Program Manager - Naperville, IL

About the role

The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for leading all Youth Programs, Summer Camps, Birthday Parties, Group Events, and Adult Programs, including Yoga, at their location. This role develops staff, oversees day-to-day program operations, and ensures a high-quality experience for every participant. The PM works closely with the Program Director to execute program vision and curriculum, while partnering with the General Manager to ensure programs are effectively scheduled, well-attended, and aligned with the needs of the gym and its members.

The Program Manager is a hands-on leader who owns the success of programming in their gym. This includes building and developing a strong team, maintaining high instructional standards, and actively managing schedules, class performance, and participant experience. You will spend most of your time in the gym supporting staff and participants, while also using data, feedback, and collaboration with leadership to continuously improve programs and ensure they meet both business goals and community needs.

Roles and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Lead all Youth, Summer Camp, Group, Birthday Party, and Adult programming at the gym
• Execute program direction, curriculum, and standards set by the Program Director
• Partner with the GM to align class schedules, offerings, and capacity with gym needs
• Own scheduling, registration, rosters, billing, and day-to-day program logistics
• Monitor program performance (enrollment, utilization, class success) and adjust offerings as needed
• Ensure programs meet participation and financial goals
• Support daily program delivery, including staffing coverage and real-time problem solving
• Monitor participant flow and ensure programs align with overall gym usage and customer demand
• Maintain accurate systems and clear cross-department communication
• Contribute to financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and program promotions

Staff Management & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and schedule program staff
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations
• Lead staff trainings and support ongoing professional development
• Develop leadership within the team and build a strong staff pipeline
• Partner with HR and leadership on performance management and compensation
• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented culture

Instruction & Program Quality

• Model strong instruction by teaching a limited number of classes and providing substitute coverage as needed
• Observe classes regularly and provide actionable feedback to staff
• Ensure consistency and quality across all programs and instructors
• Maintain and evolve curriculum and teaching standards to meet participant needs
• Support development, testing, and launch of new programs and offerings

Customer Experience & Community Engagement

• Build relationships with participants, parents, and members
• Maintain a welcoming, professional, and inclusive environment
• Respond to feedback and resolve concerns in a timely manner
• Support marketing efforts by coordinating program details and representing Momentum at events and community initiatives

Shared Gym Operations Responsibilities

• Coordinate management schedules to maintain consistent management coverage, with the General Manager providing overall direction for gym operations.
• Provide visible leadership and support staff, members, and guests across the gym.
• Respond to operational needs, safety concerns, and emergencies in accordance with Momentum policies.
• Partner with General Manager to keep one another informed and bring issues requiring facility-wide decisions.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Collaborate with Operations, Routesetting, Marketing, and Leadership teams
• Support competitions, events, and special programming
• Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to planning and execution

Hours and Availability

• Full-time, salaried, exempt position not eligible for overtime pay
• Minimum 40 hours per week, with additional hours as required
• Approximately 80% of time spent on-site at the gym
• Up to 20% may be spent in an office or working remotely on administrative tasks
• Evening and weekend availability required
• Regular presence during peak program hours (typically weekday afternoons/evenings)
• Flexible availability during peak seasons and events

Experience, Skills, and Certifications

• Passion for climbing and for creating a positive, engaging experience for participants of all ages
• Minimum of 3 years of climbing experience, 5+ years preferred (bouldering, sport, and trad preferred)
• Experience teaching, coaching, or instructing in a group setting
• Experience leading or managing staff, including hiring, training, and providing feedback
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with participants, parents, and staff
• Ability to manage schedules, logistics, and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Working knowledge of climbing instruction, movement, and training principles across disciplines
• Ability to assess program and instructor quality and make improvements
• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable using basic systems and tools (e.g., Google Workspace, registration platforms)
• Confident instructing groups in a high-energy environment

Environment and Physical Demands

• Comfortable working in a loud, high-energy gym environment
• Comfortable working at height and able to safely perform rescues
• Ability to stand, walk, and move on uneven surfaces for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly
• Ability to balance, kneel, pull, push, and grasp objects
• Visual acuity to assess fine details
• Extended periods of standing, sitting, and computer use as needed

Compensation and Benefits

• Performance review at 1 year
• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Health insurance and 401(k) retirement savings plan (eligibility requirements apply)
• Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay
• Complimentary membership to all Momentum facilities
• 20% discount on Momentum classes, programs, and retail
• Access to outdoor industry pro-deals