Regional Program Manager | AlabamaBig City Mountaineers (BCM) is committed to providing transformative experiences through nature for youth ages 12–18 from disinvested communities. Through free, fully outfitted, and professionally led outdoor programs, BCM strengthens social-emotional wellbeing, deepens connection to nature, and promotes positive youth development. By creating space for belonging, personal growth, and shared challenge, BCM helps young people build confidence, resilience, leadership, and a lasting relationship with the outdoors.For 35 years, BCM has grown into a recognized national nonprofit with a dedicated team of staff, seasonal instructors, and volunteers. We are also at an exciting moment, one full of potential to reimagine how we best deliver on our mission.Though headquartered in Colorado, BCM's regional hubs span the country: Denver, CO (Ute); Minneapolis, MN (Dakota and Anishinibawaki); San Francisco Bay Area (Ohlone, Ramaytush, Chochenyo, and Muwekma); Seattle, WA (Duwamish); and Birmingham, AL (Muscogee Creek and Shawnee).Position OverviewThe Alabama Regional Program Manager (RPM) oversees all aspects of BCM programming in the Birmingham area, including logistics and execution of day trips, overnights, and weeklong backcountry expeditions.
The RPM manages relationships with youth agency partners, coordinates instructors and volunteers, and oversees the regional budget.This is a solo, home-office role. The RPM must be physically located near BCM's Birmingham storage unit and should expect on-site time for gear management and local logistics such as food procurement, laundry, and van pickups.More specifically, Regional Program Managers' essential duties include:Stakeholder EngagementThe RPM maintains clear communication with five stakeholder groups: youth agency partner (YAP) staff, youth and families, instructors and volunteers, and community partners (land management agencies, local coalitions, etc.). The RPM upholds organizational policies, communicates logistics, and ensures all adults involved in BCM trips feel prepared and resourced.Communicate with YAP staff to keep registrations, surveys, and trip enrollments on scheduleProvide YAP partners with logistical resources including packing lists and program manualsUphold BCM's partnership expectations with YAPs, secure signed agreements by deadlines, and lead key negotiations with confidence and ownershipManage field instructors: hire, train, schedule, support, and confirm for trips and admin daysDelegate administrative day tasks to volunteers and ensure they are properly resourcedServe as BCM's liaison to the regional advisory boardRepresent BCM in the Birmingham community, building and maintaining relationships that advance our mission and organizational healthProgram Logistics and AdministrationThe RPM oversees logistical and administrative tasks required to get BCM programs into the field. BCM provides a per-trip checklist that includes (but is not limited to): gear inventory, food and supply procurement, van pickup, laundry, and cleaning.
In the off-season the RPM is expected to collaborate and support national-level program projects.Track student and adult participation using Salesforce; administer surveys and assessmentsCollaborate with Regional Managers and the National Program Director to maintain accurate program recordsComplete end-of-season closeout, including annual gear inventoryOff season project examples include but are not limited to: curriculum development, menu refinement, and training developmentRisk and Safety ManagementRPMs actively manage risk as it applies to outdoor programs. This includes:Review student registration forms, waivers, and other key documents prior to each tripConduct thorough pre- and post-trip briefings with instructors and volunteersInspect and manage equipmentServe as on-call support for programs in the fieldLead emergency and incident response with support from the broader BCM teamRole RequirementsPersonal and professional values aligned with BCM's mission, centering belief in nature's power to help youth build life skills and communityResidence in or near Birmingham with ability to be physically present at BCM's storage unitCurrent Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or equivalentExperience managing risk in youth outdoor programs including on-call capacityCurrent Swiftwater/Whitewater Rescue certification or equivalentPersonal or professional experience in backcountry settings: hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, and backpackingDemonstrated experience managing backcountry trip logistics for groups, preferably youthExperience working remotely and independently; comfort with technology platforms for remote collaborationClean driving record and reliable transportation for local travelPrior experience working with youth (ages 12–18) from disinvested, racially and socioeconomically diverse communities, preferably in outdoor or educational settingsQualificationsFamiliarity with communities BCM serves and natural areas BCM uses in the Birmingham regionPrior or current experience in youth-serving nonprofits of BCM's general sizeAbility to work both collaboratively and independently, and to know when each is requiredStrong interpersonal awareness and ability to build trust across lines of differenceDemonstrated capacity to manage complex administrative details and maintain accurate recordsClear and effective communicator across formats (written and verbal) and audiencesTrack record of successful problem-solving in the fieldComfort giving and receiving feedback within a supervisory hierarchyAbility to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in an ambiguous, geographically remote roleAbility to inspire passion for BCM's work internally and externallyStrong understanding of outdoor industry and outdoor education safety standards for backcountry travelCommitment to holding self and others accountable to program and organizational policiesEmployment & CompensationThis is a full-time, exempt position with a starting salary of $59,000/year. The RPM is eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance within one month of hire. Start date: June 18, 2026.Health, dental, and vision insurance (options for 100% employer-paid coverage)34 paid days off per calendar year (prorated for start date)Flexibility and discretion over work schedule401(k) program (no current employer match)Employee Assistance ProgramOptional long- and short-term disability, life, hospital, accident, and critical illness insuranceOptional Flexible Spending Accounts (medical, parking, transit, dependent care)Optional Legal/ID ShieldMileage reimbursement at the federal rateAll-expenses-paid annual staff camping tripPro discounts (~40%) on outdoor gear and member rewardHow to Apply & TimelineSubmit a current resume and cover letter to by June 19 at 11:59 PM MT.
Please combine both documents into a single PDF and use the subject line: (Your Full Name) – AL Regional Program Manager Application.Your cover letter should address:Your professional experience and track record in similar rolesYour personal "Why" – both for BCM's mission and why this is the right moment in your careerHow your identity and/or lived experiences shape your motivation and ability to do this workBCM is invested in building a diverse candidate pool and encourages applicants whose identities and experiences reflect those of the youth we serve. We understand career paths are not always traditional – if this role resonates with you, please apply, even if you don't meet every listed qualification.Big City Mountaineers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in all organization facilities without regard to race,