2026 Program Manager (6-8 months) - Rocky Mountain Program at Colorado Outward Bound School

Leadville, Colorado, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

07 Jan, 26

Salary

3624.0

Posted On

09 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Youth Engagement, Coaching, Mentoring, Leadership, Safety Management, Incident Reporting, Communication, Organizational Skills, Team Culture, Wilderness Skills, Driving Skills, Field Leadership, Emergency Response

Industry

Primary and Secondary Education

Description

Description Position: Rocky Mountain Program Manager Location: Leadville, CO Department: Rocky Mountain Program Reports To: Rocky Mountain Program Director FLSA: Exempt Position: Part time/ Seasonal Date Updated: October 2025 Organizational Overview The Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) is a non-profit adventure-based education organization that emphasizes personal growth through challenge and experience. For over 60 years our wilderness courses have focused on inspiring responsibility, teamwork, confidence, compassion, and environmental and community stewardship. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Colorado Outward Bound School celebrates diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment for all employees. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nation origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is based on qualifications and business needs. Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect and will report any suspected abuse or neglect. Working at the Colorado Outward Bound School means joining a growth-minded community where we are actively creating a more inclusive organizational culture. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion shows up at all levels of the organization – in our trainings, in our meetings, on our courses, and in our daily lives. This work can be challenging at times and we are committed to navigating it together to create a supportive and inclusive environment for our staff and our students. To foster a more welcoming outdoor community for all, we are working to address barriers related to race, culture, socioeconomics, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic location, and mental health. Position Summary The 6-8 Month Rocky Mountain Program Managers work within the Program Leadership Team to support program operations. The Program Manager is an entry level manager position who is primarily responsible for course oversight. The Program Manager holds administrative responsibilities, serving as the primary overseer of Course Directors, instructor teams, supporting logistical systems and staff, as well as being accountable for ensuring a safe and quality experience for staff and students. Key Program Manager responsibilities include developing, training, coaching and mentoring staff in their capacity to deliver our educational framework, curriculum and ensure student outcomes are met. 6-8 Month Program Managers will hold additional responsibilities outside of the 4-month Open Enrollment management season, such as collaborating to supervise and plan Partnership programs with schools and youth-serving organizations and working with the Associate Program Director of Safety to maintain incident reporting and tracking, manage the On-Call Schedule and Systems, and support On-Call Coordinators. Additional duties include staff performance; site management and course visits; and developing and maintaining records and resources. Key Duties and Responsibilities Leadership & Management Serves as a collaborative and active member of the Rocky Mountain Program Leadership Team to ensure high quality support for all courses and students. Responsible for the delivery of high-quality student experiences through coaching and mentoring of instructional staff in alignment with school progressions, curriculum, and policies and procedures. Develops and manages instructional staff through active coaching and mentoring through utilization of organizational performance and goals documents. Under the direction of the Associate Program Director of Staffing, the Program Manager is expected to address performance issues of instructional staff. This includes addressing policy violations, performance transgressions, and conduct infractions that are observed as well as reported by instructional staff. Collaborates as part of the Program Leadership Team in implementing strategies to meet program needs, goals, and direction. Safety & Risk Management Writes and reviews incident reports and analyses to ensure thorough and accurate reporting. Leads staff team debriefs on select incidents. Ensures pertinent feedback from incidents are delivered and documented to instructional staff and program administrators. Adheres to all local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures outlined in the Staff Manual and Employee Handbook. Participates in the Emergency On-Call system. Including responding to field calls and emergencies, decision-making, acting as incident command for incidents and following the Emergency Response Plan. This includes being part of a 24/7 on-call rotation monitoring call coming form courses in progress. Typically, these rotations are 24-72 hours at a time. Upholds guidelines, which align with policies and procedures, and maintain appropriate conduct and behavior expectations on course. Manages student groups and handles field emergencies directly or through our Incident Support Network as requested. Course Oversight Responsible for ensuring safe, high-quality student experiences for assigned Open Enrollment and Partnership courses. Delivers pre-course safety briefings and provides oversight and instruction regarding course itineraries. Designs and delivers professional development opportunities for staff. Conducts supervisory visits to field operation sites. Oversees assigned trainings, courses, and technical sites as needed. May be required to fill in for instructional positions on courses and logistical support as assigned, including driving school vehicles with students. Collects, reviews, and files course end paperwork, updates and/or maintains electronic records and resources. Organizes and maintains staff, supervisor and program paperwork resources as assigned. Actively coaches, and mentors, staff while behavior incidents occur on course. Provides clear, effective and timely communication with Instructors, Course Directors, Supervisors or other staff. Committed to receiving, openly sharing, and resolving feedback that comes from staff. Acts as a communication conduit between field staff and program leadership. Clearly, professionally, and compassionately communicates with student families during and after course. Community Building Models and promotes a positive and inclusive community culture. Assists with basecamp upkeep, standards, and systems, including shared oversight of staff housing. Assists in planning and executing Rocky Mountain Program events and celebrations. Special Projects Work with assigned Associate Program Directors and other school leadership to support and coordinate staffing, performance management, logistics, itineraries, safety, curriculum, permitting, reservations, and facilities. Connects with service partners to arrange logistics and ensure quality projects. Fills trainer roles as assigned and supports development and implementation of field staff training. Assists with pre-season and post-season programming preparation and shutdown. Completes other duties as assigned. Requirements Skills and Knowledge Personal commitment to, and working knowledge of, the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Understanding of and commitment to Outward Bound program structures, mission and educational framework. Proficiency and familiarity with several of the offered program activities such as; challenge course (low and high ropes), backpacking, mountaineering, and rock climbing. Experience working with youth. Experience as an adult educator; able to coach, mentor and develop staff. Ability to demonstrate and mentor emotional regulation and balanced decision-making in stressful situations. High level of professionalism with strong leadership attributes both in work and community environments. Serve as a role model for students, staff and community, able to manage a range of student behaviors in a positive and professional manner. Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills. Able to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously. Proactive and effective communicator and collaborator. Possess skills to inspire and promote a positive team culture. Proficiency using the Microsoft Office platform. Excellent driving skills and record. Experience in large vehicles with trailers preferred. Work Experience Minimum four years instructing and field leadership experience with Outward Bound or a similar wilderness expeditionary organization. Supervision and experience related to course environments. Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and Epinephrine certification. Mental Health First Aid certification. Must have held a driver’s license for over 5 years. Physical Requirements Based in Leadville with some travel to other sites and locations as required. Expect to work 5 days/week with work and on-call duties over weekends and/or holidays as needed. Sitting at a desk or computer approximately 60% of the time. Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions for extended periods (days and possibly weeks), including inclement conditions such as high heat, rain, mud, snow and cold. Ability to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity including but not limited to camping, backpacking, and/or rock climbing. Ability to bend, lift, kneel, crawl, and carry up to 65lbs. Compensation and Benefits Compensation: $3,466 to $3,624/month depending on experience 6-month (April 16th through October 15th) to 8-month (March 16th - November 16th) salaried positions. On-site housing available. 56 hours of paid Sick Leave. ProDeal eligible. Meals provided during May training and summer Open Enrollment season. Application Process Please submit resume and cover letter to Bri Golden Copeland (she/her), Rocky Mountain Program Director through link.**Colorado Outward Bound School is an E-Verify Employer**

Responsibilities

The Program Manager is responsible for course oversight and ensuring a safe and quality experience for staff and students. This includes developing, training, coaching, and mentoring staff while managing program operations.