Assistant Director Outdoor Centre
Top Benefits
About the role
Salary Rate: $54,702 – Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package!
Location: Cedar Glen YMCA Outdoor Centre
Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Employment Type: Regular Full Time Salaried
Number of Vacancies: 1
Anticipated Start Date: September 2, 2025
Deadline to Apply: August 15, 2025 at 5:00pm
Be the Spark! Join our dynamic Camping and Outdoor Education Team, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!
The Assistant Director of the Outdoor Centre supports the Director in ensuring the delivery of high-quality outdoor education programs and exceptional guest experiences aligned with the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values. This position collaborates closely with senior staff to recruit, train, and guide the seasonal team while maintaining operational excellence in alignment with industry standards and organizational values. It involves coordinating program development, managing communications with client groups, and overseeing the maintenance of facilities to ensure safety and readiness. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Commitment to fostering a positive team environment and upholding the highest standards of program quality is essential.
In this role, you will:
- Recruit, hire, and train the seasonal outdoor centre team in collaboration with the Outdoor Centre Director.
- Directly supervise the team of Outdoor Educators, provide ongoing feedback, deliver end-of-season performance evaluations, meeting all HR and payroll deadlines.
- Work in partnership with the Outdoor Centre Director, General Manager, and the full-time team to ensure excellence in all areas of the Outdoor Centre and alignment with guiding principles, YMCA initiatives, Ontario Physical & Health Education Association (OPHEA), YMCA Camping Quality Recommended Practices, and Ontario Camping Association (OCA) standards.
- Support efforts to ensure programs are innovative and progressive, continuously improve program quality and standards, and organize and maintain program materials and spaces. Assist the Outdoor Centre Director with budgeting and purchasing equipment.
- Assist the Outdoor Centre Director in planning and implementing strategies for the growth and development of both low and high ropes course elements.
- Organize and execute training courses, specialty programs, community programs, family camps, retreats, and outdoor education groups to ensure a high-quality experience for all clients.
- Complete administrative tasks accurately and on time, including program paperwork related to hiring, payroll, group communication, program scheduling reports, surveys, and accident and incident forms.
- Maintain account holder relationships with approximately 50 groups per year, manage all communication from initial booking to post-visit follow-up (including virtual and in-person info sessions), and ensure that all guests have an enjoyable experience at the location.
- Work with the team to ensure all areas of the location are clean, organized, and well maintained; support proactive health and safety practices; assist in ensuring risk management plans are in place; and support meeting and tracking all audit requirements. Collaborate with external vendors for successful completion of annual high ropes course inspections.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
You bring:
- Post-secondary education in Recreation, Outdoor Education, Education, or related field or equivalent experience.
- Standard First Aid and CPR required.
- National Lifesaving Society (NLS) preferred or willing to obtain.
- Challenge Course Level 2 Facilitator an asset. If candidate does not hold this certification, they must be willing to obtain it immediately and meet the requirements to do so.
- Minimum 2 years supervisory experience in outdoor education or camping.
- Valid G License.
- Excellent time management and written/oral communication skills, ability to effectively manage a large number of emails on a daily basis and balance maintaining a presence in outdoor programming simultaneously.
- Well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff, volunteers, and clients.
- Ability to bring out the best in others and act as a role model to staff members.
- Proven ability to work constructively as a team member in a complex organizational setting.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends (and outdoors during all seasons).
- Must have access to a vehicle. YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is not accessible by public transit.
- Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion, and equity including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design.
What you need to succeed:
- Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
- Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
- YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light*,* which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.
About YMCA of Greater Toronto
Everyone deserves a chance to shine.
That’s why the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to promoting equity and boosting well-being across the GTA — but as a charity, we don’t do it alone. When many think of the Y, a charity may not be the first thing that comes to mind — but our ability to ignite the potential in people and spark change for the better is only made possible by the loyalty of our participants, the generosity of our donors, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
Thanks to the breadth, quality, and inclusive nature of the services and programs we offer across our network of 500+ locations in the GTA, we attract a diverse and dynamic mix of participants and will never turn anyone away due to their financial circumstances. Many participate for life and many more choose to give back when they have the means, so that others can benefit from experiences like their own — experiences that can only be found at the Y.
Our focus on well-being means we help people thrive not only physically, but mentally and socially as well. We offer volunteering opportunities; safe spaces for teens; child care; camps; career guidance; employment services; support for immigrants; and a range of other services essential for individuals and communities to shine their brightest. No matter your needs or stage of life, when you join the Y community, you get to be part of something special.
Over our 170-year history, we’ve adapted to meet our communities’ most urgent needs. Today, these needs include mental health supports, affordable housing, accessible child care, help navigating our precarious labour market, and community for isolated older adults. By offering a safe destination where anyone can grow, lead, and give back, the Y has become both a beacon of inspiration and a trusted anchor of support driven by our knowledgeable, friendly, and caring volunteers and staff.
Assistant Director Outdoor Centre
Top Benefits
About the role
Salary Rate: $54,702 – Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package!
Location: Cedar Glen YMCA Outdoor Centre
Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Employment Type: Regular Full Time Salaried
Number of Vacancies: 1
Anticipated Start Date: September 2, 2025
Deadline to Apply: August 15, 2025 at 5:00pm
Be the Spark! Join our dynamic Camping and Outdoor Education Team, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!
The Assistant Director of the Outdoor Centre supports the Director in ensuring the delivery of high-quality outdoor education programs and exceptional guest experiences aligned with the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values. This position collaborates closely with senior staff to recruit, train, and guide the seasonal team while maintaining operational excellence in alignment with industry standards and organizational values. It involves coordinating program development, managing communications with client groups, and overseeing the maintenance of facilities to ensure safety and readiness. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Commitment to fostering a positive team environment and upholding the highest standards of program quality is essential.
In this role, you will:
- Recruit, hire, and train the seasonal outdoor centre team in collaboration with the Outdoor Centre Director.
- Directly supervise the team of Outdoor Educators, provide ongoing feedback, deliver end-of-season performance evaluations, meeting all HR and payroll deadlines.
- Work in partnership with the Outdoor Centre Director, General Manager, and the full-time team to ensure excellence in all areas of the Outdoor Centre and alignment with guiding principles, YMCA initiatives, Ontario Physical & Health Education Association (OPHEA), YMCA Camping Quality Recommended Practices, and Ontario Camping Association (OCA) standards.
- Support efforts to ensure programs are innovative and progressive, continuously improve program quality and standards, and organize and maintain program materials and spaces. Assist the Outdoor Centre Director with budgeting and purchasing equipment.
- Assist the Outdoor Centre Director in planning and implementing strategies for the growth and development of both low and high ropes course elements.
- Organize and execute training courses, specialty programs, community programs, family camps, retreats, and outdoor education groups to ensure a high-quality experience for all clients.
- Complete administrative tasks accurately and on time, including program paperwork related to hiring, payroll, group communication, program scheduling reports, surveys, and accident and incident forms.
- Maintain account holder relationships with approximately 50 groups per year, manage all communication from initial booking to post-visit follow-up (including virtual and in-person info sessions), and ensure that all guests have an enjoyable experience at the location.
- Work with the team to ensure all areas of the location are clean, organized, and well maintained; support proactive health and safety practices; assist in ensuring risk management plans are in place; and support meeting and tracking all audit requirements. Collaborate with external vendors for successful completion of annual high ropes course inspections.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
You bring:
- Post-secondary education in Recreation, Outdoor Education, Education, or related field or equivalent experience.
- Standard First Aid and CPR required.
- National Lifesaving Society (NLS) preferred or willing to obtain.
- Challenge Course Level 2 Facilitator an asset. If candidate does not hold this certification, they must be willing to obtain it immediately and meet the requirements to do so.
- Minimum 2 years supervisory experience in outdoor education or camping.
- Valid G License.
- Excellent time management and written/oral communication skills, ability to effectively manage a large number of emails on a daily basis and balance maintaining a presence in outdoor programming simultaneously.
- Well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff, volunteers, and clients.
- Ability to bring out the best in others and act as a role model to staff members.
- Proven ability to work constructively as a team member in a complex organizational setting.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends (and outdoors during all seasons).
- Must have access to a vehicle. YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is not accessible by public transit.
- Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion, and equity including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design.
What you need to succeed:
- Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
- Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
- YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light*,* which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.
About YMCA of Greater Toronto
Everyone deserves a chance to shine.
That’s why the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to promoting equity and boosting well-being across the GTA — but as a charity, we don’t do it alone. When many think of the Y, a charity may not be the first thing that comes to mind — but our ability to ignite the potential in people and spark change for the better is only made possible by the loyalty of our participants, the generosity of our donors, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
Thanks to the breadth, quality, and inclusive nature of the services and programs we offer across our network of 500+ locations in the GTA, we attract a diverse and dynamic mix of participants and will never turn anyone away due to their financial circumstances. Many participate for life and many more choose to give back when they have the means, so that others can benefit from experiences like their own — experiences that can only be found at the Y.
Our focus on well-being means we help people thrive not only physically, but mentally and socially as well. We offer volunteering opportunities; safe spaces for teens; child care; camps; career guidance; employment services; support for immigrants; and a range of other services essential for individuals and communities to shine their brightest. No matter your needs or stage of life, when you join the Y community, you get to be part of something special.
Over our 170-year history, we’ve adapted to meet our communities’ most urgent needs. Today, these needs include mental health supports, affordable housing, accessible child care, help navigating our precarious labour market, and community for isolated older adults. By offering a safe destination where anyone can grow, lead, and give back, the Y has become both a beacon of inspiration and a trusted anchor of support driven by our knowledgeable, friendly, and caring volunteers and staff.