Outdoor Program Manager at Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana – Valparaiso, Indiana

Outdoor Program Manager

Position Summary

The Outdoor Program Manager provides strategic leadership for the design, delivery, and growth of outdoor programs across the council. This position oversees the development of year-round outdoor and camp programming, with a primary focus on strengthening the summer resident camp experience. By aligning program outcomes with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and council strategic priorities, this role ensures that outdoor experiences advance girl leadership, expand membership engagement, and maximize the impact of council properties and resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the visioning, design, and delivery of outdoor and camp programs that reflect council strategy and national program portfolio priorities, emphasizing leadership, retention, and growth of older girl participation.

• Establish clear goals, benchmarks, and evaluation tools to measure program quality, participation, and impact on girl outcomes; adjust strategies based on results.

• Strengthen community relationships and partnerships to expand reach, increase participation, and enhance awareness of the benefits of Girl Scouting.

• Recruit, train, and mentor seasonal staff and volunteers, creating a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and high performance.

• Innovate in the use of camp facilities and outdoor spaces to maximize value, sustainability, and alignment with long-term council property strategies.

• Develop and monitor budgets, ensure responsible financial stewardship, and identify opportunities for new revenue generation through programs, partnerships, or grants.

• Partner with internal teams to position outdoor programming as a core driver of membership, fundraising, and brand visibility.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and overnights, as needed to support program delivery and special events.

• Reside onsite during the summer overnight camp season to provide leadership, supervision, and support for staff and program operations. (8-10 weeks)

• Regular travel to council camps, program sites, and community partner locations.

• Comfort working in outdoor environments and in varying weather conditions.

Competency:

Strategic & Organizational Competencies

• Strategic Alignment with Council Goals

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership

• Data-Driven Decision Making and Impact Measurement

• Change Leadership and Innovation

• Financial and Resource Stewardship

Job Specific Competencies

• Outdoor Education and Camp Leadership

• Youth Development and Outcomes-Based Program Design

• Volunteer and Staff Development

• Risk Management and Safety Leadership

• Community and Partner Engagement

• Marketing and Program Promotion

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, recreation, nonprofit management, or related field preferred.

• Minimum age: 25.

• 3+ years of progressive leadership in camp program management, outdoor education, or nonprofit program administration.

• Demonstrated success in strategic program design, evaluation, and measurable growth.

• Strong leadership experience, including supervising staff and volunteers in high-impact programming.

• Proven ability to align program outcomes with organizational strategy and priorities.

• Experience cultivating partnerships, community collaborations, and cross-functional teamwork.

• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and resource allocation.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and comfort with data and technology tools.

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance required.

• Girl Scout membership required upon hire.

• Possess or obtain required certifications (e.g., Lifeguard, Challenge Course Manager, Archery Instructor) or the ability to train and supervise qualified staff.

• Oversee compliance and demonstrated knowledge of ACA standards and best practices for camp safety and risk management.

• Champion a culture of safety, accountability and well-being across camp and outdoor experience.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and a flexible schedule as needed.

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
  

Compensation:
$58,656 annually with generous benefits package

Equal Opportunity Employer

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.