Program Manager (Seasonal)

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TELLURIDE ACADEMY

Connecting youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Job Title: Program Manager (Seasonal)

Dates: April – August 2027

Reports To: Program Director

FLSA Status: Seasonal, exempt

Compensation: $1,200 per week, plus end-of-season bonus consideration

Application Deadline: December 31, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Position Summary

The Program Manager is a seasonal, full-time leadership role that keeps Telluride Academy's summer programs running safely and smoothly. Working closely with the Program Director, the Program Manager supervises the Program Coordinator and a team of seasonal interns, supports instructor training and evaluation, and manages the gear, vehicles, permits, program records and food service behind the roughly 700 young people who explore the San Juan Mountains with us each year.

This position is ideal for someone who loves logistics, systems and details, keeps a calm head in the field, and wants to help lead a team that connects youth with nature.

Duties and Responsibilities

Staff Supervision, Training and Support

• Supervise the Program Coordinator and a team of seasonal interns, including assigning and directing daily work, setting schedules and holding regular check-ins.
• Evaluate the Program Coordinator and interns, and make recommendations to the Program Director on hiring, discipline and rehiring.
• Advise the Program Director on instructor assignments, staff scheduling and other staffing questions.
• Help plan and deliver all-staff training, conduct field evaluations for seasonal instructors, and support instructors through challenges in the field.
• Serve as a member of the summer leadership team, a core group trusted to help plan and lead staff training, attend Friday leadership team meetings, and serve as a role model and mentor to TA staff.

Program Support and Management

• Work with the Program Director to prepare and deliver summer programs.
• Manage gear assignments, maintenance and inventory, and lead the team that keeps camping gear, kitchen kits and first aid kits clean, stocked and organized.
• Coordinate vehicle assignments, maintenance, delivery and return, and drive 15-passenger vans and tow trailers to program sites.
• Help manage public land use permits and private land use agreements, including post-use reporting.
• Maintain program records in Airtable, including program files, gear and vehicle records.
• Organize and lead end-of-season clean days.
• Share on-call and crisis response duties with the Program Director and Executive Director.

Food Service Logistics

• Manage bulk food ordering from Sysco for overnight campouts and day camp snacks, based on enrollment and the program calendar.
• Receive deliveries and manage food storage, rotation and cost tracking within the annual budget.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in outdoor education, youth programming or camp leadership, including supervising staff.
• Wilderness First Responder certification (or willingness to obtain before summer); CPR/AED certification required.
• Strong organizational, logistics and communication skills, and comfort with Airtable, Google Drive and Apps, and Garmin.
• Subject to criminal background check (CBI/FBI), child abuse and neglect background check, and driving background check.
• At least 20 years old by the start of employment (required to drive program vans).
• Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record, and the ability to drive a 15-passenger van and tow a trailer (or willingness to learn).
• Able to be present, attentive, and cell phone-free while working directly with campers.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and maintain physical activity for long days, including navigating rugged terrain.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with climbing, moving water, backcountry travel or other technical outdoor activities.
• Additional certifications such as SPI, SWR and Lifeguard.

Working Conditions

• Able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and on-call shifts, based on program needs.
• Able to split time between the office, gear storage and program sites, including remote trailheads and campgrounds.
• Able to load and unload gear and food deliveries, and drive vans and trailers on mountain roads.
• Able to work outdoors for extended periods at altitude in variable weather, including heat, cold, wind and rain.

Why Telluride Academy

Working at TA means spending your summer in some of the most beautiful country in the West, with a team that takes the work seriously and still has a lot of fun doing it. We invest in our staff the same way we invest in our campers.

• A seat at the table. You'll be part of the summer leadership team and help shape how our programs and staff run.
• Work that matters. You'll help kids build confidence, resilience and a real connection to the outdoors, and you'll see it happen week to week.
• A staff community that sticks. Our team is made up of educators, guides, artists and outdoor people who look out for each other on and off the trail.
• Perks that add up. End-of-season bonus consideration, assistance with securing housing, a staff scholarship program that covers certification costs, gear pro deals, access to TA gear, professional development support, and paid sick time under Colorado law.

About Telluride Academy

Telluride Academy's mission is to connect youth with nature through outdoor adventure, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Based in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Academy is Telluride's premier summer camp and has been inspiring youth through outdoor education and adventure since 1981. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of adventurers!

Learn more at www.tellurideacademy.org.

Core Values

• Resilience
• Curiosity
• Responsibility
• Connection

Hiring Policy

Telluride Academy (TA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

TA will make reasonable accommodations for an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to a physical or mental disability, sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on TA's operations.