The Program Director (PD) provides overall leadership of the High Sierra Program team and single point accountability for local High Sierra wilderness programming quality and safety. The PD works to provide daily leadership, administrative mentorship and management of the Midpines basecamp. Responsibilities include local operations, course supervision and business management. Reports to Director of Program & Safety (DPS).
This opportunity is perfect for the individual looking to work at a mission-driven organization within a tight-knit team and community during peak program season!
Who You Are
Knowledge & Skills
- Passionate about Outward Bound’s mission, programs, and course activities.
- Have a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors and can mentor staff in this topic
- Great organizational skills and an eye for details.
- Self-motivated and flexible with an innate sense of initiative, follow-through, and commitment.
- Works both independently and cooperatively as a team member, prioritizing and moving forward on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Effective communicator with an ability to give and receive both positive and constructive feedback
- Holds a current Wilderness First Responder, CPR and CA Epinephrine certifications.
- Proficient with Microsoft operating system (Word and Excel), Adobe, and G Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar).
- Proficient in backpacking in alpine environments on and off trail.
Education & Work Experience
- Experience with Outward Bound or other wilderness expeditionary programs (NOLS multi-day course or equivalent).
- Possess a Bachelor’s degree and/or 4-6 years’ experience in the outdoor education/experiential learning field, or any similar combination of education and experience.
- Previous management experience required.
Physical Requirements
- Able to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity, such as running, backpacking, and/or mountaineering.
- Able to lift and move a minimum of 40 lbs, and able to carry pack weight of up to 60 lbs.
- Able to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment and decision-making, and assess and mitigate risk under extended periods of stress.
- Sitting at a desk or computer 90% of time or greater.
- OBCA requires all field and program staff who have direct contact with our students to be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC.
Bonus if you…
Responsibilities
Program Leadership
- Collaborate with OBCA Regional Operations and DPS to determine and fulfill program needs, goals and strategy.
- Oversee delivery and course quality of all programs such that courses are true to OB mission, core values, design principles, outcomes and established vision of program quality.
- Cultivate and ensure a culture of feedback for staff and program. Implement improvements and disciplinary actions, as needed. Coordinate annual Performance Reviews.
- Oversee course scheduling, staffing and enrollment management.
- Create and role model professionalism at all times. Uphold and follow all policies. Hold staff accountable for the same.
- Coordinate with local and national vendors and land managers to fulfill program needs. Oversee permitting and commercial use expectations.
- In coordination with PMs, conduct both pre-season and end of season interviews with staff.
- Attend annual Program Retreat with other program staff.
- Provide High Sierra Management Team oversight, development and support. Directly supervise Associate Program Director (APD), Program Manager(s) (PM) and Logistics Manager (LM).
- Develop and manage program resources (Charter and National)
- Coordinate and ensure a culture of feedback for staff and program. Implement improvements and disciplinary actions, as needed. Coordinate annual reviews.
- Oversee course scheduling, staffing and enrollment management.
- Create and role model professionalism at all times. Uphold and follow all policies. Hold staff accountable for the same.
- Coordinate with local and national vendors and land managers to fulfill program needs. Oversee permitting and commercial use expectations.
- In coordination with Program Managers, conduct both pre-season and end of season interviews with staff.
- Attend annual Program Retreat with other program staff.
Safety
- Oversee local Incident Command, Local Emergency Response and Local Operating Procedures.
- In collaboration with the DPS, coordinate all local safety reviews and audits.
- Share on-call responsibilities with the program team.
- Act as local Mandated Reporter.
- Oversee Vendor Agreements and Certificate of Insurance for all local vendors
- Ensure all National Safety Standards and Charter Operating Policies and Procedures are adhered to.
- Analyze and revise policies, as needed.
- Ensure accurate and complete incident reporting for all courses.
- Collaborate with the DPS to analyze and create content for Trimester Reporting. Implement learnings to Instructional teams.
- Create the content and delivery methods for course safety briefings.
- Respond to field emergencies.
Site Support
- Establish and model basecamp culture, expectations and norms
- In coordination with the Programteam, support on-site students when needed and oversee supervision and coordination of early departures.
- Oversee and coordinate basecamp maintenance and upkeep. Ensure basecamp adheres to all local and national regulatory codes and policies.
- Manage local IT systems and equipment.
- Oversee basecamp set-up and take-down. Participate in daily community meetings and chores. Ensure that all facilities are kept at the highest possible condition.
Benefits, Compensation and Location
Compensation & Schedule
- This is an exempt, full-time 12-month position.
- Rustic and comfortable housing is provided with close access to communal bathrooms and kitchen.
- Food is provided during the summer program season.
- Salary is commensurate with experience, ranging from $45,000 – $52,500.
- Tentative start date of January 4, 2022.
Benefits
- OBCA offers a competitive benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance with employer contribution, long-term disability and life insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and 401(k) plan after 1000hrs within a 12 month period.
- Opportunities for professional development
- Pro Deal, the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates
- Highly energetic and supportive work environment in a mission-driven organization
Location
This position is located at our High Sierra program base in Midpines, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills 30 miles east of Yosemite National Park
The basecamp has a main building with an office, warehouse, and commercial kitchen. Other buildings throughout include administrative and field staff housing and communal areas
