Twin Cities Center Program Manager

Description

Twin Cities Center Program Manager

St. Paul, MN

Description

POSITION SUMMARY & IMPACT

Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS) has changed lives through challenge and discovery since 1964. VOBS is one of nine not-for-profit Outward-Bound Schools nationwide, helping youth and adults discover belonging, strength, and purpose through hands-on wilderness and near-wilderness experiences. Today, VOBS delivers programs at two locations: Homeplace in Ely, MN and Twin Cities Center in Saint Paul, MN.

VOBS is a charter of Outward-Bound USA, the leading provider of experiential and outdoor education for youth and adults. Each year, VOBS delivers life-changing programs for thousands of students in Minnesota and beyond. Our vision is more compassionate and resilient people, for a more compassionate and resilient world.

Voyageur Outward Bound School values compassion, integrity, excellence, inclusion, and safety. VOBS is committed to improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and our organization works internally to strengthen DEI in our operations and in our program delivery.

The Twin Cities Program Manager (TCPM) plays a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of impactful and inclusive programming at the Twin Cities Center (TCC). Reporting to and collaborating with the Twin Cities Program Director (TCPD), the TCPM is responsible for managing program operations to achieve high-quality social-emotional learning outcomes and leadership development for students.

The TCC currently offers two types of programs:

• Day Programs: Single-day or multi-day series for students in and around the Twin Cities. These are commonly referred to as INSIGHT. [1]
• Expedition Programs : 6–7 day immersive experiences near the Twin Cities or Duluth.

With a primary focus on serving diverse communities and students across the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, the TCPM works to ensure programs are safe, inclusive, student centered and aligned with VOBS’ mission, vision, and organizational goals. This role requires strategic collaboration, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for impactful outdoor education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

• Key role with a focus on operational efficiency and strategic alignment
• Assists in TCC program administration, including pre-program planning and logistics, and managing post-course processes such as evaluations, debriefs and wrap-ups
• Collaborates with and supports the TCC PD to ensure program design and delivery aligns with partner goals and adheres to VOBS standards
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders - VOBS Program, Safety, Student Services and Partnership—to ensure that program, outreach and enrollment practices are as safe, relevant, inclusive and effective as possible
• Serve as Course Director for all program types, including INSIGHT programming and Expeditions; instruct courses as needed
• Develop and design curriculum tailored to varying course types, course lengths, group sizes, and partner needs
• Support TCC PD in data collection efforts, leveraging insights to guide program development and strengthen partner communication
• Utilize software tools (e.g., Egnyte, Salesforce, Flickr) to track and report course and student data effectively

Partner Management

• Manage program partner relationships for INSIGHT and Expedition programming, ensuring timely and effective communication - this includes facilitating beginning, middle and end of season check-in’s with INSIGHT partners and pre/post meetings with Expedition partners establish goals and receive feedback
• Collaborate with Engagement Coordinator to:

- Promote student interest, manage program details, and provide ongoing support throughout the program process, escalating issues to the TCC PD as needed

- Coordinate with Student Services to optimize student involvement, including medical screenings and course advising

- Ensure partners receive all required enrollment documents (e.g., packing lists, travel directions, medical forms) in alignment with Student Services procedures and in coordination with the Partnership Relationship Manager

- Oversee efficient enrollment and engagement processes by reviewing pre- and post-course materials, recommending updates to the TCC PD as appropriate

- Represent VOBS by attending and leading events as needed

Staff Training and Development

• Promote field staff development through appropriate training, evaluation and supervision, working in concert with the TCC Program Director
• Develop and deliver regular staff training tailored to individual, technical, and educational skills
• Improve training resources and documentation as directed by TCC PD
• Attend professional development opportunities as required

Community & Culture

• Help drive and maintain a supportive educational environment for partners, staff and students
• Foster a positive culture, both in the TC office and in the field

Safety Management

• Ensures adherence to VOBS policies and procedures as they relate to course delivery
• Elevates concerns to TCC PD or Safety Director as needed
• Serves as a primary member of the On-Call and Response team for field communication and emergencies, including evacuations.

Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Outward Bound educational approach and programs, ideally working directly with students and staff
• Ability to design, implement and supervise training and programs toward learning outcomes
• Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and cultural fluency to work with diverse individuals and communities
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize simultaneous projects
• One or more years of supervisory experience, including demonstrated mentorship and coaching skills
• Ability to model emotional intelligence, compassion as well as effective conflict resolution with co-workers
• Effective communication and organizational skills, as well as strong attention to detail

SKILLS

• Demonstrated technical skills in most TC program environments which include canoeing, rock climbing, multi-day backpacking, orienteering, xc skiing
• Able to manage program area rock climbing sites (includes piece placement at a consistently used site)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Proficient computer/software skills or ability to learn quickly (Google Suite, Salesforce, etc.)
• Maintains a motor vehicle record within OBUSA policies and procedures; ability to drive a 15-passenger vehicle with trailer in all seasons

WORK CONDITIONS

• Ability to work a non-standard, flexible schedule as training and program schedule demands, including rotation of on-call responsibilities
• Ability to travel to all VOBS program locations as needed
• Ability to work a varied and flexible schedule including weekends

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activities such as running, swimming, backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, and cross-country skiing, with or without reasonable accommodations
• Capacity to spend extended periods in the field (up to 7 days) for training, field observations, or course instruction as needed.
• Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds regularly and up to 70 pounds occasionally
• Capability to sit or stand at a desk or computer for prolonged periods, 50% or more of the time
• Must be able to participate in all site and course activities and maintain ample energy, strength and focus to aid students and instructors, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Potential to be on one’s feet some days – sometimes for up to 10+ hours a day, or possibly more in the case of an emergency
• Ability to work in various outdoor weather conditions, including inclement weather.
• Ability to perform activities such as lifting, crawling, bending, carrying, and pulling, with or without reasonable accommodations

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Prefer 3-5 years’ experience in outdoor/experiential education, youth development, or similar educational field
• Current Water Safety or Swift Water Rescue certification and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or able to obtain upon hire

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position.
• Salary range of $41,000 - $53,500
• VOBS benefit package which includes (medical, dental, vision, GTL, LTD, ADD, paid/floating holidays, vacation, sick)
• Eligible for a 403b retirement plan with 2% employer match
• Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

In the interest of transparency and pay equity across our team, a candidate with the minimum experience can expect to be offered in the lower half of the range. Placement within the range is based on relevant experience, demonstrated skills, and internal equity considerations.