Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience

at  University of Colorado

WHO WE ARE

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience
to join our team! UCCS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters innovation, growth, and the holistic development of its students. The work location for this position is on-site. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.
At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.
Salary/Pay Range: $ 55,000 - $65,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.

SUMMARY

The Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience (SOLE) provides leadership to the administration and supervision of a comprehensive outdoor programs and facilities portfolio that includes outdoor trips, adventure-based classes/workshops/camps, climbing wall management, SOLE center operations including bike and ski shop, and outdoor equipment rentals. These programs and facilities are designed to enhance the wellness, leadership development, and participant connection to the campus community through adventure and outdoor based recreational and educational activities.
This position supervises 10-15 student employees, over 35 outdoor trips offered with over 400 participants, 35 classes/workshops with over 300 participants, and over 450 climbing wall passes, and events in partnership with other units that support student retention, recruitment, and success. This position provides leadership for the development, implementation, and assessment of the Student Outdoor Learning Experience short- and long-term objectives including strategic planning, budget development and management, policy and procedures, facility coordination, equipment lifecycle planning, risk management, and program performance standards/evaluations. The successful candidate will promote and cultivate an environment that values inclusiveness and diversity, engage in evidence-based decision-making, and promote student development and learning while supporting the mission and values of the department.
Typical work schedule is 8am-5pm Monday through Friday with required work during evening and weekends to engage and support program staff and participants. No vacation permitted the week prior to and first week of each fall and spring semester.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Bachelor’s degree required in Recreation Administration, Sport Management, Higher Education, Exercise Science, Outdoor Experiential Education, Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Physical Education, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience that includes the following:
• Administration, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor adventure programs, trips, classes/workshops, events, bike and ski shop services, climbing wall and outdoor equipment rental management, and/or related field.
• Demonstrated fiscal management experience including budget development and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising, advising, training/development related to outdoor trip leaders, and evaluating of student employees and/or practicum/interns.
• Demonstrated experience in organization, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor trainings, workshops, and certification courses.
• NOLS Wilderness First Responder Certification or equivalent or the ability to obtain a NOLS Wilderness First Responder within 6 months of employment.
• Master Bike Mechanic Certification within 6 months of employment.
• Climbing Wall Instructor Certification within 9 months of employment.
• Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification within 12 months of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in a field appropriate to work.
• Five (5) years or more of professional experience that includes the following:
• Administration and implementation of collegiate outdoor adventure programing and classes/workshops, climbing wall, bike/ski shop services, and outdoor equipment rental.
• Demonstrated fiscal management experience including budget development and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising, advising, training/development related to outdoor trip leaders, and evaluating of student employees and/or practicum/interns.
• Demonstrated experience in organization, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor trainings, workshops, and certification courses.
• Demonstrated experience in outdoor trip contracting, procurement, and insurance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with online data and scheduling management system(s) in supporting outdoor program registrations, memberships, and equipment rental.
• NOLS Wilderness First Aid or Responder Instructor Certification.
• AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification.
• Ski/Snowboard Technician Certification.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard or equivalent certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to move, bend, crouch, kneel, stoop, balance, and handle objects. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.
Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date. If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Applications submitted by 05/12/2024 will receive full consideration. Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at cu.edu/cu-careers (job #31667). Official transcripts will be required upon hire. Upon request, please be prepared to provide five professional references (at least two previous/current supervisors), including their email contact information.
If you have technical difficulties with your application, please contact the CU Careers help desk at 303-860-4200 #5 or cucareershelp@cu.edu. Job related inquiries should be directed to the posting contact. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs will not sponsor work visas or permanent resident applications for this position.
Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV
Application Materials Instructions: Please identify the job specific minimum qualifications you possess in your cover letter and be sure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting. To apply, please submit the following application materials to this posting: 1) A current resume. Must include date ranges to include month and year (mm/yyyy) and whether the position was full time or part time. 2) A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications. When submitting the materials, check the Job Specific Attachments box next to each document in order for the search committee members to see your materials.
Job Category: Student Services
Primary Location: Colorado Springs
Department: C0001 - Colorado Springs Campus - 40334 - VCSA-AUX-RECREATION
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Apr 29, 2024
Unposting Date: May 20, 2024, 12:59:00 AM
Posting Contact Name: Chris Ertman
Posting Contact Email: certman@uccs.edu
Position Number: 0000239

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

• Responsible for monitoring, compiling, organizing, and analyzing SOLE data collection and reporting, including but not limited to, learning outcomes, assessment plans (i.e., post trip surveys), and annual reports.
• Accountable for the identification, development, implementation and evaluation of guidelines, policies, and procedures related to SOLE programs and facilities (i.e., outdoor adventure trips, classes, and workshops, climbing walls, outdoor rental equipment, bike/ski shop maintenance and repair) in accordance with industry standards and university policy.
• Regularly reviews and updates SOLE operations handbooks and manuals including staffing protocols for outdoor trip competency.
• Serves on assigned departmental and University committees to support the mission, vision, and core values of Campus Recreation.
• Attends professional development conferences, workshops, seminars, and advocates for professional development throughout the department to stay abreast of current trends and industry standards.
• Participates in the development of ideas and suggestions for program, facility, and service improvements.
• Position is required to attend Campus Recreation classes and/or programs and use various facilities and equipment periodically to ensure that they are meeting or exceeding department and industry standards and risk management guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the mission, vision, and core values of Campus Recreation and the Division of Student Affairs.