External Programs Manager

Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include ten boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art Learning Commons and Library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.

Shawnigan Lake School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a nurturing, family-friendly workplace. This is a full-time opportunity, with a salary in the range of $75,000 to $90,000 per year.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

The External Programs Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive external program primarily during Spring, Summer, and Winter breaks, that aligns with the Purpose, Mission, and Values of Shawnigan Lake School. This role will also oversee the Events Team staff, ensuring strong alignment with internal events planning. This role requires strong organizational, leadership, and program development skills to ensure the camp offerings support the school’s broader strategic objectives.

In addition, the External Programs Manager will play a key role in developing and managing a business plan for year-round facility rentals, maximizing revenue generating opportunities.

This is a dynamic role that requires a balance of program development, staff management, and collaboration with multiple departments to ensure that the external programs enhance the school’s reputation, community connections, and support its long-term goals.

​ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Design & Implementation

• Develop and deliver camps and external programs that promote the School’s mission, attract prospective students, support the financial sustainability of the School, and showcase the School’s strengths in athletics, academics, fine arts, and languages, etc
• Collaborate with key departments to ensure camp programming is coordinated with all necessary aspects of School operations
• Create the systems and standards by which all camps and external programs must follow to ensure a consistent and high-quality experience for all

Operations & Logistics

• Oversee operational aspects of all external programs, including scheduling, registration, collection and processing of all documentation, facility usage, transportation, safety, and compliance with health and safety regulations, in coordination with other School departments
• Work with the Risk & Safety Manager to ensure camps and activities conform to School policies as they relate to safe practices, risk mitigation, emergency plans, and protocols
• Manage the external programs budget, ensuring efficient use of resources while delivering high-quality programs

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Staff Management & Development

• Work with Human Resources to recruit, train, and supervise events and programs staff, ensuring they are equipped to deliver an outstanding camper experience
• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for events and programs staff, promoting leadership, teaching skills, and other relevant competencies
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and dynamic work environment that motivates staff and ensures a high standard of performance

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Community Connections

• Identify and cultivate program partnerships that support the strategic plan of the School
• Support the Director of Athletics to maintain and develop relationships with existing community partners such as Rowing Canada, Canada Rugby, etc

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Admissions & Marketing

• Work closely with the Admissions team to design camp experiences that attract prospective students and serve as a pipeline for school enrollment, provincially, nationally, and internationally
• With support from the Communications Department, develop compelling stories and materials to promote the camp and school’s programs to target markets, acting as a key representative of the school
• Develop relationships with camp/program participants and their families, emphasizing the school’s commitment to excellence

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Arts, Academics & Athletics Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Academic Departments to develop academic programs that align with the School’s strategic initiatives
• Work with the Arts Department to design programming that combines different artistic disciplines, offering participants opportunities to explore and express their creativity in innovative ways.
• Partner with the Athletics Department to design sports-related camps that enhance the School’s athletic programs and offer skill-building opportunities for young athletes that align with the School’s sports strategy.

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Evaluation & Reporting

• Create and implement efficient systems to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of camp programs, using feedback and performance data to make improvements
• With input from the CFOO and SLT, develop and monitor annual goals for external programs during the year.
• Prepare regular reports for the CFOO and SLT, and other key stakeholders, detailing camp performance, participation rates, and alignment with school objectives.

Facility Rentals

• Coordinate and manage the usage of onsite facilities by external groups from initial contact to end of event, including all administrative aspects, preparations of the facilities for various events, and post-event teardown and cleaning of facilities in coordination with the Events and Housekeeping teams
• Administer and manage rental agreements and a rental rate schedule for the various campus facilities available for rental
• In cooperation with the Finance Department, manage the collection of deposits, all invoices and bills, and all payments by external groups in an efficient and timely manner
• Propose facility rentals and external program fees annually for approval by the CFOO

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EDUCATION, REQUIREMENTS, and OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing and / or running camps, educational programs, or related youth programming, preferably in a school setting
• Experience working with children from primary up to grade 12
• Strong leadership, organizational, and time management skills
• Experience with budget management and operational logistics
• Strong relationship building and a customer-centric thinking skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and professional presence
• Creative and flexible problem solver with a high degree of adaptability
• Certifications in CPR, First Aid, or related safety protocols, preferred

​NEXT STEPS

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter specifically expressing your interest in working at Shawnigan to the attention of Chrissy Raniseth, via email at [email protected].

We ask you to please provide references at the shortlist stage of the recruitment process.

Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Position closes when filled.