Lead, Youth Programs

About Bouldering Project

Bouldering Project is more than a climbing gym—we're a community. We're driven by a shared belief: that climbing, movement, and connection should be accessible to everyone. From first-timers to seasoned climbers, families to fitness enthusiasts, and our own teammates—we create inclusive, inspiring spaces where people move, grow, and belong. With world-class climbing, yoga and fitness offerings, and welcoming community spaces, we're proud to serve nine markets across the U.S.—and we're just getting started.

About the Role

The Youth Programs Lead will be responsible for supporting all aspects of youth programming at Minneapolis Bouldering Project. This role includes working closely with the Youth Programs Manager to support behind-the-scenes programs administration and provide exemplary leadership through direct instruction of programs. Effective communication with staff, management, gym guests, youth participants, and families is at the core of the position. The Youth Programs Lead will model excellent instruction and customer service, support the growth of program staff through feedback and coaching, and may have additional, unique administrative responsibilities.

What You'll Do

Job duties may include, but are not limited to:

Program Development and Direction

• Support continued development of fun and innovative youth programming and curriculum, including clubs, camps, birthday parties, and group events.
• Work as a facilitator across the scope of all the programs we offer. Communicate with participants, parents, staff, and instructors to ensure program quality.
• Promote MBP's youth program values and maintain staff motivation and growth through coaching, training, and modeling.
• Serve as a key resource for MBP's procedures and policies and ensure they are executed appropriately.

Communication

• Model excellent facilitation, communication, and leadership while collaborating with instructors.
• Proactively provide ongoing feedback to the Programs Manager about day-to-day activities.
• Provide ongoing feedback to youth, their families, and the Youth Programs Manager regarding the needs and concerns of youth programs.
• Regularly communicate with the public about youth programming via email, phone, and face-to-face.

Administration

• Assist in maintaining organized, clean, and efficient logistics, registration, and payment systems.
• Ensure that rosters, personal data, and medical records are up to date, ensuring data privacy.

Risk Management

• Serve as staff lead to support risk management in Programs. Actively promote risk mitigation through ongoing instruction and orientation.
• Work under the guidance of the Programs Manager to proactively respond to youth safety concerns or behavioral issues.
• Promptly report any troubling or inappropriate behavior by or towards youth.
• Support incident reporting and reviews, safety reviews, emergency scenarios, and policy-writing.
• Act as Incident Commander in an emergency in the absence of the Youth Programs Manager.

Requirements:

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• 18+ years of age
• Passion for working with youth (typically ages 4 years to 14 years)
• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while keeping a calm and positive demeanor
• Physical ability to stand/walk for prolonged periods and lift at least 40 lbs
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in leading or mentoring youth-focused teams in education, recreation, or sports
• Prior background in climbing instruction or youth coaching
• Familiarity with climbing safety and youth engagement best practices
• Competency with Approach

Working Hours

• Hours: 15-20 hours per week.
• Schedule: 2-3 weekdays and 1 weekend day to be further discussed and implemented upon hiring.
• Hours and days may be subject to change seasonally and as the role develops.

We know not everyone will meet 100% of the qualifications—if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply.

Working at Bouldering Project

At Bouldering Project, we aim to cultivate excitement for movement, belonging, and community. We lead by example—making our spaces and offerings accessible and welcoming to all. Our core values—Inclusive, Quality-Obsessed, Local at the Core, and Growth-Oriented—are expected to be demonstrated in both leadership and daily operations. These values guide how we build community, deliver exceptional experiences, and continually evolve together.

This role may require a flexible schedule, including availability during evenings, weekends, or outside standard business hours, depending on programming and business needs.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a part-time, hourly position. The pay range for this position is $18-$21.50 an hour. Compensation is based on experience and local market benchmarks. Perks include:

• Free Bouldering Project membership for you and a plus one
• Discounts on gear, merchandise, and local retail partners
• A joyful, supportive, and respectful work culture
• Commuter benefits and access to wellness programs
• Eligible to participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan

Equal Opportunity

Bouldering Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those with nontraditional career paths—to apply.