POSITION SUMMARY
The Intercept Program Manager (IPM) is based at our Homeplace basecamp , just outside Ely, MN. The IPM is a seasonal position (approximate dates vary based on program needs), but the position generally begins in mid April and concludes at the end of August. It may be possible to extend the season, based on program enrollment, through September or October. The IPM reports to the Ely Summer Program Director.
The IPM is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the VOBS Intercept program, facilitating the Intercept Family Seminars, and for supporting curriculum development and training. The IPM is also an integral member of the summer management team who assists with oversight of day-to-day base-camp operations, serves as "on-call" to oversee field evacuations, and provides ongoing leadership to field staff and to the Homeplace community. The IPM also acts as a Course Director in the shoulder season(s) and field instructor / staff trainer on an as needed basis.
This is an administrative (40%) and hands-on (60%) position, but responsibilities on a day to day basis may skew heavily in one direction over the other.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Intercept Program Delivery
- Responsible for the overall quality and management of VOBS Intercept program
- Coordinate with VOBS Student Services as needed to transfer information to instructional staff
- Coordination and communicate in the areas of logistics and staffing; including service projects and course ends
- Support logistics staff and interns to ensure course needs are met in terms of food, gear, transportation
- Work with families of students on course as needed
- Manage the administration of any student outcomes surveys, ensuring the accurate collection and submission of data
- Supervise and mentor VOBS staff in designing and delivering a nature based, experiential expedition that delivers consistent outcomes for the Intercept program in line with the mission, purpose and core values of Outward Bound.
- Conduct and manage high quality, professional Family Seminars at the conclusion of all Intercept courses.
- Deliver lectures, facilitate conferences and other activities
- Support and mentor families and staff as needed
- Maintenance and administration of all paperwork associated with Intercept.
Course Directing & Staff Supervision
Course Directing and / or mentorship of CD'sFacilitate one or more overnight visits with groups in the fieldSee Course Director job description for full details.Mentor staff in managing student behaviors, group dynamics, and facilitating group processesMentor staff in managing student emotional and physical safety in times of duress, such as field emergenciesProvide clear, effective and timely communication with VOBS staff and students as neededGive and receive timely, effective oral and written feedbackTraining & Development
Design and lead one or more annual pre-season training including but not limited to Student Management Skills and Intercept specific training.Provide training to Intercept staff throughout the season to continue to ensure quality and safety.Collaborate with the Staffing Director regarding staff performance and professional development.Ability to assess staff and make recommendations around pairings and promotions.Community Development
Provide community leadership; role model commitment and investment in the Outward Bound mission and the students we serveCommitted to building a community where all students and staff feel a sense of belongingWork as a member of the ESMT (Ely Summer Management Team)Willingness to role model the values Outward Bound seeks to teach to students, including character, leadership and serviceSafety
Ensure adherence to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in the field staff manualSupport a culture of conservative risk and safety management, and proactively manage program activities to meet safety goals and objectivesMentor staff in identifying, assessing and managing environmental, physical, social and emotional risk during all course activitiesOn-call approximately 1.25 days per week; member of the On-Call and Emergency Response team for field problems and emergencies, including managing evacuations and early departures, in support of and / or in the absence of Course Directors.Escalate concerns or questions to Safety Director or Director of ProgramOther Duties as Assigned
Occasionally site-manage whitewater kayak, whitewater canoe, rock climbing, or high ropes activities.Other duties as assigned by the Ely Summer PD.Requirements
KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Demonstrated competency in and ability to mentor expedition skills including canoeing, backpacking, campcraft, map and compass navigation, expedition logistics and decision-making to staff and studentsDemonstrated experience leading and working with diverse groupsDemonstrated ability to assess staff and students' abilityDemonstrated ability to evaluate and mentor other staff in assessing backcountry hazards and using that information to mitigate the risk of participating in expedition style travel in a natural environmentAbility to communicate effectively using a variety of methods, including verbally and in written formPersonal initiative, motivation and resourcefulness; adaptable and positive in a dynamic, team-oriented work environmentSKILLS
Critical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingJudgement & Decision Making - demonstrate sound judgment in adverse situationsSocial PerceptivenessActive Listening -Ability to listen to what others are sayingActive Learning - Strong commitment to professional development and personal growthInstructing / Teaching -ability to communicate in a way that is easily understood by others with varied learning stylesNegotiation - Bring others together & attempt to reconcile differencesService EthicTime Management and OrganizationPublic Speaking - Comfortable speaking and communicating ideas to large groupsComputer literacy - Google SuiteWORK CONDITIONS
Ability to sit at a desk 50% of the timeMust be able to participate in all site and course activities and maintain ample energy, strength and focus to aid students and instructors, with or without reasonable accommodations.Potential to be on ones feet some days - sometimes for up to 10 hours a day, or possibly more in the case of an emergencyAble to work in outdoor weather conditions, often during poor weatherAbility to lift, crawl, bend, carry and pull.Ability to work a varied and flexible schedule including weekendsPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Occasionally must carry equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity including but not limited to backpacking, paddling, running, swimming and rock climbingOTHER REQUIREMENTS
21 years of age as of start date of employmentValid Driver's License (held for 5 years) that passes Outward Bound USA screening criteriaThe following certifications (or the ability to obtain them after hiring) are required :Wilderness First ResponderPreference for experiential education experience in a position of leadership ; some of which should be on extended overnight expeditionsExperience working with students who would benefit from stronger support systems in order to successfully navigate challenge and increase their successCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a seasonal, salaried, exempt position.Salary range of $41,000 - $53,560 (for 12 months); pay will be pro-rated based on months worked.Expected length of contract is 4.5 monthsHousing provided while on contract.Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)Paid sick time (accrued at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked)Eligible for a 403b retirement plan with 2% employer matchAccess to an Employee Assistance ProgramSalary Description
3416 - $4380 per month
Salary : $41,000 - $53,560
