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.

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 COBS Course Director is a role based out of the Rocky Mountain Program and works under the supervision of the Program Manager. The role is designed to spend 1/3 time in the field, 1/3 time in the office, & 1/3 of their time promoting community culture & staff development. The Course Director’s primary role is to ensure course delivery meets program standards for safety and quality. While in the field, Course Directors will observe and mentor staff, focusing on course safety, instructor development, and educational outcomes. Additional field duties include, collecting Course Area Guide beta, assisting logistics staff with course events, coaching observations, and site management of technical activities.

Beyond the field responsibility, Course Directors will liaise between program administration and field staff; working in the office supporting administrative needs. Additional duties include staff training, performance tracking, and serving as a member of COBS’ On-call system. Course Directors will also support pre and post course needs through planning, continued staff mentorship, course paperwork, incident reporting, and logistical assistance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the delivery of the Outward Bound Mission and Educational Framework by the instructional teams.
• Support course delivery through course prep, supervisory visits to field to provide logistical support, conduct coaching observations, mentor field staff, debrief courses through course reports.
• Ensure course delivery aligns with COBS’ instructional tools, preferred practices, and policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the overall course quality and safety when in the field with courses; provide additional safety oversight and mentorship to develop instructors risk management awareness and practices.
• Guide instructional teams through modeling and feedback to build and facilitate individual as well as team success.
• Evaluate, document, and report on individual and instructional teams’ performance.
• Provide consistent and professional communication with staff, students, and families during and post-course.
• 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.
• Assist Course Supervisors/PMs with writing and reviewing incident reports and analyses. Lead staff team debriefs on select incidents. Ensure pertinent incident feedback is delivered and documented.
• 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, program leadership, supervisors, or other staff. 
• Manage student groups and handle field emergencies directly or through COBS’ Incident Support Network

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Support Course Supervisors/Program Managers by delivering pre-course orientations that include safety briefings, professional development, and skills practice.
• Work with assigned Program Manager and other leadership to support/coordinate staffing, logistics, itineraries, service, safety and training.
• COBS trainer role as requested.
• Course area reconnaissance and hazard identification within itineraries 
• Support the Program Leadership Team in implementing strategies to meet program needs, goals, and directional strategy.
• Fill instructor roles as requested
• Additional program related tasks and support as requested

Experience, Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrate commitment to the work of diversity, equity and inclusion; while continuing to make Outward Bound available to communities’ outdoor programs have previously failed to engage. 
• Understanding of and commitment to Outward Bound, program structures, mission and educational framework.
• Minimum three years instructing and field leadership experience with Outward Bound or a similar wilderness expeditionary organization.
• Experience inspiring and leading teams effectively, including collaborating with a diverse range of people, skills and visions towards a common goal.
• Experience working with youth.
• Experience as an adult educator; able to coach, mentor and develop staff.
• Ability to demonstrate emotional regulation, good judgement and balanced decision-making in stressful situations.
• High level of professionalism with strong leadership attributes both in work and community environments.
• Serve as role model for students, staff and community, able to manage a range of student behaviors in a positive and professional manner.
• Committed to building a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive work environment where diversity is celebrated and valued across the COBS community, and our staff & students feel a sense of belonging.   
• Ability to build and maintain a positive group culture.
• Flexible, adaptable and open to change.
• Strong personal motivation, initiative, follow-through and commitment.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively as a positive team member.
• Strong and effective communicator, both written and oral. Ability to give and receive both positive and constructive feedback.
• Able to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Intermediate computer skills, working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification, or ability to attain before position start.
• ACCT L2 certification or similar experience preferred
• AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification preferred

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• 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.
• On your feet most days – sometimes for up to 16+ hours a day, or possibly more in case of an emergency
• Able to work though inclement weather conditions that include heat, rain, snow, or cold.
• The position must reside on base in Leadville when not in the field with courses.

Compensation and Benefits

• Full Time, Per Diem $155/day
• Seasonal position (less than 9 months) that includes sick leave and meals provided during summer months where available
• The general schedule is 5 out of 7 days/week, Weekends and/or holiday work will be required.
• Eligible for Professional Deals
• Optional Accident Policy available
• Onsite housing provided.  Accommodation is mostly tent-based when in the field. Rustic cabins or dorm space provided at Leadville basecamp.
• Meals provided

Application Process

• Click “Apply for this Position” below.
• Upload your resume, technical experience log, and answer the application instructions
• Supplemental documents can be uploaded as appropriate
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis