Outdoor Adventure Director (Job Search Status: Currently Accepting Resumes)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Outdoor Adventures reports directly to the Director of Leadership and Activities and collaborates with Recreational Services. This position is primarily responsible for the outdoor recreation operations including: programming (trips, team building, and adventure center); staff training; risk management; and budget. The Director will work collaboratively with Admissions in order to increase enrollment and improve student retention. As part of the division of student affairs, this program is heavily focused on the experiential education aspect of adventure programming.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.  To provide assistance to the Director of Leadership and Activities in the management of the
     Student Affairs operations, including:
     • Preparing statistics and information for Director’s utilization in annual report.
     • Communicating effectively with staff concerning pertinent divisional and University matters.
     • Assisting in select programs including informal activities and special events.
     • Collaborate with other offices throughout the university in running programs that assist all
       areas in meeting the University’s mission.

2.  To design, plan, implement, manage, and oversee all outdoor adventure programming
     (tripping program, team building services, adventure center, and leadership development). 

    a) Tripping Program
        •  Work with student leaders to plan and implement open enrollment weekend outdoor 
            adventure trips for the campus communities.
        •  Collaborate with faculty, student groups, and sports teams to tailor adventure trips to
            meet desired educational objectives.
        • Design, implement, and assess extended trips (more than three days in length) such as
           Pre-Orientation, Spring Break, etc.

    b) Team building and Organizational Development Services
        • Oversee implementation and policy development for new “low ropes” challenge course
           to be installed summer of 2009.
        • Develop and facilitate initiative/team building exercises for various campus groups.

    c) Adventure Center
        • Coordinate registrations and information dissemination, manage resource library, and
           host special events and workshops for Outdoor Adventures.

3. To develop and implement standardized training for all student staff
    • Actively involved in the staff selection process.
    • Directly train staff or select appropriate personnel to conduct training.
    • Supervise and make decisions on staff’s ability and suitability for particular positions.
    • Maintain direct knowledge as well as a written log of each staff members professional
       development.

4. To maintain the highest industry standards in risk management
    • Develop a staff manual with standard safety protocols and operating procedures.
    • Develop and monitor all preparatory procedures for each area.
    • Evaluation of leaders and employees through extensive and ongoing training program.
    • Select and maintain all equipment used for programming.
    • Seek advanced certification for self and staff to ensure added safety.
    • Select and evaluate all possible service providers.

5. To directly manage and oversee the operational budget for outdoor adventures
   • Determine budgetary needs, submissions, and justifications for budget lines.
   • Maintain daily fiscal records and accountability.
   • Supervise collection of funds for equipment, instructions, and services.

6. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree with Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of three years of experience in outdoor adventure programming with experience at the college level preferred; Experience with multiple skill disciplines: rock climbing, caving, canoeing, backpacking, challenge course/facilitation, rental shop operations and/or trip leading; Desired certifications include: Wilderness First Responder, LNT Master, ACA, AMGA, etc. Additionally, administrative capacity requires: computer skills, solid written and oral skills, and ability to multitask. Active in professional organizations such as AORE, WEA, AEE, NIRSA, etc. is a plus.

This is a full-time position with full benefits, holiday, and sick leave. Salary is contingent upon experience.

Desired Starting Date: Early to mid-July 2009

Mount Saint Mary's University is a private co-ed liberal arts resident college in Maryland, just south of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and approximately one hour from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The student body consists of approximately 1400 students.

To apply: Candidates are requested to submit a résumé, three (3) letters of recommendations, and a cover letter which in part addresses the contribution the candidate can make to a Catholic liberal arts university.  Send information by June 12, 2009 to:

Mount St. Mary's University
Department of Human Resources
Director of Outdoor Adventure Search #09-13
Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727

or email resume materials to resume@msmary.edu.

At Mount St. Mary’s, we are proud of our commitment to build a diverse and inclusive campus community.  Applications from women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged.  EOE

Send inquires to: resume@msmary.edu