Employment Opportunities

Job Title: General Manager

Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Executive Committee
Compensation: $85,000 – $125,000/year, DOE

About Session

Session exists to deliver on the promise of “time well spent.” We aim to enhance the quality of life in our community by creating exceptional experiences through climbing, fitness, yoga, and social spaces. Our culture starts with our team, and we believe in developing people as passionately as we develop programs.

Primary Responsibilities

Management Oversight & Leadership

• Lead a high-performing management team with a shared vision of operational excellence.
• Develop and implement progressive operational and workplace culture strategies.
• Organize and maintain efficient management and staffing systems.
• Promote accountability, professionalism, and a high standard of leadership.
• Support professional growth across all levels through training, coaching, and feedback.

Customer Experience

• Ensure exceptional customer service and hospitality across all operations
• Align customer experience with brand identity and community values.
• Cultivate relationships with local groups, organizations, and event partners.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and community-centered environment.

Operations Oversight

• Oversee all aspects of gym operations, including climbing, yoga, fitness, events, and instruction.
• Maintain clean, organized, and functional facilities, IT, and equipment.
• Manage the company budget, financial reporting, and cost-efficiency strategies.
• Drive innovation in systems and processes to ensure continued improvement.

Employee Experience

• Develop internal communication structures to keep staff informed and aligned.
• Oversee payroll, benefits, insurance, and compliance matters.
• Plan and lead team meetings at all levels to foster engagement and transparency.
• Lead staff development, retention, and performance strategies to ensure a healthy workplace.

Risk Management

• Serve as the primary lead for risk prevention, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness.
• Oversee incident reporting, safety reviews, and policy development.
• Act as Incident Commander during emergencies.
• Ensure all programs and events have robust safety and communication systems in place.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Assistant General Manager (AGM) or General Manager (GM) for 1-3 years is preferred.
• Experience managing budgets and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Passion for climbing, fitness, and community-building is essential.

Additional Details

• Flexible availability including evenings and weekends is expected.
• 1-month notice requested for extended time off (>5 days).
• Performance reviews conducted bi-annually; monthly strategy meetings with the Executive Committee.
• Commitment to a strong internal training structure and external growth advising.

Compensation & Benefits

• $85,000 – $125,000/year, depending on experience

Benefits Include:

• 50% employer contribution to health insurance (employee only)
• Paid Time Off: 3 weeks annually
• Paid Sick Leave: 27 hours/quarter (max 72 hours/year)
• Paid Holidays
• Short-Term Disability, Paid Family Leave, Workers’ Comp
• Free gym membership for employee + family
• Gear discounts and pro-deals
• Cal-COBRA benefits continuation

To Apply, please email your cover letter and resume to: kevin@sessionclimbing.com

At Session Climbing, we believe that a balanced fitness program enhances the climbing experience and promotes a life well-lived. While climbing is our primary focus, our members and guests deserve a holistic fitness experience that fosters strength, mobility, and endurance. As a Fitness Instructor at Session Climbing, you play a vital role in delivering this well-rounded experience alongside our regular instructors, helping to bridge the gap between our fitness and climbing programs. Fitness Instructors at Session are active participants in the community and are knowledgeable about all of Session’s programming. You will lead high-energy fitness classes and engage with our diverse member base, creating a welcoming and motivating environment. Instructors are also responsible for maintaining the same high standards of safety, professionalism, and community involvement as our regular instructors. 

Perks

• Discounted Session Membership
• Retail Discounts

Availability

• Weekday and weeknight availability required

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience teaching fitness classes in a studio or gym setting
• Strong understanding of fitness principles, techniques, and anatomy
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on class schedules
• Ability to cover classes of other fitness instructors as needed 
• Lead exciting, challenging, alignment-based classes that cater to the people in the room
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with members, guests and staff
• Can foster a fun and uplifting community
• Ability to work independently and self-motivated
• A desire to be part of our community and spend time at the gym, learning about and participating in our other programs
• Knowledge of climbing is an added bonus
• Potential for additional classes in the fall

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Certified Group Fitness Instructor (ACE, NASM, AFAA, or equivalent) preferred.
• A current CPR/AED certification 

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience to marcofranco@sessionclimbing.com; subject: fitness instructor/private trainer

This position is an exciting opportunity to sub for our resident fitness instructors as needed while fostering a positive, safe, and engaging environment for Session members and guests. If you’re passionate about fitness, we’d love to hear from you!

Session is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diverse perspectives and identities strengthen our community and unlock our full potential.