Outdoor Programs Director

Details

Posted: 24-Feb-25

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Type: Full Time

Categories

Climbing Wall

Director

Outdoor

Preferred Education

Masters

Internal Number: 366919

All applications must be submitted through the University of Minnesota employment site (https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job). Search for job ID# 366919

This position develops the strategic vision for the Outdoor Recreation Program at the University of Minnesota in alignment with Recreation and Wellness Goals and the Office of Student Affairs Strategic Plan. This role manages and oversees all aspects of a comprehensive, multi-faceted college outdoor recreation program which includes multiple indoor climbing facilities, outdoor trips program, instructional clinics, equipment rental shop operations and a Nordic ski center. This individual leads a team of two (2) full-time employees, and over 50 student staff, who are responsible for the daily operations of the climbing facilities, outdoor rental shop and over 40 annual student-led outdoor trips.

This position provides leadership and guidance in the development of risk management plans, technical training, and programming in a wide variety of skill areas including outdoor leadership, rock and ice climbing, backpacking, paddling and backcountry travel.

The mission of Recreation & Wellness is to serve all students and the greater University community by enriching the campus experience and encouraging lifelong wellbeing. We are driven to develop leaders, foster supportive relationships, and inspire active living through recreation and wellness.

This is a full-time position with a starting annual rate of $63,000-65,000. The deadline for applications is March 7, 2025.

Responsibilities And Expectations

Outdoor Program Management (60%)

• Work collaboratively with full time staff, and the Associate Director of Programs, to create and guide short and long-term mission driven strategies for all Outdoor Program areas (outdoor trips, climbing gym, rental center and Nordic ski center).
• Supervise, train and lead 2 full time staff who are responsible for operations of climbing programs and the equipment rental shop.
• Hire, train and supervise 15 student trip program staff responsible for leading outdoor trips in a variety of locations and disciplines.
• Represent the Outdoor Program locally, regionally and nationally, serving as a leader in collegiate outdoor recreation and staying current in industry best practices in program development, training and risk management.
• Solely responsible for developing, maintaining and implementing thorough risk management plans for a variety of high risk activities which include remote backcountry travel, climbing, paddling, international travel and vehicle transportation.
• Minimize the University's exposure to risk by using experience based judgment and decision making in concert with risk management protocols to guide operational decisions.
• Develop, monitor and forecast an outdoor program budget of over $500,000 annually.
• Manage operations of the Nordic ski trails on the University Golf Course.
• Act as the Departmental Responsible Authority (DRA) for Fleet Services.
  
  

Program Planning and Design (30%)

• Develop and manage over 40 outdoor trips annually. This includes planning, scheduling registration, permits, transportation and any other logistics.
• Design and implement trip leader training programs for student outdoor trip leaders.
• Adapt and evolve programs, services and facilities to meet the changing needs of the university community.
  
  

University Involvement / Committees (10%)

• Contribute to the department's collaborative mission through service on committees, and engagement in departmental projects.
• Participating and engaging in departmental and Office of Student Affairs meetings to represent the Outdoor Program.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least six (6) years of professional experience in outdoor recreation programming.
• Demonstrated experience in a variety of outdoor skills such as backpacking, rock and ice climbing, canoeing, mountain biking and outdoor leadership.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Documented experience managing full time staff
• Experience designing, developing, and delivering comprehensive training programs for outdoor guides and facilitators
• Experience in university outdoor recreation programming
• Masters Degree in recreation administration, outdoor education/recreation or related field
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification
  
  

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

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About University Of Minnesota, Recreation & Wellness

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a classic Big Ten campus located in the heart of the Minneapolis-St.Paul metropolitan area. The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most prestigious. It is both the state land-grant university, with a strong tradition of education and public service, and the state's primary research university, with faculty of national and international reputation.

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