Outdoor Leadership, 2024-25, Contract

Contract Work Proposal with Cascades Academy

Outdoor Leadership Summer Programming

About Cascades Academy

Cascades Academy was founded in 2003 with a deep commitment to experiential learning, academic
excellence, and community engagement. Now in its 22nd year, the school has grown to 250 students
PreK-12 on its 52-acre award-winning campus. The school is excited to more fully realize its founding pillars
while also deepening its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, social-emotional learning, and
community partnerships to inspire lifelong learners.

Cascades Academy values employees who are committed to our mission, are prepared to engage fully in a
learning community, and are excited to bring their authentic selves to work. Cascades Academy’s culture is
highly collaborative and puts what is best for students at the center of the work. Regularly named one of
the Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon , our faculty and staff see each other as teammates and feel
motivated to do their best work here.

Cascades Academy strives to cultivate and maintain a supportive, inclusive community for all employees
and actively promotes a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Studies have shown
that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of
the qualifications as described in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate
for the job and are eager to consider applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in
independent school

Project Overview

Cascades Academy seeks an experienced consultant to research, design, and facilitate the execution of
three comprehensive summer programs focused on outdoor leadership. These programs aim to provide
transformative, multi-sport summer experiences promoting leadership skills, environmental stewardship,
and personal growth.

Program Details

• Support outdoor sports skill development
• Foster self-confidence, teamwork, and basic leadership skills
• Introduce concepts of basic environmental education

• Develop foundational outdoor leadership skills
• Foster teamwork and build self-confidence
• Develop environmental literacy

• Enhance leadership and decision-making skills in outdoor settings
• Strengthen resilience and adaptability
• Deepen environmental knowledge and conservation practices

Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following responsibilities:

1. Research and Design Conduct a needs assessment and gather input from students, parents, and faculty to tailor

outcomes, and activity plans. Coordinate with the school leadership team to align each
program with the school's mission and values.

• Identify and acquire necessary gear and equipment.
• Obtain permits and ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Research potential partnerships with organizations that are currently running similar

environmental stewardship throughout the program.
2. Risk Management

• Develop a robust risk management plan, including emergency procedures, safety protocols,

• Ensure all activities comply with best practices in outdoor education and risk management.

• Oversee the program's advertising, online posting, enrollment, and successful registration

• Oversee the logistics of the programs, including transportation, accommodations, and meal

• Hire and train qualified instructors or serve as the lead instructor/trip leader, including serving

• Facilitate the programs, providing leadership and support throughout the trips.
• Coordinate with the marketing team for program promotion to ensure clear, compelling

messaging to attract students and parents.

Deliverables

• Detailed program curricula and itineraries

• Risk management plan and safety protocols
• Inventory and procurement of required gear and equipment
• Secure all necessary permits and documentation
• Instructor training materials and guidelines
• Final evaluation of programs and with recommendations for future programs

Timeline

The project timeline will be structured to allow for thorough planning and preparation, with key milestones
including:

• December: Needs assessment, market research, and initial program design
• January: Curriculum development and risk management planning; Marketing and online

Compensation & Budget

Phase One of compensation includes a flat rate of $10,000 for the oversight and design of this program from
winter 2024 through spring 2025. The same contractor will also oversee Phase Two, which involves the
execution of the program during the summer of 2025. A second contract with a new hourly compensation
package will be established during Phase One to reflect the scope of Phase Two, which will range from 2-4
weeks in summer 2025.

Expenses required to facilitate the execution of this project will be determined collaboratively between the
contractor and Cascades Academy’s Leadership Team, within the school’s budget for piloting this program.
There is also potential for additional programming and compensation as the project evolves.

Hiring Process / Timeline

Interested parties should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three references via Cascades Academy’s
website. Cascades Academy will begin reviewing applicants upon receipt given the timeline of this project.
The goal is to have a person hired by December 20th.

Qualifications

An ideal candidate will have the following experiences and skills:

• Experience serving as an administrator overseeing experience, outdoor programming including:

• Experience as a field instructor, leading outdoor education programming in both a day and

• Familiarity with the greater Central Oregon region including opportunities for programming in Bend

• Wilderness First Responder certification
• A passion for the transformative power of outdoor education
• Ability to collaborate with school leaders in designing program that aligns with the mission, vision,

and values of Cascades Academy

Position Details

Title Outdoor Leadership, Contract

Reports to Director of Academic and Experiential Programs

Start Date Immediately

Schedule Contract work December - June

Compensation Stipend

Contact Information
To apply, please upload a resume, cover letter, and the contact information for three references onto the
school website employment portal. https://www.cascadesacademy.org/about/employment . No phone calls,
please.

It is the policy of Cascades Academy to provide equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color,
sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental impairment, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any
other status protected by applicable law. Specifically, employment opportunities are and shall be open to
all qualified applicants solely on the basis of their experience, aptitudes, abilities and training;
advancement is and shall be based on the individual’s achievement, performance, ability, attitude and
potential for promotion.