Colorado Outward Bound School – Course Advisor Job Description

Organization

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.

Summary

The COBS Course Advisor will advise students and families who are enrolled on Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) courses, with a heavy emphasis on open enrollment courses, regarding course type, curriculum, outcomes, and school policies and procedures. Course Advisors manage the relationship with 400+ students and families each year with a focus on enrollment retention and student support using a holistic approach to ensure each student gets the support they need to have the best chance of a successful course outcome.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

• Respond to incoming phone calls, online applications, voicemails, and emails from current and prospective students in a timely and professional manner.
• Schedule and conduct individual video, telephone, or in-person interviews with every prospective student regarding their application and program selection.
• Conduct necessary follow-up with student, parent, doctor, and/or therapist to assess motivation, and fitness level, as well as gathering relevant psychological and medical information, consulting with the Senior Medical Screener and COBS consulting physician when additional expertise is needed.
• Assist inquiries with course selection and enroll students on courses, execute highly accurate data entry in accordance with enrollment procedures.
• Be knowledgeable about available courses and applicable requirements for various course areas within the region.
• Provide superior, friendly, responsive, and informative customer experience to potential, enrolled students and their parents. Help students understand mental and physical readiness to successfully complete a COBS course. Work with families to support students as needed during the course.
• Explain to students and families COBS’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and confirm their understanding of and participation in our standards of anti-discrimination and no bullying.
• Proactively direct customers to courses in need to meet departmental goals and objectives. 
• Assess student’s psychological, behavioral, and physical fitness for an Outward Bound course using assessment guidelines and screening and interview tools. 
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• Monitor specifics of induvial course enrollment; compile and assemble application information. Includes reviewing each course group for balance among student demographics like age, gender, race, and LGBTQ+ identity, evaluating for concerns and following up and/or adjusting the course group accordingly.
• Assemble and summarize accurate and complete information on each student for field staff prior to the course start.
• Collecting payments, transfers, cancellations, and refunds in a timely manner while maintaining accurate information in our platform.  

Skills and Experience

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• Knowledge and experience with outdoor recreation and adventure education programs preferred
• Personal commitment to, and working knowledge of, diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
• Background in a medical and/or mental health-related field beneficial.
• Detail oriented with outstanding organizational skills.
• Ability to problem-solve, prioritize, and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills with internal and external audiences.
• Ability to develop positive, productive relationships with students and their families and COBS staff. Able to de-escalate conflict effectively.
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• Proficient with computer programs such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms, Salesforce preferred; as well as the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic social media skills preferred.
• Self-starter, strong initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Must work well in a team environment.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.
• Travel to rustic, remote basecamp sites required 2-3 times a year.
• Some evening and weekend on-call work may be required during the summer season.

Compensation and Benefits

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• This is a full-time position with a flexible weekly schedule.
• Hourly salary range of $18-20; $37,440-$41,600 annualized.
• 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.
• 401k with match eligibility after one year in the position.
• 20 days of PTO per year, plus one additional day per year of service.
• Pro-deal and other fringe benefit programs.

To Apply

• Cover Letter and resume can be addressed to Ben Fickett, Director of Admissions (he/him). Applications will be accepted through Monday, September 20th, 2021.