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 applicable law. All employment is based on qualifications and business needs. 

We want to be transparent with all applicants that working at the Colorado Outward Bound School means joining a growth-minded community where we are actively dismantling our organization’s white supremacy culture. This conversation shows up at all levels of the organization – in our trainings, in our meetings, on our courses, and in our daily lives. Anti-racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion work can be messy at times and we remain committed to navigating that together. Challenge and discovery are what we do and (un)learning is a fundamental part of our practice. COBS was originally built for and by white men, and now in support of our community members with marginalized identities – at COBS, in the outdoor industry, and beyond – we are actively working on changing that story to support individuals with different identities to empower themselves as we address barriers related to race, culture, socioeconomics, ability, gender, identity, geographic location, and mental health. While we are committed to learning and making necessary changes, we recognize we have a long way to go and want to notify applicants of that up front. 

Position Summary

The Program Manager (PM) works under the supervision of the Associate Program Director (APD) and is responsible for course oversight. The PM holds administrative responsibilities, serving as the primary overseer of field staff teams and is accountable for ensuring a safe and quality experience for staff and students. Key PM responsibilities include developing, training, coaching and mentoring staff in their capacity to deliver COBS’ educational framework and curriculum, ensuring student outcomes are met.   

Additional duties include training, site management, field visits and tracking, and developing and maintaining records and resources. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise assigned courses to ensure safe, high-quality course experiences through delivering briefings, communicating and upholding COBS policies and procedures, analyzing and reviewing incidents, and providing/documenting clear and complete feedback. 
• Supervise assigned field staff to ensure safe and quality student experiences and alignment with school progressions, curriculum, policies and procedures. Includes mentoring and developing staff, performance management, reviewing field staff plans, debriefing incidents, documenting and reporting. 
• In conjunction with Course Director, deliver course preps, including safety briefings, course itineraries review, student population review, and safety and educational updates.  
• Conduct supervisory visits to field operation sites. Oversee assigned training, courses, and technical sites as needed. Fieldwork/ logistic support as assigned, including driving school vehicles and students.  
• Consistent and professional communication with students’ families during and post-course.  
• Work with assigned Associate Program Directors and other leadership to support/coordinate staffing, logistics, itineraries, service, safety, and training. 
• Participate in the Emergency On-Call system. Includes responding to field calls and emergencies, decision-making, acting as incident command for field incidents and following Emergency Response Plan. 
• Write and review incident reports and analyses to ensure thorough and accurate reporting. Lead staff team debriefs on select incidents. Ensure pertinent feedback from incidents is delivered and documented to field staff and program administrators. 
• Collect, review and file course end paperwork, update and/or maintain electronic records and resources. Organize and maintain staff, supervisor and program paperwork resources as assigned. 
• Adhere to all local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures outlined in the Field Staff Manual and Employee Handbook. 
• Provide clear, effective and timely communication with Instructors, Course Directors, Supervisors, or other staff.  Committed to openly sharing and receiving feedback from staff. 
• Act as a communication conduit between field staff and program leadership.  
• Manage student groups and handle field emergencies directly or through COBS’ Incident Support Network as requested. 

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Connect with service partners to arrange logistics and ensure quality projects 
• COBS trainer role as requested. 
• Support the Program Leadership Team in implementing strategies to meet program needs, goals, and directional strategy. 
• Additional program related tasks and support as requested. Possibilities include but are not limited to: managing Interns, coordinating service projects, updating CAGs, and itinerary writing. 

Skills and Knowledge

• Personal commitment to, and working knowledge of, the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Able to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proactive and effective communicator and collaborator.
• Possess skills to promote a positive and inclusive community culture.
• Proficiency using the Microsoft Office platform.
• Experience working with and maintaining inventory and tracking systems.
• Equipment repair and maintenance experience.
• Excellent driving skills and record. Experience in large vehicles with trailers preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with outdoor recreation and adventure education programs preferred.

Work Experience

• 2-3 years of experience in the outdoor education/ experiential learning field or any other similar combination.
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification.
• Must have held a driver’s license for over 5 years.

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity including but not limited to camping, backpacking, rock climbing and mountaineering. Ability to lift and move a minimum of 65 pounds.  
• Sitting at a desk or computer 60% of the time or greater. 
• The position must reside on base

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-time, seasonal exempt position. Annualized Salary Range: $40,000-$45,000; monthly salary range: $3,333.34-$3,750 per month. 9 months.
• The general schedule is 5 out of 7 days/week, weekends and/or holiday work will be required 
• Onsite housing – required 
• Meals included (Summer months)
• Pro-deal eligible
• Benefits eligibility for medical, dental, and vision insurance, where COBS pays a significant amount toward healthcare premiums and provides employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage and basic life insurance
• 20 days of Paid Time Off that accrues throughout the first year, with an additional day of PTO added with consecutive years of service
• 56 hours of paid Sick Leave
• 401K eligibility available after one year of service

Application Process

Please address cover letter and resume to Leslie Spinelli (She/Her), Program Director Rocky Mountain Program, [email protected]