Senior Manager of Program Operations

Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities through shared outdoor adventures so that all people can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature.

At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe that everyone belongs. We work to ensure this belief holds true in our workplace, in our community, and in the outdoors. We pursue this belief through our mission and shared values of paddling together, nurturing inclusion, seeking the exceptional, and finding a way.  

Position Summary & Dimensions

Summary

The Senior Manager of Program Operations ensures Day Programs and Extended Adventures run smoothly and safely by overseeing Wilderness Inquiry’s facilities management, transportation, food, equipment, and seasonal staff training and hiring. This position serves as the backbone to support the operational aspects of program delivery and strategic growth opportunities.

Dimensions

• Working Title: Senior Manager of Program Operations
• Position Classification: Senior Manager
• Employment Conditions: Exempt
• Department/Section: Programs and Adventures
• Classification Starting Range: $76,000-$90,000
• Reports To: Programs and Adventures Director
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Hiring and Training Manager, Operations Program Manager, Operations
• Coordinator, Outdoor Leader Coordinator
• Environment: Hybrid, with most days reporting to the Wilderness Inquiry office in Bloomington; additional days spent on trail.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibility 1: Programmatic Operations Management (35% FTE)

• Create and manage Wilderness Inquiry trip operating policies, procedures, and risk management protocols
• Support annual assessment of trip calendar to inform operations and seasonal staff recruitment goals, strategic planning, and resource allocation for programs and events.
• Oversee the accuracy of Wilderness Inquiry’s logistics and event scheduling data systems, processes, and procedures.
• Oversee trip directing procedures, trip director effectiveness, training, and weekly Trip Director Meetings to ensure safe, quality, and cost effective event operations.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes through data-driven analysis, stakeholder engagement, and targeted improvements.
• Deliver results for increased efficiency and safety while reducing costs, all to enhance our outdoor programs.
• Support and inform the annual budgeting process and oversee management of operational budget line items. 
• Develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies including incident response planning, vehicle fleet risk assessments, and outdoor safety protocols, ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhancing organizational resilience during program operations.

Responsibility 2: Facilities & Warehouse Operations Supervision (25% FTE)

• Supervise facility management and compliance with operating protocols and procedures at headquarters location and Wilderness Inquiry’s Apostle Islands-Little Sand Bay Base Camp in northern Wisconsin.
• Supervise warehouse and kitchen operations and ensure equipment, food, and first aid supplies are well maintained and operating in compliance with food safety regulations and best management practices.
• Oversee the inventory and maintenance of camping gear and other essential outdoor equipment. 
• Support broader national expansion efforts in regards to facility acquisition and warehouse system implementation.

Responsibility 3: Fleet Operations Supervision (20% FTE)

• Manage Wilderness Inquiry’s fleet of vehicles, trailers, and boats, to ensure they are safe, reliable, and ready for use. This involves scheduling regular maintenance, tracking usage, and making data-driven decisions about repairs, replacements, or rentals.
• Ensure fleet items remain in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations including MNDOT, USDOT, & FMCSA.
• Ensure records and execution of fleet maintenance and repairs are kept up to date and in high-functioning order.
•  Conduct annual usage assessments to determine the optimal number of vehicles to own versus rent, based on cost, depreciation, and operational needs.

Responsibility 4: Seasonal Staff Recruitment and Training Supervision (20% FTE)

• Supervise planning and implementation of seasonal staff training.
• Oversee data-driven analysis of recruitment and hiring strategies to ensure sufficient capacity exists to implement a full trip calendar.
• Build and foster connections with universities and other organizations to attract, recruit, and onboard seasonal and permanent staff. 
• Create and foster an environment that encourages staff engagement and retention by celebrating successes, fostering a supportive culture, and ensuring staff feel valued.

Responsibility 5: Embrace Values, Community Agreements and Other Roles/Responsibilities as Assigned.

Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that centers Wilderness Inquiry values and supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees, adhering to our Workplace Community Agreements.

These are not intended to encompass all roles and responsibilities of this position; other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the supervisor.

Minimum Requirements: 

• B.A. or equivalent degree and 3 years of program operations or comparable experience, or 7 years of related experience in operations, event planning, or program implementation
• 2 years supervisory experience 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple details and projects simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills that improve operational efficiency
• Strong proficiency with computers, spreadsheets, and database management

Desired Qualifications:

• Specific experience in operations and warehouse/facility systems, and/or vehicle/fleet management
• Passion for WI’s mission, values, and core audience sectors
• Experience in outdoor adventure program design, delivery, and logistics
• Demonstrated experience in continuous improvement and systems management
• Experience working with Wilderness Inquiry core audiences – military families, BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, and school and youth groups
• 5 years of licensed driving experience and the ability to gain and maintain a FMCSA Medical Examiners Certificate

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear, and use hands to handle or touch objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally be able to lift and carry heavy loads up to 50lbs over rough terrain for distances of up to 1,000 feet. On occasion the employee must be able to make loud verbal commands, sit and stand for significant periods of time while also directing vessels such as a canoe, use vision to directionally navigate safely, and endure a wide variety of temperatures and elements. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to see while using a standard computer screen, close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The above statements reflect the primary duties and functions of the position and are not intended to describe all of the work requirements that may be inherent in the role.