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.

Position Summary

COBS seeks to hire a competent, courageous, and creative leader at the Rocky Mountain Program (RMP). The Associate Program Director of Training and Development (APD-T&D) will expand our mission and program quality through the development and implementation of systems that support the Rocky Mountain Program operations in the areas of – leadership, training, staff development, risk management, scheduling, course supervision, and performance management. They will support COBS’s strategic plan through the lens of inclusion, equity, and safety. The APD-T&D supervises program managers, course directors and field staff. They will report to the Rocky Mountain Program Director, work closely with other members of the COBS Operations Team, as well as serve on the Program Leadership Team. 

Key Responsibilities and Duties 

People Management  

• Manages and supervises assigned staff in their responsibilities.
• Models best practices and approaches through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Develops staff through coaching, training, resources, and annual professional development plans.
• Ensures staff are trained on and meet COBS’s performance standards and policies and procedures.
• Communicates and delivers disciplinary actions for staff who fail to meet minimum performance expectations.

Program Quality 

• Serves as a contributing member of the Rocky Mountain Program Leadership Team.
• Responsible for the implementation of the training systems at the RMP.

• Works with Safety and Training Manager and Curriculum Manager regarding curriculum development and assessment.

• Manages and maintains updated RMP field staff documentation (manuals, checklists, resources, tools, etc.).
• Ensures courses and student experiences meet COBS’ safety and quality benchmarks.
• Oversees and implements OB Professional Learning Lab work at the RMP.
• Accountable for scheduling RMP course service projects.
• Program lead for the Field & Support Internship and Emerging Leaders Fellowship Programs.
• Partake in and contribute to Staffing Working Group meetings.

Safety and Risk Management 

• Serves as a member of the RMP On-Call rotation.
• Supports implementation of the National Safety Standards throughout COBS. 
• Supports incident reporting and the incident reporting database in line with COBS and OBUSA standards. 
• Serves as local liaison for workers’ compensation reporting and return to work processes.  
• Participates in the COBS emergency response system as required. 
• Ensures all instructional staff hired and trained at the RMP are competent in their duties.

Occupational Safety and Health 

• Oversees Incident Support Network at RMP.
• Supports Occupational Safety and Health management throughout the organization, identifying areas outside of compliance.  

Administration and Reporting  

• Assists the Program Director in managing RMP permits, including accountability for course itineraries.  
• Manages and refines RMP Course Supervision processes.

Special Projects  

• Implements OBUSA national initiatives. 
• Implements COBS’s grant initiatives. 
• Other duties as required. 

Skills and Knowledge 

• Microsoft Suite: Intermediate working knowledge of Office, Word and Excel. Ability to build excel spreadsheets, sort, use functions.  
• Driving: Good driving record.  
• Strong leadership, organizational skills, and attention to detail. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 
• Able to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills. This job requires a high level of communication skills.  
• Valid WFR, Epi, CPR certifications, and Youth Mental Health training.

Education and Work Experience 

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in the outdoor education field, including training and safety management responsibilities. 
• Experience with expeditionary learning models, and outdoor adventure activities in mountainous terrain.   
• People and project management experience preferred. 

Physical Requirements 

• Sitting at a desk or computer at least 60% of the time. 
• Must be able to lift 50+ lbs.
• Some field visits, trainings and travel required.  
• Working conditions sometimes include extreme cold, heat and high altitude. 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Full-Time, exempt position 
• Salary Range $45,000-$50,000 annual / $3,750-$4,167 monthly
• Benefits eligibility for medical, dental, and vision insurance, where COBS pays a significant amount towards health care premiums and provides employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage and basic life insurance.
• PTO (approximately 20 days per year) and sick leave prorated by months worked.
• 401K eligibility available after one year of service.
• ProDeal eligible 

Application  

Please address the cover letter and resume to Leslie Spinelli, (She/Her)- Program Director-RMP