Coordinator of Outdoor Pursuits

The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) is a forward-thinking student success operation committed to its role as the leading custodial unit guiding the student experience at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). Staff members within DoSA are expected to positively contribute to our mission of supporting students in the co-curricular environment and provide an experience that inspires students academically, personally, and emotionally.

The Coordinator of Outdoor Pursuits is an integral part of the Department of Campus Recreation at the University of Northern Colorado and is responsible for the administration of Outdoor Pursuits programs and services at the University. This position provides leadership and direction for student employees and programs that are designed to provide positive leisure opportunities for students. Specific areas of responsibility include the direct oversight of the Outdoor Pursuits Gear Shop, an extensive series of over forty outdoor adventure trips, the Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, the Blue Cruiser Bike program, and Educational Workshops. The Coordinator will report to the Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits and Risk Management.

Job Duties:

1. Program Management (45%)

• Assist in the implementation and excursion of all Outdoor Pursuits programs including, trips, special events, workshops and certification courses.
• Maintains a comprehensive Outdoor Pursuits Gear Shop which includes over a thousand (2,000) pieces of outdoor rental equipment and 120 bicycles, a bicycle repair shop, a ski and snowboard waxing service, and a ProShop.
• Manages the UNC Ropes Course and indoor Climbing Wall consisting of high and low elements for teambuilding activities that serve over 40 internal and external groups annually.
• Provides over twenty (20) Outdoor Educational Workshops including several professional certification courses.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships in order to exchange information and to develop joint programming opportunities between University and community organizations.

2. Personnel and Fiscal Management (25%)

• Hires, trains, and supervises student employees including: rental shop attendants, trip leaders, ropes course facilitators, climbing wall supervisors, bicycle mechanics, workshop instructors and program assistants.
• Manages the budget process by planning, developing and overseeing the expenditure and revenue accounts for the Outdoor Pursuits program and making purchases and recommendations related to the Outdoor Pursuits program budget.

3. Technology and Assessment (15%)

• Provides leadership, training, and oversight for software as it pertains to gear shop operations including: trip registrations, equipment rentals, and daily transactions.
• Administers program surveys to gauge member satisfaction levels, constructive feedback, and learning objective achievements.

4. Facility and Risk Management (15%)

• Assists with the management of all outdoor pursuits activity and service areas as well as with equipment research, proposals, and purchasing.
• Assists in establishing and enforcing rules and procedures for outdoor pursuits activity areas and service locations.
• Assists with the development and implementation of a risk management plan for Outdoor Pursuits in conjunction with the department’s plan emphasizing emergency response, wilderness first aid, and severe weather protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Education:

A Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health Education, Community or Public Health or related field is required. A Master’s degree or higher is preferred as this position often serves as mentor for graduate students and operates programs that are based on extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology and movement.

A Masters degree in Recreation, Sport Administration or related field is required.

2. Experience:

A minimum of one year of full-time experience, 2 years as a graduate assistant, or other position in coordinating and developing outdoor recreation programming, outdoor facilities or programs, or related recreation programs is required. The preferred candidate will have a demonstrated record of experience in outdoor recreation including facility supervision, event planning and scheduling, recreation programming, and supervising student personnel in a college or university setting. A demonstrated record in climbing wall and ropes course management is also preferred.

1. Certification/Registration/Licensing:

CPR and First Aid certifications are required, but Wilderness First Responder is also preferred. Challenge Ropes Course Manager, Swift Water Rescue, Avalanche Training, and Leave No Trace Master Educator are preferred

2. Ability:

The required abilities for the Coordinator of Outdoor Pursuits include the following:

a) Knowledge of general recreation and outdoor recreation programming

b) Student employee management and development skills

c) Ability to interpret and apply industry research

d) Effective written and verbal communication skills

e) Customer service and policy enforcement skills

f) Ability to apply student development principles

g) Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

h) Ability to work with diverse student populations

i) Leadership abilities and supervisory skills

j) Knowledge and skills related to computer software applications

k) Basic accounting knowledge/experience

5. Special Considerations:

The position is required to work a varied schedule, including early mornings, late nights and weekends. The Coordinator must be self-directed and self-motivated, have the ability to work independently and collaboratively and must be willing to serve as a representative on campus-wide and departmental committees.

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. According to CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index, UNC ranked #1 in social mobility (2022). UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Northern Colorado believes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is the pathway to achieving an inclusive community and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. UNC supports the growth of individuals who care about race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion, or physical ability – to honor the intersectionality of our campus. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub to learn more about UNC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

AAEO Employer
The University of Northern Colorado is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body.

The University will not engage in unlawful discrimination in employment or educational services against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is the University’s policy to prohibit discrimination in employment or educational services on the basis of sexual orientation or political affiliation. The University will likewise take affirmative action to ensure that student applicants and enrolled students are treated during the enrollment at the University without regard to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. Such affirmative action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff, retirement, or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. Furthermore, the University will post in conspicuous places, notice setting forth the provisions of this University’s Equal Opportunity Policy.

Federal regulations require that the University of Northern Colorado retain all documents submitted by applicants. Materials will not be returned or copied for applicants.

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.