Vice President of Outdoor Experience

Description

Position Summary: The Vice President of Outdoor Experience will oversee the camp and outdoor experience team, including overnight camp, day camps, year-round outdoor programs and experiences, adventure program, outdoor training, trips/travel, and mobile program. In this role, they will be responsible for the full portfolio of the outdoor programmatic operation. They will ensure that the team is developing relative and intentional outdoor programming that meets the changing needs of members to bring exceptional experiences to our members and to fulfill the Girl Scout mission.    

Major Accountabilities: 

1. Manages the planning and execution of Girl Scout resident camp, day camp and outdoor activities and ensures that related program components follow the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and meet the needs and interests of girls.
2. To meet the needs of girls throughout our 41-county footprint, develops and implements camp and outdoor programs, training and resources following the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, national program portfolio and council initiatives.
3. Works in collaboration with the program team to provide and support well-rounded, relevant and accessible program opportunities, training, resources and support to our membership in all 41 counties.
4. Plans marketing strategies to ensure the increased camp utilization and participation of Girl Scout members and non-Girl Scout members in camp programs and outdoor program activities.
5. Develops and directs the work of the camp program function to ensure safe and high-quality program is offered to members. Ensures that program activities are cost effective and maximizes the use of council-owned sites.
6. Provides program support to aid volunteers, troops, and service units in their camping and outdoor activities.
7. Develops and maintains a risk management plan for all camp and outdoor program operations, and ensures compliance with all safety standards and policies are followed in accordance with GSUSA, ACA and state and local laws and health regulations.
8. Partners with property staff to develop and monitor site security and emergency systems and procedures to ensure safe usage of facilities.
9. Provides training for safety procedures, emergency procedures and crisis management with staff and volunteers.
10. Carries responsibility for all delegated personnel functions within the resident camp area including recruitment, selection, placement, development/training, performance appraisal, recognition, accountability and release.
11. Develops and maintains positive parental, volunteer and community relations including state and local regulatory agencies, community groups, supplier and other businesses to facilitate program activities and resident camp operations.
12. Develops integrated objectives, action steps and budget based on strategic priorities and provides sound fiduciary oversight of camp and outdoor program and training expenses, revenue, operational needs and budget.
13. Works in collaboration with learning and development staff in providing direction and oversight to outdoor training and enrichment function to ensure that training and development opportunities meet volunteers’ needs for serving girls in outdoor program activities.
14. Oversees design and implementation of evaluation system to measure the impact of camp and outdoor programming on girls in relation to outcomes identified in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and specific program content. Ensure and supervise collection, reporting and analytics of program outcomes and implementation of necessary modifications.
15. Provides guidance and oversight of trips and travel.
16. Works in partnership with property staff to identify and forecast camp needs, strategic priorities and capital improvements and to ensure maintenance, replacement and acquisition of program equipment to support Girl Scout program at camps.
17. Provides and models excellent customer service by demonstrating empathy and exercising innovative problem solving. Ensures a consistent and timely communication system is in place to meet needs of customer segments, volunteers, program partners and other stakeholders.
18. Actively supports and promotes the Council’s and GSUSA’s affirmative action plans and their commitments to diversity throughout the organization.
19. Supports and assists the respective teams to achieve the Council’s fund development and membership goals.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation or related area and/or minimum of 10 years' experience in recreational program planning and implementation. 
• Able to work independently with little supervision. Supervisory experience preferred.  
• Knowledge and experience of outdoor camping skills. 
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills. 
• Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs and successful experience in a position utilizing skills and abilities in working with children and adult volunteers.  
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.  
• Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret general written material and instructions.  
• Must be able to work flexible schedule (evenings and weekends); to reside at camp during summer resident camp; to supervise, communicate, train, and evaluate work of volunteers and staff; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers and staff.  
• Must have a valid driver’s license.