POSITION TITLE: Outdoor Education Program Director

RESPONSIBLE TO: Executive Director

STATUS: Full-time

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: Annual salary in the range of $45-$55, health insurance, paid time off / three weeks’ vacation, half-day Friday during the off-season, course discounts, paid professional development.

Overview

The Outdoor Education Program Director (OEPD) provides leadership and proactive consultation in responding to the educational needs of The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) Outdoor Education programs. Serving in a leadership role, this position is responsible for the safety, quality, and educational effectiveness of all of NCOAE’s outdoor education field courses. The OEPD works administratively at NCOAE headquarters in Wilmington, N.C., and in the field when called for. This position reports directly to NCOAE’s Executive Director and works closely with the Outdoor Education Department’s Associate Program Director.

Required Knowledge and Experience

Successful candidates for the Outdoor Education Program Director position need to possess critical thinking skills and the ability to work at an efficient pace. Successful candidates must also have a strong understanding of NCOAE’s programming, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. The OEPD is an organized and innovative problem solver who can consider all possibilities when managing challenging situations and scenarios. The OEPD also understands and respects the need to default to written procedure and will ask for help whenever the need should arise.

Essential Job Functions

The Outdoor Education Program Director coordinates matters related federal and state agencies that issue land use permits, industry accreditations, partnerships, customer relations, program growth, staff, vehicles, equipment, food and program logistics.

Specific job functions include:

• Recruit, interview, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate instructors

• Enforce program policies and procedures

• Propose updates/revisions to standard operating procedures

• Schedule and facilitate staff meetings

• Develop course outlines, itineraries, and schedules

• Ensure compliance with accreditation- and partnership -related standards and regulations

• Maintain equipment and food inventories, budget, and program records

• Instruct and facilitate outdoor education courses based on NCOAE’s curriculum

• Supervise outdoor education expeditions

• Work with outside vendors on the creation of course marketing material

• Ensure that equipment is maintained in a serviceable condition

• Acquire permits and maintain land use documentation

• Assist with the development and implementation of NCOAE’s long-range goals and objectives

Required Attributes

• Possesses knowledge and passion for NCOAE programs, curriculum, and operating philosophy.

As it is with all positions within our values-based organization, a strong team-centered

orientation is a must, as well as a high level of curiosity and passion for outdoor and

experiential education and adventure-based programming. Other required attributes of the

Associate Director of Outdoor Education position include someone who:

• Demonstrates success with multitasking and working as an integral part of a high- functioning team responsible for the care and safety of others.

• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills, including public

speaking skills and procedure training/demonstration skills.

• Is proficient in basic computer operation using both Apple / Mac and PC computers, including but not limited to navigating the Internet; using programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and is proficient in corresponding via email and text.

Minimum Qualifications and Preferred Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required — Bachelor’s degree (or progress towards a degree) in Outdoor Education, Outdoor Recreation, or related field is preferred.

• Prior experience working in wilderness programming, outdoor education, residential summer camps, or related field required — two to four years prior experience working in a logistical/support staff position is required.

• Prior experience working in a supervisory role is required.

• Demonstrated competency and skills in wilderness and backcountry risk

management is required.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication skills, public presentation skills, and the ability to train/demonstrate technical outdoor skills to others is required.

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required.

• Current WFR (Wilderness First Responder) and CPR certifications are required

  (willingness to obtain immediately after hiring is acceptable).

• Satisfactory completion of NCOAE’s Instructor Course is required, as is current knowledge and passion for NCOAE programs, curriculum, and operating

philosophy.
• Language fluency: English is required, Spanish is preferred.

Physical Requirements

The Outdoor Education Program Director will frequently be required to stand seven to 10 hours per day and will regularly be required to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 lbs. for distances of up to five (5) miles. Extensive use of a computer keyboard and the telephone is also required, as is walking and hiking several miles per day in rugged, remote terrain while wearing a backpack. The ability to perform job duties in indoors and outside in all types of weather conditions is also required.