View Job Posting and Apply Here: Overnight Camp and Outdoor Education Opportunities | YMCA BC
Position Title: Assistant Manager Outdoor Education & Events, Admin & Events Focus
Location: YMCA Camp Elphinstone, 1760 YMCA Road, Gibsons, BC, V0N 1V6
Position Status: Permanent/Full Time
Salary: $47,000-$50,000 annually
Start Date: ASAP
Reports To: Manager, Outdoor Education & Events
Situation:
YMCA Camp Elphinstone is located near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. It is situated on 144 acres of temperate rainforest along the shores of Howe Sound. During July and August, Camp Elphinstone offers programs for youth ages 5-17, including one and two week overnight camps, Leadership Development programs, paddling and hiking multi-day out-trips, and day camps. From September to June, Camp Elphinstone operates as an Outdoor Education, Event and Retreat Centre for schools, conferences, weddings, and other special interest groups. Camp Elphinstone currently serves over 10,000 participants annually.
YMCA Camp Elphinstone is located near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. It is situated on 144 acres of temperate rainforest along the shores of Howe Sound. During July and August, Camp Elphinstone offers programs for youth ages 5-17, including one and two week overnight camps, Leadership Development programs, paddling and hiking multi-day out-trips, and day camps. From September to June, Camp Elphinstone operates as an Outdoor Education, Event and Retreat Centre for schools, conferences, weddings, and other special interest groups. Camp Elphinstone currently serves over 10,000 participants annually.
YMCA Camp Elphinstone has accommodation and dining for up to 472 campers or guests. Camp Elphinstone employs approximately 140 staff/volunteers during July and August, with a team between 20-50 for the spring and fall Outdoor Education seasons, and a smaller core team of 10 staff during the winter season. Successful Camp Elphinstone staff are self-motivated individuals whose ambition is to help children and youth develop in an outdoor camp setting, and who believe in 5-star customer service for all client groups.
Nature & Scope:
The Assistant Manager – Admin & Events Focus provides year-round leadership at the YMCA Camp Elphinstone Outdoor Centre, focusing primarily on administrative duties and event coordination, with a particular emphasis on weddings, corporate bookings, rentals and retreats.
This role ensures the highest standards of service delivery and exceptional guest experiences. Working collaboratively with the Manager, the Assistant Manager develops, implements, and manages all administrative aspects of the Outdoor Centre, including school and private group rentals.
The Assistant Manager is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with clients such as schools, rental groups, and families, leading a skilled staff team to deliver high-quality service and memorable events, ensuring effective systems, regular communication, risk management, and crisis response in alignment with YMCA policies and procedures.
Additionally, the Assistant Manager trains, coaches, and supervises Outdoor Education & Event Coordinators, Facilitators, and Program Staff to deliver a 5-star experience for all groups and events.
This position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a high level of independent thinking. It also requires living on-site and flexibility to work varied schedules particularly on weekends.
Major Responsibilities:
- Onsite supervision of outdoor centre operations during operating seasons.
- Manage bookings with online software, process payments and refunds, generate reports, and deliver excellent customer service.
- Act as the primary contact for user groups, including weddings and private group events, providing information and site tours, answering questions, issuing invoices, and collecting details throughout the booking process.
- Prepare and review quotes, schedules, accommodation plans, and invoices to ensure accuracy and alignment with group needs and operational requirements. (for all types of groups including schools & private groups)
- Develop and manage activities, schedules and meals for all groups and events, ensuring compliance with staffing ratios and established procedures.
- Work closely with the Hospitality and Food Services teams to meet the expectations of guest groups.
- Ensure all event-related supplies (linens, glassware, decorations etc) are in good condition, and purchase new supplies when required.
- Conduct site walk-throughs, report defects, maintain proper equipment storage, implement wildlife mitigation strategies, and act as a First Aid attendant to uphold health and safety standards.
- Collaborate with the Outdoor Education & Events Manager to ensure effective communication, thorough pre-planning, and smooth execution of all events and programs.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience, at least one year in a leadership/supervisory role in a Camp or Outdoor Centre setting
- Degree or Diploma in a relevant field, such as tourism, hospitality, or business administration
- Demonstrated experience in event management and coordination
- Standard First Aid & CPR-C
- OFA 3 (or willingness to obtain)
- BC Class 4 Driver’s License or willingness/ability to obtain
- Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date
Competencies:
In addition to bringing a commitment to YMCA vision and values, the candidate should possess the following competencies:
Leading Self
- Evolve in Professional Capability – Commit to being better
- Achieve Excellence and Authenticity – Show up with the best version of you
Leading Others
- Develop the Potential in Others – Help people grow and lead
- Create a Culture of Connection – Build bridges between people and partners
Leading Mission
- Think and Act Strategically – Make good decisions and act on them
- Make an Intentional Impact – Advance the strength and cause of the Y
Application Deadline: Ongoing
