Challenge Course Senior Coordinator

Summary

Job Summary

Recreation Services at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Challenge Course Senior Coordinator! This is a 12-month, professional-exempt position that reports directly to the Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits. This position is responsible for the collaborative leadership and support of the University of Colorado Challenge Course facility and the Challenge Experience team building program. Working with the Assistant Director, work performed may include planning, implementing risk management strategies, fiscal oversight, developing policies and procedures, and staff hiring, training and development. The Challenge Course Senior Coordinator also works with appropriate internal and external partners while providing program oversight to ensure compliance and operational success. This position will use independent reasoning to establish the best course of action for complex assignments.

The purpose of Outdoor Pursuits is to provide opportunities for physical and social interaction, student development, student employment, safe risk-taking, skill development, environmental awareness, and ultimately a healthier University community.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Division of Student Affairs consists of 30 departments that provide student support and services dedicated to helping students become successful, curious, competent individuals during their time at CU Boulder.

The work in Student Affairs supports all factors of the student experience, no matter what department a staff member may work in. This includes where students live, eat, make friends, build professional skills and find help if they need it. Many departments provide involvement opportunities, educational resources and support services to help students find their community and build lifelong skills. Student Affairs also has shared services departments that support the work and staff of our student-facing areas, including areas like assessment, business services, financial planning, human resources, marketing communications and information technology (IT).

With over 800 staff members in the Division of Student Affairs, our diverse team is uniquely positioned to personalize the student experience and advocate for students, enhancing their success inside and outside the classroom.

CU Boulder Recreation Services is a welcoming, valued, campus resource that promotes healthy lifestyles through high-quality, accessible, facilities and experiences. This student-fee-funded unit features a student-led CUSG Recreation Board and a diverse team of professional experts to help meet evolving recreational needs and support student engagement and success. Recreation Services oversees the LEED Platinum main campus Student Rec Center, a building with over 300,000 square feet of recreation and fitness activity space, as well as a satellite recreation center at Williams Village, outdoor basketball courts, a challenge ropes course, and eight turf and grass fields around campus. Throughout these facilities, members of the CU community can engage with a variety of programs that include ice skating, indoor rock climbing, intramural and club sports, yoga, aquatics and so much more.

Responsibilities

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Administration

• Responsible for the oversight of Challenge Course facilities and the cooperative development, management and implementation of Challenge Experience programs.
• Operate in accordance with current Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.
• Maintain ACCT program accreditation.
• Serve as principal manager for Challenge Course budget to include revenue, expenses and budget forecasting.
• Evaluate Challenge Experience programs.
• Oversee customer relations from first inquiry through billing.
• Develop and maintain a streamlined reservation and billing system.
• Work collaboratively with University Marketing & Communications to create, manage, and implement any media and promotional needs. This will include social media advertisements, social media posts and reports, webpage edits, promotional fliers, etc.
• Maintain strong working relationships with all facets of Outdoor Pursuits programming and staff to include climbing gym, trips, rental center and administration.
• Has the ability to understand and convey more sophisticated concepts and use this capability to identify and address complex-level issues that require advanced solutions.
  
  

Leadership/Supervision/Development

• Directly supervise two part-time Challenge Course managers, one student coordinator, and approximately 15-20 student/non-student challenge course facilitators.
• Responsible for hiring, onboarding, and ensuring pay for all Challenge Course student and non-student employees, as well as offering continued oversight of employee status and address any arising issues. This is done collaboratively with Student Affairs Human Resources.
• Develop curriculum and provide instruction for in-house staff training for challenge course programming.
• Maintain required documentation on all staff trainings and certifications.
• May serve as backup for the Senior Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits in their absence.
  
  

Program Operation

• Oversee and ensure the safe operation of the Challenge Course, develop program plans, and ensure a high-quality program delivery.
• Supervise risk management including developing and updating policies and procedures for the Challenge Course in accordance with current standard processes and industry standards.
• Develop and update new program elements including challenges, low and high elements, and activities.
• Design, plan, and implement new programs. These programs may include indoor courses, accessible activities in line with universal design, and partnerships and events with the Recreation Center or other campus partners.
• Work collaboratively with University Marketing & Communications to create, manage, and implement any media and promotional needs. This will include social media advertisements, social media posts and reports, webpage edits, promotional fliers, etc.
• Develop and deliver high-quality experiences for students and the greater University community.
  
  

Facility Management

• Ensure that the overall condition and operation of the Challenge Course is safe and follows our exceeding industry standards.
• Supervise and perform daily and periodic inspections of equipment, ropes course elements, and facility.
• Develop and maintain appropriate record-keeping.
• Oversee annual inspection and any required maintenance and repairs through an ACCT PVM (preferred vendor member).
• Be responsible for inventory, maintenance, and replacement of all equipment and supplies.
• Coordinate with Recreation Services Facilities, CU Facilities Management, and outside vendors to maintain, service, and repair facility and grounds. These areas may include the field, fence, structures, water fountains, and portable bathroom facilities.
• Coordinate with Recreation Services Events for use of indoor spaces including Williams Village Recreation Center classroom, the Rec’s turf gym, and other spaces for indoor programs or emergency weather alternatives.
  
  

Oversight of Wilderness First Responder Courses (WFR)

• Administer the Outdoor Pursuits WFR certification courses in partnership with NOLS.
• Partner with NOLS to schedule courses throughout the year.
• Be responsible for classroom reservation, lodging arrangements and supply delivery.
• Assigning OP staff as hosts/course participants.
• Coordinate with NOLS instructors on-site.
• Manage WFR billing/revenue.
  
  

Other

• Assist Outdoor Pursuits with any needed tasks in the areas of special events, climbing gym, gear rental, and trip leadership.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, in-service education sessions, and other divisional or departmental meetings.
• Participate in other departmental or divisional initiatives, programs, and committees as required.
• Participate in the development of ideas and suggestions for Recreation Services and facility improvements.
• Ensure that the Recreation Center’s facilities, equipment, and programs are meeting or exceeding the standards of the department quality by using and attending its offerings.
• Assist with additional initiatives, assignments, and special projects as needed.
• Coordinate and/or assist with special events and activities as necessary.
• Engage in annual diversity and inclusion training.
• Available to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.
• Professional Development:
• Maintain certifications in WFR, CPR, and ACCT Level 2 (or higher).
• Maintain credential as a QCP (qualified course professional) as a facilitator/trainer.
• Actively participate in professional organizations, such as ACCT, through conference attendance, professional publications/presentations, and committee membership.
  
  

What You Should Know

• This position is on-site full time and requires some evening and weekend work hours.
• The start date for this position is flexible.
  
  

What We Can Offer

• Starting salary is $57,101 - $58,500.
• Onboarding assistance is available within Student Affairs division guidelines.
  
  

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

Be Statements

Be active. Be adventurous. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience will substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• One year of experience including 40 hours of training and 300 hours of program delivery at a challenge course, ropes course, or team building program including low elements facilitation and high elements facilitation.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification within 3 months of employment.
• Current ACCT Level 2 Practitioner Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
  
  

What You Will Need

• Ability to independently manage program, staff, and facility with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good communication skills both written and verbal.
• Excellent risk management judgment.
• Experience planning and implementing programs.
• Experience with training, teaching, or instruction.
  
  

What We Would Like You To Have

• ACCT Level 2 Practitioner Certification or higher.
• Experience managing a challenge course.
• Experience providing facilitator training.
• Documented 80 hours training and 500 hours program delivery at a challenge course, ropes course, or team building program including low elements facilitation and high elements facilitation on a dynamic belay course.
  
  

Special Instructions

To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

• A current resume.
• A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
  
  

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by April 16, 2025 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs .

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.