Title: Youth Programs Director

Reports to: General Manager

Pay Range: $46,000 - $56,000/annually

Location: Buffalo, NY

Please Note: We are always excited to connect with talented individuals interested in joining our team. While we may not currently have an immediate opening for this specific role at this location, we are actively building a pipeline of qualified candidates for upcoming opportunities. Applicants may be considered for future openings as business needs evolve.

About Central Rock Gym

Central Rock Gym isn’t just a climbing gym — it’s a community-powered space where confidence is built, limits are challenged, and everyone is welcome. From first-time climbers nervously tying in to seasoned athletes projecting hard routes, CRG is a place where people come to grow — physically, mentally, and socially.

Our gyms are vibrant, high-energy environments that combine world-class climbing with fitness, youth programs, and a strong sense of belonging. What truly sets us apart isn’t just the walls — it’s the people who create the experience every day.

Summary:
As a Youth Programs Director, you will lead coaches and foster a fun and welcoming environment for youth programs of all ages by introducing fundamentals of climbing, building a strong base, continuing to develop skills, creating a solid curriculum and ensuring a highly-engaged CRG youth community experience; will reinforce the team pillars of community, grit, and growth for our youth programs; maintain excitement for climbing, investment in the progress of youth, and determination to constantly improve the environment; and will manage and run our youth programs.

Responsibilities:

• Regularly leading practices with confidence.
• Work with the manager to create a programming schedule for each season.
• Communication with parents around each program.
• Completion of SafeSport training for youth coaches.
• Youth Programs – work with DOH to get permitted and follow DOH standards when training staff.
• Work collaboratively with the manager to schedule, determine pricing, and hire/train staff for each season/offering for youth programs.
• Strict adherence to our coaches’ code of conduct.
• Create and implement weekly lesson plans.
• Consistent communication with coaching staff regarding scheduling, practice, and youth progress.
• Other duties as needed.

Requirements:

• Previous experience working with youth in an adventure/educational setting.
• Strong behavior management skills with youth of all ages.
• Strong in-person and remote communication skills.
• Minimum 2 years of climbing experience.
• Weekday afternoon availability and willingness to work weekends.
• Proficiency in top rope belaying.
• Careful attention to detail, ability to analyze movement and provide insightful feedback.

Desired Qualifications:

• Passionate about introducing youth of all ages to climbing.
• A desire to be with our program long-term.
• Strong desire to develop professionally as a coach.
• Experience coaching or working with youth in an outdoor/adventure-based setting.
• Ability to think critically and creatively about presenting lessons to groups.
• Experience in training others and communicating clearly around training goals.