Head of Youth Programming + Head Competitive Coach

The Cliffs is looking for our next Head of Youth Programming to lead the recreational + competitive programming at our Long Island City location!

The Cliffs at LIC Head of Youth Programming is responsible for managing the implementation of recreational + competitive programming within their home facility in order to support the goal of providing a positive climbing experience to young athletes and continue to expand future generations of climbers. The Head of Youth Programming will report to the Director of Youth Programming.

Facility Head of Youth Programming Job Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of safe + effective recreational + competitive team programs + camps within the home facility that best represents The Cliffs youth program mission and values.
• Fill the role of Head Coach within the Competitive Team track by overseeing team practices and managing competitive coaching staff.
• Recruit, develop, manage, and retain facility program staff to meet current needs. Build + motivate a qualified + capable program team with support from the Director of Youth Programming.
• Manage regular administrative tasks, such as; scheduling; maintaining registration systems, calendar events, + participant profiles; and general communication to a variety of stakeholders.
• Ensure programs adhere to promised outcomes while working in accordance with program standards + requirements. Implement any industry or government requirements as directed by the Director of Youth Programming.
• Create + maintain positive relationships with other departments while advocating for program needs.
• Create + maintain relationships with community stakeholders to promote + advocate for The Cliffs youth programming.
• With direction from the Director of Youth Programming, collaborate with other facility heads in updating existing curriculum to reflect current practices in youth sports in mind.
• Manage and implement systems that support successful recreational and competitive team tracks, organizing team try-out procedures, managing individual youth athlete development, and ensuring weekly practice plans + season plans are created.
• Assist the Director of Youth Programming in tracking Incident/injury cause and effects within program time. Implement current program policies and procedures within program time.
• Manage USA-Climbing related administrative tasks, including scheduling of coaches at USA-C competitions, setting up USA-C team rosters, and understanding + adhering to current USA-C guidelines.
• Ensure a positive environment for all youth program athletes and maintain a culture of respect while sharing the climbing space.
• Oversee the care, inventory, and purchase of necessary program equipment. Ability to work within provided program budget.
• Foster direct + open communication, invite diversity of opinion, and engage in respectful exchanges.
• Other duties assigned as deemed necessary

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Experience and education in youth development with a strong understanding of youth sports-based development.
• Experience leading, motivating, engaging, and building the capabilities of both youth team members and coaching staff.
• High understanding of how to appropriately teach climbing fundamentals to youth ages 6+.
• High understanding of appropriate conditioning + training plans for various youth development stages.
• Experience in handling administrative tasks, including managing email communications, creating + maintaining program documents, managing personal calendar, and attending or leading team meetings.
• Strong personal knowledge and experience of rock climbing, including bouldering, top-rope, and sport lead.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including active listening and strong ability to communicate clearly + effectively with a variety of audiences across multiple mediums.
• Ability to meet certification requirements needed to work with youth based on industry + government requirements, including USA-Climbing Membership, State Clearances, SafeSport, and First Aid/CPR requirements.
• Training, classes, or life experiences addressing the most pressing issues shaping the lives of young people within the current US context, including racial and gender equity, inclusivity, restorative justice, and cultural competency.
• Ability to travel within a 2-hour radius of the home facility as needed (and possibly farther as competitions required).
• Willing to expand knowledge and responsibilities to meet the needs of the position.