Job Title

Supervisor, Adventure Programs

Job Type

Permanent

Union

MRSA

Position Classification

SAD09 Administrative Services IX

Salary Grade

$71,580.60 - $90,617.80

FT or PT

Full-time

Hybrid Work

This position is ineligible

Position End Date (if applicable)

Location

MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)

About This Position

Position Summary

The Adventure Programs & Inclusion Supervisor is a key member of the Recreation team within Cougars Athletics and Recreation. This position supports internal and external stakeholders by being in integrity with the Recreation Promise pillars: providing a welcoming and inclusive place to play on campus, providing accessible and engaging activities, providing a clean and safe environment, and providing friendly and helpful customer service.

The Supervisor provides strategic direction and oversight in the areas of staff development, Climbing Centre operations, coordinating group climbing rentals, outdoor recreation programming, and centralized Adaptive and EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) programming. This role is responsible for inspiring people to move so that they can be the best version of themselves.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership, Development, and Management (30%)

Lead the strategic planning, development, management, and assessment of all adventure, outdoor, and inclusive programs, ensuring alignment with the Recreation Why and national/international frameworks for physical activity and recreation. Develop, launch, and administer an outdoor recreation program plan. Lead and administer the department’s adaptive programming portfolio, including the direct supervision, mentoring, and development of the student Adaptive Programs Assistant role. Dedicate focused resources to the deliberate creation, delivery, and evaluation of recreation programming for equity-deserving students and groups at MRU. Identify and cultivate innovative partnerships with campus stakeholders (including the Iniskim Centre, the Pride Centre, faculties, student associations, Residence, and clubs) to deliver targeted, accessible, and engaging initiatives that foster a deep sense of student belonging. Collaborate with the Safety Advisory Group to implement rigorous safety and risk management plans across all indoor, outdoor, and off-site programs. Develop, monitor, and report on comprehensive budget projections and financial forecasts for all assigned programming areas. Lead a culture of evidence by seeking benchmarking data and developing data-informed decision-making practices (basing program adjustments on assessment, campus trends, and industry research).

Climbing Centre Operations & Group Rentals (30%)

Lead the operational delivery of an 8,000+ annual visit Climbing Centre, ensuring the facility remains contemporary, attractive, clean, and safe at all times. Drive outreach, coordination, and connection with local schools, youth groups, corporate organizations, and internal campus stakeholders to increase brand awareness for group climbing bookings and increase financial return. Develop budget projections and forecasts for casual/flexible staffing positions, climbing equipment life cycles, and rental revenue targets. Work collaboratively within the department to maximize customer experiences in the Climbing Centre, including the review and development of systems, policies and procedures that foster participation, equity, access, and enjoyment. Work closely with the Facilities team to ensure all inspections, repairs, renovations, maintenance, and specialized safety equipment are managed appropriately and comply with industry standards. Collaborate with the Safety Advisory Group to implement specific safety, inspection, and risk mitigation protocols for the climbing centre. Work alongside the Facility Usage Coordinator to implement a facility usage plan with stakeholders to best maximize facility space in support of departmental strategies. Collaborate with the Finance Officer and Manager of Facilities to manage the inventory and life cycle of Climbing Centre and adventure programming equipment. Direct a team culture that proactively resolves customer concerns and closes the feedback loop in a timely fashion, in accordance with institutional compliance, policies, and procedures.

Staff Supervision and Development (30%)

Direct the hiring, training, scheduling, supervision, and holistic development of all Climbing Centre staff, adventure program leaders, student Adaptive Programs Assistant, and Indigenous Programs Student Leader. Lead core competency development, performance reviews, and goal setting for all direct reports, cultivating high-value experiential learning opportunities for casual/flexible staff. Reinforce the effectiveness and success of the organization by actively leading, motivating, coaching, mentoring, and inspiring casual/flexible staff. Collaborate with AD Recreation to ensure best practices and compliance in carrying out policies and procedures relative to human resources and performance management. Assist in the development of an inclusive, supportive work culture that attracts and retains a talented, diverse team.

Departmental, Divisional and Institutional Service and Planning (10%)

Support the development of innovative collaborative partnerships to advance the departmental, divisional, and institutional strategic reach. Advance the division and departmental strategic plans by serving on committees, working groups, and university-wide initiatives. Work collaboratively to foster department-wide customer experience best practices and protocols for all service areas and staff. Assist with recommendations and implementation of modifications to the department’s strategic plan as necessary. Collaborate with department, institutional, and community partners to cultivate leadership, citizenship, and engagement opportunities for student employees and participants.

Minimum Qualifications

Passion and energy for contributing to a university community living healthier, more active lifestyles. Certifications and/or a Bachelor’s degree in outdoor leadership, physical literacy, recreation, physical education, sport management, or a related field. Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least one (1) year of supervisory experience. Standard First Aid & Basic Rescuer CPR. ACMG Level 2 Climbing Gym Instructor (CGI). Passion and knowledge relating to climbing and outdoor adventure activities. Ability to establish effective working relationships and work as a member of the team. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated experience in leading a diverse team. Demonstrated innovation, creativity, and informed risk-taking. Experience with recreation management software platforms. Computer/technical proficiency in Microsoft and Google applications. Demonstrated knowledge of theories and practices in promoting student development and learning. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in recreation, physical education, sport management, leadership, or related field. Advanced ACMG Certifications (Level 3 CGI, Rock Guide, Hiking Guide, Top Rope Instructor) Wilderness and Remote First Aid Certification Interpretive Guides Association Certification Relevant experience in a comparable university or similar recreation setting Experience in managing an indoor climbing facility. Experience delivering programming that maximizes the student learning experience. Experience with ActiveNet or similar recreation registration and facility management software. Membership and active involvement in relevant professional organizations such as ACMG, ARPA, NIRSA, NASPA, and/or other higher education associations.

Salary: $71,580.60 - $90,617.80 per annum

Closing date: August 11, 2026

A resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name][Requisition Number][Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith_1234_CV.pdf).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify erecruiter@mtroyal.ca and we will work together on your accommodation request.

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.