The Associate Program Director of Course Delivery (APD-CD) is an integral part of the High Sierra management team and overall day-to-day wilderness program management. The APD-CD works to provide daily leadership, administrative support and management of the High Sierra basecamp, oversight of 45 Field Staff, and associated programming. Responsibilities include course supervision and ensuring quality training, programming, community building and some aspects of business management. The APD-CD reports to the High Sierra Program Director (PD) 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:
Outward Bound California does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here, and we are committed to the professional development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to submit an application for consideration.
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
- Familiarity with courses and activities in California.
- A leader with excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
- 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 Epi 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
- Experienced in Outward Bound or other wilderness expeditionary programs (NOLS multi-day course or equivalent).
- Possesses 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.
- Possess prior program management experience
- Experience training staff on wilderness expeditionary programs, preferably in the High Sierra.
Physical Requirements
- Able to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity, including but not limited to running, backpacking, and mountaineering.
- Able to lift and move a minimum of 40 lbs, and able to carry pack weight of up to 60 lbs.
- Comfortable sitting or standing at a desk or computer 90% of time or greater.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate as a member of the High Sierra Management Team to determine and fulfill program needs, goals, and strategy.
- In collaboration with the Program Director, supervisory responsibilities are to provide coaching and mentorship of the Program Manager(s).
- Supervise, mentor and develop Course Directors. Additional duties include mentorship and development of staff training curriculum and implementation per season.
- Directly oversee and/or instruct multiple staff trainings.
- Coordinate and ensure follow-through of the feedback system and implementation of change between the field and program team.
- In coordination with the APD of Staffing, oversee the staff tenure recognition system.
- Be a mentor and role model of best practices in the community and workplace at all times
- Uphold and follow all policies. Hold staff accountable for the same.
- Ensure that all Forest Service, National Park and other land management policies and procedures are known and followed by staff.
- In coordination with the Program Managers and Logistics Manager, conduct and oversee staff development including both pre-season and end of season interviews with staff.
- Support the Logistics Manager in managing vendors
- In conjunction with the Director of Student Services and PD, ensure consistencies with medical screening are relevant. Review and revise student materials including packing lists, itineraries and web descriptions.
- In conjunction with the PD, oversee the course planning process for future seasons and contribute to the strategic planning process..
- Support the Logistics Manager in ensuring program quality and safety in all program resources and vehicles.
Safety
- Participate in the incident command and on-call system and respond to field emergencies. At times be the local Incident Commander.
- Ensure accurate and complete incident reporting for courses .
- In coordination with the PD, create the content and delivery methods for course safety briefings and support the dissemination of quarterly safety reports for all courses.
- In conjunction with the Charter Safety Director, review and revise local policies and procedures.
- Play an active role in developing Emergency Response protocols, revisions and drills.
Site Support
- In coordination with the Management Team, support all facility needs, including basecamp opening and closing, management of students on-site, general maintenance, and community gatherings. Coordinate all student transports with the Logistics Manager & logistics department.
Business Management
Coordinate the collection and proper filing and dissemination of all course paperwork. Ensure that all course paperwork is completed with excellence.
Ensure proper recording of all financial transactions.
Submit monthly expense reports. Track and manage all personal expenses and petty cash.
Oversee and track specific and relevant line items of the program budget.
Update all field paperwork and assessment forms for accuracy and relevancy.
In conjunction with the Logistics Manager, manage all OBCA logo’d course materials.
Benefits, Compensation and Location
Compensation & Schedule
- This is an exempt, salaried position contracted at 9 months per year. The majority of the days worked will be scheduled during the program season April 1st -Oct 15th, the remaining 2.5months will be spread out over the off season and scheduled by the APD (approx 2.5 days/week remote with Wi-Fi).
- Monthly salary range is $3,650 – $3,941, depending on experience.
- Rustic and comfortable housing is provided with close access to communal bathrooms and kitchen.
- Food is provided while on contract.
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
- Part time remote work in the off season.
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 office, warehouse, and commercial kitchen. Other buildings throughout include administrative and field staff housing and communal areas