Program Director

Posted by Life Expanding Adventure Program on 03/14/2025

Job Basics

Industry Sector: WaterSports

Job Categories: Management - Team

Company Type: DoesnotApply

State: OR

City: Portland

Country: United States

Required Experience: 3 - 5 years

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: 50,000-60,000

Required to Relocate:

Required to Travel: Yes

Employee May Telecommute: Yes

Job Seeker Must Live Within: 25 miles

Job Description & Requirements

Program Director – Life Expanding Adventure Program (LEAP)

Location: Remote (Preference for candidates based in Portland, Hood River, The Dalles, OR; McCall, ID; Riggins, ID)

Program Sites: Lower Salmon River, Idaho & Lower Deschutes River, Oregon
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $50,000-$60,000 annually + benefits OR Seasonal (April-September) 

About Life Expanding Adventure Program (LEAP)

In the heart of wild rivers, healing begins. At Life Expanding Adventure Program (LEAP), we believe that nature has the power to transform lives. Since 2010, LEAP, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has provided no-cost, multi-day immersive wilderness inflatable kayaking and rafting programs for individuals who have experienced trauma and adversity. Through the rush of whitewater and the quiet of canyon nights, participants discover strength, connection, and a renewed sense of self and possibility.

LEAP partners with Greater Portland nonprofit organizations at no cost, expanding their missions to reach those who need the healing power of nature. Through immersive wilderness experiences, LEAP serves burn survivors, unhoused youth, children facing serious illnesses like cancer, military veterans, families escaping domestic violence, neurodivergent youth, and others.

To learn more, visit: www.leapadventure.org

About the Role

LEAP is seeking an experienced and passionate Program Director to lead its Wilderness Program, which operates primarily on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho and the Lower Deschutes River in Oregon. This position oversees all aspects of program execution, risk management, partnership development, and guide supervision and mentorship. The Program Director will work closely with the Executive Director, Board Operations Committee, and LEAP’s community partners to ensure high-quality programming that aligns with LEAP’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution

• Oversee all wilderness programming, ensuring a trauma-informed, inclusive, and mission-driven experience with the partnership of the Operations Chair and Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Lead on-river logistics, risk management, and compliance with federal, state, and tribal regulations.
• Maintain strong relationships with land agencies, tribal representatives, and local organizations to ensure ethical and sustainable use of natural spaces.
• Implement, continuously improve, and evaluate group programming and facilitation methods, integrating best practices in wilderness leadership.

Guide Team Development 

• Recruit, vet, onboard, train, and mentor a team of professional guides—including those advancing through LEAP’s mentorship program—while ensuring compliance with FCRA fair hiring practices.
• Foster a positive, growth-oriented culture that emphasizes professional development, safety, and inclusivity.
• Develop and oversee team leadership, staff training, and mentorship structures to ensure high-quality participant experiences.
• Support staff in conflict resolution, communication, and best practices for working with youth overcoming adversity.

Technical & Wilderness Experience 

• Provide on-water guiding and outdoor leadership, with a strong understanding of wilderness risk management.
• Ensure the technical proficiency of guides, managing outfitter/guide operations to ensure adherence to permit compliance, operational plan management, and seasonal job expectations.
• Maintain and oversee gear and inventory management.
• Utilize database and data collection tools (e.g., CampDoc, Excel) to support program documentation and reporting.
• Oversee risk management and critical incident response systems

Partnership & Community Engagement 

• Collaborate with nonprofit partners, healthcare organizations, and youth-serving agencies to tailor LEAP programs to diverse participant needs.
• Represent LEAP at events, fundraising initiatives, and partner meetings, supporting development and outreach efforts.
• Lead logistical coordination and partnership planning for the annual Paddle Picnic.

Administrative & Remote Work 

• Plan and coordinate logistics remotely, including budgeting, scheduling, and permit applications.
• If not located in Portland, travel to Portland approximately four to six times per year for Board meetings, gear and vehicle management, special events, and partner engagement.
• Oversee program data collection and ensure reporting aligns with grant and funding requirements.

 Physical Requirements & Accessibility

• Ability to work in remote wilderness settings for sustained periods (up to 3 months with minimal time off). 
• Must comply with LEAP’s zero-substance-use policy while facilitating programs.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as loading/unloading gear, rigging rafts, and executing river rescue operations.
• Must be comfortable working at a desk as needed, using a computer, phone, email, and video conferencing tools to coordinate with partners and stakeholders.

 Benefits

• $50,000 - $60,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience
• Paid health and dental coverage for the primary employee
• 3% employer match for Simple IRA
• 20 days PTO plus recognized holidays
• The opportunity to lead life-changing river experiences in breathtaking wilderness settings

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to amy@leapadventure.org with the subject line “Program Director Application – [Your Name]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and considered until April 1, 2025. No phone calls, please.

About Life Expanding Adventure Program

In the heart of wild rivers, healing begins. At Life Expanding Adventure Program (LEAP), we believe that nature has the power to transform lives. Since 2010, LEAP, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has provided no-cost, multi-day immersive wilderness inflatable kayaking and rafting programs for individuals who have experienced trauma and adversity. Through the rush of whitewater and the quiet of canyon nights, participants discover strength, connection, and a renewed sense of self and possibility.

LEAP partners with Greater Portland nonprofit organizations at no cost, expanding their missions to reach those who need the healing power of nature. Through immersive wilderness experiences, LEAP serves burn survivors, unhoused youth, children facing serious illnesses like cancer, military veterans, families escaping domestic violence, neurodivergent youth, and others.