Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
General Responsibilities
The Assistant Director for Outdoor Programs is responsible for administration of the outdoor program including direct oversight of student staff, water-based activities, special events, and the adventure and cycle shop facilities. The Assistant Director needs to have a strong background and knowledge in leading others and training others to lead water-based outdoor trips. This person serves as an advocate for outdoor programming within higher education and its support of student development and continual education.
Programming Responsibilities
* Plan, organize, staff, and provide training for a comprehensive array of outdoor program trips, in conjunction with the rest of the outdoor leadership staff, to include both land and water-based opportunities.
* Act as the primary lead instructor for water-based activities in case student staff are not available.
* Direct supervision of student staff (approx. 15) working in the Adventure Shop and Cycle Shop, and split supervision for student staff leading outdoor trips (approx. 18). This will include the recruitment, hiring, training, daily supervision and evaluating of student staff.
* Serve as the main Event Coordinator for the Tuck River Clean-Up annual event and coordinate all aspects of this large one-day event for the community
* Work with campus partners to develop new and continue existing programs to meet the needs of the students, including Orientation rafting trips, PEAKS rafting trips, and First Ascent Orientation programming.
* Coordinate with external groups through WCU Conference Services and with WCU affiliated programs, clubs, and organizations to provide programming such as outdoor trips, climbing wall sessions, and teambuilding activities.
Administrative Responsibilities
* Manage the Fusion software package for the Adventure Shop to ensure operational success with transactions and registrations.
* Assist in the creation and implementation of an effective risk management plan and procedures for the outdoor program, including maintaining accurate records of student staff certifications.
* Maintain the outdoor programs website to ensure information is accurate and timely
* Assist with the marketing efforts for the outdoor program in conjunction with the departmental Marketing Team.
* Assist with annual reports for the outdoor program to include annual participation reports, budget reports, assessment reports, inventory reports, and other reports as needed.
* Assist with the management of US Forest Service and National Park Service Permits for the university
* Serve as a member of the Nantahala Gorge Association representing the university
* Manage river access and Duke Energy water release requests for the outdoor program
Other Responsibilities
* Attend in-service education sessions and other divisional or departmental meetings
* Seek opportunities with other university departments to offer co-sponsored programs and events
* Supervise various evening and weekend activities as necessary
* Contribute to departmental functions to ensure delivery of departmental mission
* Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned
Discretion and Independence of Actions
The Assistant Director for Outdoor Programs reports to the Associate Director for Outdoor Programs. The Assistant Director is expected to work autonomously and professionally in all areas of responsibility to reflect the mission of the Department of Campus Recreation & Wellness, Outdoor Programs and the overall University. The Assistant Director must be able to function independently in the assigned areas of responsibility. The Assistant Director interacts with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and members of the Jackson County Community representing WCU, the Department of Campus Recreation & Wellness and the Outdoor Program.

* Must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employment immigration sponsorship.
* Master's degree in Experiential Education, Parks and Recreation Management, Higher Education, or a related field.
* For candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to the delivery of student outdoor programming, will accept a relevant undergraduate degree and one or more years of relevant experience in substitution.
* Wilderness First Responder and CPR/AED Certification
* American Canoe Association Swift Water Rescue Training (Level 4) (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
* Experience leading water-based outdoor program activities, including serving as a lead instructor and training staff
* Ability to lift 50 pounds
* Ability to work in a variety of changing outdoor climates

* Experience directly working with outdoor programs in a collegiate recreation setting
* American Canoe Association Kayak/Canoe or Swift Water Rescue Instructor Certifications
* Experience or other certifications relevant to the outdoor industry

To be considered, you must apply online.
Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references to complete the application process.
For questions or additional information, please contact Nick Mashburn at nmashburn@wcu.edu

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.