Program Manager - Naperville, IL

Momentum Indoor Climbing is a community-driven indoor climbing company with locations across Utah, Texas, and Washington. Founded in Utah, Momentum was created to inspire and empower people through climbing, fitness, and connection. Our gyms bring together people of all backgrounds and experience levels to challenge themselves, build friendships, and grow in a supportive environment. With world-class route setting, expert instruction, and a strong focus on community, Momentum is dedicated to helping every climber reach their full potential.

• →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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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