategic direction, continuous improvement, and long-term success of their areas of responsibility.
• Collaborate closely with the rest of the leadership team to solve problems, align priorities, and make intentional decisions about scope and bandwidth to ensure work is sustainable and appropriately resourced.
• Serve as a visible leader on the gym floor by supporting staff, answering questions, and handling customer & staff escalations professional and thoughtfully
• Participate in a leadership team on-call rotation to support operational emergencies and urgent issues when a floor supervisor is not on-site.
• Cross-train across operational areas and step in to support the team during busy periods, staffing shortages, or unexpected situations.
• Help maintain the organization's safety and operational standards by documenting incidents, following emergency protocols, and supporting compliance initiatives
• Actively and creatively contribute to the organization’s marketing efforts by generating ideas, promoting programs and events, and helping showcase the gym's mission.

Qualifications

Required

• 4+ years working in a climbing gym
• 2+ years of commercial routesetting experience
• 2+ years coaching youth or competitive climbing
• 2+ years leading or supervising a team
• Ability to obtain and maintain USA Climbing Level 2 Coach Certification
• Strong understanding of modern routesetting philosophy
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Comfortable working at height and performing physical labor
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and safely use routesetting equipment
• Ability to travel overnight for climbing competitions
• Current or ability to obtain, prior to working with minors, all required Pennsylvania clearances and certifications, including SafeSport and Pennsylvania Mandated Reporter Training.

Preferred

• CWA Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Program Provider Certification
• Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) Levels 1-3 Certification
• Experience developing competitive climbing programs
• Experience building or expanding a routesetting program
• Experience training & mentoring routesetters
• Experience managing budgets and inventory

Additional Information

This is a salaried position with an expected compensation range of $35,000 - $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills. This role includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, and flexible paid time off
• Flexible overall schedule aligned with the needs of a community-based climbing gym. Evening and weekend availability required for operational support, classes, competitions, and special events. 

• Free gym membership, pro deals, and retail discount

About Happy Valley Partners in Climb

Happy Valley Partners in Climb, LLC is a Pennsylvania-registered Benefit LLC founded by a group of passionate community members committed to preserving and expanding access to climbing and community-focused recreation in the Centre County region.

We are preparing to open a 12,000 sq. ft. full-service indoor climbing facility in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, featuring approximately 10,000 sq. ft. of climbing wall space for bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing. Our goal is to create a welcoming gathering place where people of all ages and abilities can challenge themselves, build confidence, form lasting connections, and discover a lifelong passion for climbing.

As a Benefit LLC, we are committed to:

• Building community through movement
• Expanding awareness of and access to the benefits of climbing
• Promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:  Happy Valley Partners in Climb, LLC is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Happy Valley Partners in Climb, LLC does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Happy Valley Partners in Climb, LLC prohibits harassment of any individual on any of the protected characteristics listed above.