Company Overview

The Colorado Outward Bound School is a non-profit adventure-based education organization that emphasizes personal growth through challenge and experience. For over 50 years our wilderness courses have focused on inspiring responsibility, teamwork, confidence, compassion, and environmental and community stewardship.

Commitment to Equity & Diversity

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 based on race, LGBTQ+ identity, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  All employment is based on qualifications and business needs.

Job Summary

COBS’ Fellowship for Ascending Leaders is a mentored leadership role based at the Rocky Mountain Program (RMP) in Leadville, Colorado and reports to the Associate Program Director (APD). This position is designed to support the development of promising leaders seeking to grow as a program administrator, focusing on course safety, instructor development, and student educational impact both in and out of the field. Additionally, this role will focus on supporting, informing, and developing COBS’ justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. With a blend of office (70%) and field (30%) based responsibilities, this position serves as a member of the Program Leadership Team helping ensure quality program delivery. For additional information see our website page in reference to this position. www.cobs.org/connect/employment

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop understanding of the Outward Bound Mission and Educational Framework.  
• Support the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders initiative through establishing and facilitating affinity spaces, providing mentorship, and acting as a liaison representing their voices on the Program Leadership Team.
• Work with Program Leadership in creating alignment with and implementation of COBS instructional tools, preferred practices, policies and procedures. 
• Assist in evaluating, developing, and supporting COBS’ goal of being a more justice centered, equitable, diverse, and inclusive community/organization
• Support the delivery of course safety briefings, professional development, and course planning. 
• Conduct an audit of COBS courses, trainings, the Fellowship initiative, and our community, regarding its ability to serve students and staff that may come from traditionally marginalized and systematically oppressed communities.
• Work within COBS emergency on-call system to provide instructional teams support in managing student well-being in the field.
• Adheres to all local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures outlined in the Field Staff Manual and Employee Handbook.
• Committed to openly sharing and receiving feedback and serves as a role model for our students, staff, and community.
• Flexible, adaptable, and open to change.
• Strong personal motivation, initiative, follow-through and commitment

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience 

• Experience inspiring and leading teams effectively, including collaborating with a diverse range of people, skills and visions towards a common goal.
• Experience and skills working with youth preferred.
• Demonstrate commitment to the work of diversity, equity and inclusion personally and in your community; while continuing to make Outward Bound available to communities’ outdoor programs have previously failed to engage.  General familiarity related to COBS course environments and activities such as
• Commitment to obtaining a Wilderness First Responder & CPR certification (Additional funding is available for the acquisition of these certifications)
• Moderate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Teams, etc.)
• High level of professionalism with strong leadership attributes both in work and community environments.
• Able to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously, balancing the many aspects of the role.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity including but not limited to camping, canoeing, or backpacking. Ability to lift and move a minimum of 65 lbs.  

• A large part of this role consists of office work and sitting at a desk. However, at times you may work in the field  

• Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions, including inclement conditions such as high heat, rain, snow, cold.  

• Ability to lift, crawl, bend, carry and pull.  

Benefits and Perks

• Full-time, seasonal position. Hourly
• $144 – $148 per day
• Part-Time (less than 9 months) includes 56 hours sick leave, onsite housing and meals provided throughout work agreement.
• Opportunity to observe a variety of trainings to increase desired skill sets within COBS programming.
• 5-day work weeks, Weekends and holiday work will be required. 
• Optional Accident Policy available
• Eligible for Professional Deals

Application Instructions

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