Program Manager

To apply, please send a cover letter & resume to:

cariray@greatcampsagamore.org

Posting Date: 1/15/2025

Job Title: Program Manager

Location: Raquette Lake, NY

Job Type: Full-time, year-round, non-exempt

Salary: Starting at $21 - $24 per hour based on skills & experience. On-campus lodging & meals in season, health & retirement benefits, paid time off and sick leave.

This position is immediately available and remains open until filled.
We anticipate that we will begin contacting candidates for interviews by January 31, 2025.

About Great Camp Sagamore

Great Camp Sagamore is a National Historic Landmark and is one of the first of the nationally renowned Great Camps of the Adirondacks. Located in one of the most remote areas of the Adirondack Park, near Raquette Lake, NY. Great Camp Sagamore is owned and operated by the Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks, a private, not-for-profit entity dedicated to stewarding Great Camp Sagamore as a welcoming place for educational and recreational programs and fostering connections to history, nature, and community. Sagamore welcomes guests from May through late October and on two separate days during the winter. Guests come from all over the world to take our tours, participate in overnight programs and day experiences, attend conferences, get married, host family reunions, enjoy concerts, and more.

Working at Great Camp Sagamore

Great Camp Sagamore employs a core group of year-round staff members and additional seasonal staff to support our on-campus programs and activities. During the season, staff members live on campus in our iconic buildings (if needed), eat in the historic dining hall, provide hospitality to our visitors & guests, and lead or support our programs. We maintain a collaborative work environment where all staff members are expected to lead by example, to work closely together in a positive manner, and to foster a safe, encouraging, and enjoyable workplace for everyone.

Great Camp Sagamore is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment that empowers all staff members to grow and to be active within decision-making spaces. We are committed to ensuring an anti-racist culture and a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. Great Camp Sagamore will not discriminate based on gender, gender expression, sexual identity, sexual orientation, race, class, color, age, ethnicity, first language, religion or belief, or family, marital, parental, military, or veteran status in any aspect of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, terminations, wages and salary, benefits, training, and professional development.

Position Description

Programming is at the heart of Great Camp Sagamore’s mission, and we seek an individual passionate about the Adirondack Mountains and environmental education for the position of Program Manager. The Program Manager reports to and aids the Sr. Director of Programs & Operations, in close collaboration with the Operations Manager and Marketing Manager, in the planning and implementation of the educational and recreational programming in alignment with the institution’s mission and strategic plan. Programs at Sagamore are developed both in-house by Sagamore staff as well as by partnering with outside instructors and organizations. Program themes include nature, outdoor skills, regional history, music, art, and a variety of other disciplines. 

 The environment at Sagamore is fast paced with many moving parts, and we need someone who likes finding opportunities and overcoming challenges under such conditions while remaining flexible and cordial to guests and colleagues. 

The Program Manager is a year-round position based on-campus at Sagamore from mid-May through mid-October, with room and board provided, and remotely from mid-October through mid-May. During the season, weekend and evening availability is imperative. 

 In-Season: (mid-May through mid-October): The Program Manager assists the Senior Director of Programs & Operations in the planning and implementation of on-campus overnight and day programs & activities that are variously targeted to adults and families. 

  • Manage a seasonal outdoor education staff of 3, including: hiring, leading, coaching, and scheduling/coordination. 

  • Manage the implementation and coordination of Sagamore programs and activities for maximum effectiveness and guest satisfaction, including communication and coordination with programming partners/instructors, collaboration with other departments, identification and fulfillment of staffing needs,and coordination of required equipment and materials.

  • Development and oversight of interpretive day programming to enhance and expand the visitor experience.

  • Both directly and through management and allocation of seasonal staff:

    • Coordinate and lead guided hikes, campfires, canoe paddles, and other outdoor activities.

    • Coordinate trail work with Sagamore’s Trail Steward.

    • Oversee camp orientations and other direct communications with guests

    • Assist with program registration/check-in.

    • Ensure set up and take down of spaces for concerts, programs, and events.

    • Maintain the boathouse/waterfront areas, and manage the main lawn game area.

    • Oversee indoor and outdoor fires.

    • Ensure that program guests have a great experience.

  • Provide content to the Marketing Manager to assist with the organization’s marketing and social media initiatives.

  • In addition to the job-specific duties, the Program Manager and their staff will be called on from time to time to assist other departments and the broader organization as needed. Other departments include the Office, Kitchen, History, Housekeeping, and Facilities. 

Offseason: The Program Manager, in collaboration with the Operations and Marketing Managers, assists the Sr. Director of Programs & Operations in the planning, posting, and promotion of programs and events. These activities include but are not limited to:

  • Support Sr. Director both in the development of new programs and identification of potential partners, as well as improving existing programs through identification of efficiency & effectiveness improvement opportunities, cost savings, and new opportunities.

  • Collect, organize, and disseminate guest feedback within the organization

  • Communicate, schedule, and contract with programming partners/ musicians/ presenters/ instructors.

  • Prepare itineraries and other program-related documents and assets.

  • Provide in-person management and support for winter programming days.

  • Ensure programs are properly listed and available for booking on the organization’s website.

  • Interview and hire seasonal program staff.

  • Plan and schedule seasonal outdoor guest activities bookable by day visitors.

  • Schedule and coordinate the Summer Concert Series and special events/day programs.

  • Participate in process assessment and improvement.

  • Assist with special projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Relevant Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree and/or commensurate experience in program implementation and management, outdoor/environmental education, environmental science, and/or recreation management.

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

  • Demonstrated experience as a self-starter with a “figure it out” orientation and willingness to learn new skills, software, apps, processes, etc.

  • Demonstrated leadership skills 

  • Experience innovating, planning, coordinating, and implementing educational programs

  • Experience and comfort working in a collaborative, high-performance team environment

  • Excellent communication, writing, and in-person & virtual presentation skills

  • Established or demonstrated ability to develop computer and online skills: MS Office (Word / Excel/PowerPoint), Google Drive, internet savvy, social media skills

  • Staff management experience preferred

  • Adult/Child First aid, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid certifications are a plus

  • Driver’s license required

Physical Requirements
Position requires ability to lift 30 lbs., hike several miles with a day pack, and paddle for up to 2.5 hours. 

Benefits & Perks
This position includes paid time off and sick leave, will be eligible for health benefits after 90 days, and retirement benefits after 1 year. All meals during the season are provided by Great Camp Sagamore in the Dining Hall, and staff have full use of the camp’s amenities, including the Boathouse (and its kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards), access to 12 miles of hiking trails, and the open-air bowling alley. Staff members’ friends and family members may enjoy tours, meals, and overnight accommodations at reduced costs. On days off, the camp is in the heart of the Adirondack Park with many outdoor recreation and entertainment options within a short drive.

To Apply

  1. Send your resume and cover letter to cariray@greatcampsagamore.org.

  2. The hiring team will review your application and contact you to let you know whether you will be moving forward in the process.

  3. Applicants we would like to get to know further will be invited to participate in the interview process, which will include phone and in-person interviews.

  4. We will send the selected person an offer letter and new-hire information.