Colby College Hiring for Director of Outdoor Education and Leadership at Colby College Full Time

Job DescriptionDepartment:Community Living and Student EngagementPay Rate Type:SalaryEmployee Type:Job Summary:DIRECTOR OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP
Dean of the College
Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

Colby is seeking a director of outdoor education and leadership. A successful candidate will be responsible for the oversight, development, and risk management of all of Colby’s co-curricular outdoor programs. The primary responsibility is execution of all aspects of Colby’s Outdoor Orientation Trips (COOT); a program occurring during Orientation that allows all incoming first-year students to engage in a multi-day overnight outdoor education experience. The director advises and mentors the Colby Outing Club and other outdoor oriented student clubs, as well as the development and implementation of protocols and procedures to ensure compliance with College safety policies and industry best practices. The director works collaboratively with student leaders to make all Colby’s outdoor education programs accessible and welcoming for all students, helping them to find a sense of place within the state of Maine. This position reports to the assistant dean of students, and is a member of the Office of the Dean of Students staff, within the Dean of College division at Colby. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, implement, and manage all Outdoor Education and Leadership programs, that serve to foster a sense of belonging and sense of place for individuals, and strengthen a diverse, inclusive community.

• Strategically plan and facilitate engagement avenues that increase accessibility to the outdoors and outdoor programming for all students, regardless of experience or skill.

• Collaborate with partners across campus (academic departments/classes, recreation, and other co-curricular departments) to provide accessible, safe outdoor programming.

• Supervise and collaborate with student leaders on a range of critical topics including Colby policies and resources, risk management, leadership, and building inclusive communities.

• Hire, train, manage and supervise student staff (including but not limited to 140+ COOT leaders) as they lead and teach their peers; contribute to their growth as leaders to support peer-led experiences.

• Facilitate skills development workshops and training sessions for student leaders including, but not limited to: Wilderness First Aid Review, leadership skills (communication, decision making, conflict resolution), sense of place, and risk management and emergency protocols.

• Train student employees in equitable hiring practices for participation in leader selection and leader training.

• Serve as on-call point person for all trip-related emergencies, during COOT and during the year; organize the emergency response team, assist with on-site evacuations or other urgent logistical support.

• Oversee the Colby Outing Club (COC), the Colby Mountaineering Club (CMC), the COOT Committee; manage the Colby Outing Club Cabin.

• Collaborate and coordinate with Colby’s Office of Recreation on programming and promotion of offerings for students, faculty, and staff.

• Regularly review and revise the outdoor education risk management practices at the college; advise staff and faculty as needed (including the standards set forth in the COOT Accepted Field Practices Manual); ensure student leaders are familiar with all protocols.

• Manage and coordinate equipment purchases, use, repair, and replacement among all campus groups.

• Maintain programmatic, operational, and equipment budgets.

• Facilitate instruction and present opportunities in canoeing, kayaking, camping, whitewater rafting, hiking/ backpacking, cross-country skiing/snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities.

• Collaborate with the Class Dean for First Year Students and Programs for the Global Entry Students (mid-year incoming first-year students that spend the fall semester abroad, approximately 50 students per year) in August and January.

• Participate in major campus events including opening/closing of residence halls, student orientation, first-year convocation, fall and spring concerts, senior week, baccalaureate, and commencement.

• In partnership with the divisional partners, articulate, and execute plans for collaborative campus programming supporting the mission of a residential college.

• Serve as a resource for individual students and student groups.

• Work as an integral member of the Dean of the College staff, and with all departments at the College

• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Duties specific to Colby Outdoor Orientation Trips (COOT):

• Collaborate with Information Technology Services to maintain COOT database systems.

• Conduct site visits and maintain communications with vendors and hosts of COOT programs including lodging sites, contracted guides, etc.

• Make and finalize all travel plans, site reservations, and arrangements for rental vehicles, buses, and other forms of transportation.

• Further develop and implement assessment efforts of the COOT program.

• Respond to questions and concerns from incoming students and parents/guardians via phone, email, and social media.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and experience working in higher education or with college-aged students in a residential setting; Three years of experience in outdoor recreation, education, or comparable field required.

• Master’s Degree in Outdoor Education or Recreation, Experiential Education, Environmental Education, or other related degree preferred, or the equivalent in education and experience;

• WFR & CPR certification required.

• Registered Maine Guide Recreational License strongly preferred; start licensure within 6 months of start date if not licensed.

• Experience and/or certification in a broad range of outdoor activities including, but not limited to: canoeing; kayaking; camping; whitewater rafting; rock climbing; hiking/backpacking; mountain biking; cross-country skiing/snowshoeing; and backcountry snowboard or alpine skiing; preferred.

• Significant technical experience (able to train student instructors) in three, or more, of the following areas: rock climbing, canoeing, backpacking, mountaineering, indoor climbing, whitewater kayaking, whitewater rafting, swift water rescue, sea kayaking, ropes course facilitation, Leave No Trace (LNT). Please include copies of your certifications and/or field logs with your application.

• Experience in teaching and instructing leadership skills, with demonstrated experience facilitating conversations that center on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Highly creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to make critical decisions in the field under challenging conditions.

• Expertise in risk management strategies, assessment, and implementation.

• Significant experience managing risk while safeguarding the emotional and physical health of students and other participants.

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong attention to detail and logistics.

• Demonstrated experience in budget management, event and facilities management, program development and implementation.

• Demonstrated ability to create a positive, creative, and inclusive culture among student cohorts, and enjoy working with students of all abilities and backgrounds.

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community.

• Familiarity with Google Suite and basic social media platforms.

• Valid driver’s license required which must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements; comfort with driving trailers strongly preferred.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

This position has significant interaction with students, faculty, staff, families, and outside constituencies.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Varied conditions including general office, outdoor campus environment, and remote field conditions with a range of extreme weather conditions. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, but frequent evening, weekend, and overnight hours are required. Extensive travel within Maine and beyond may also be required. Duties require an ability to communicate verbally and in writing with students, faculty, staff, and other persons. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Walking, standing, bending, and twisting required. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Must be able to lift up to fifty pounds.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website.