Director of Outdoor Education and Leadership

Overview

Colby is seeking a director of outdoor education and leadership. A successful candidate will be responsible for the oversight, development, and risk management of all of Colby’s co-curricular outdoor programs. The primary responsibility is execution of all aspects of Colby’s Outdoor Orientation Trips (COOT); a program occurring during Orientation that allows all incoming first-year students to engage in a multi-day overnight outdoor education experience. The director advises and mentors the Colby Outing Club and other outdoor oriented student clubs, as well as the development and implementation of protocols and procedures to ensure compliance with College safety policies and industry best practices. The director works collaboratively with student leaders to make all Colby’s outdoor education programs accessible and welcoming for all students, helping them to find a sense of place within the state of Maine. This position reports to the assistant dean of students, and is a member of the Office of the Dean of Students staff, within the Dean of College division at Colby. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, implement, and manage all Outdoor Education and Leadership programs, that serve to foster a sense of belonging and sense of place for individuals, and strengthen a diverse, inclusive community.

Strategically plan and facilitate engagement avenues that increase accessibility to the outdoors and outdoor programming for all students, regardless of experience or skill.

Collaborate with partners across campus (academic departments/classes, recreation, and other co-curricular departments) to provide accessible, safe outdoor programming.

Supervise and collaborate with student leaders on a range of critical topics including Colby policies and resources, risk management, leadership, and building inclusive communities.

Hire, train, manage and supervise student staff (including but not limited to 140+ COOT leaders) as they lead and teach their peers; contribute to their growth as leaders to support peer-led experiences.

Facilitate skills development workshops and training sessions for student leaders including, but not limited to: Wilderness First Aid Review, leadership skills (communication, decision making, conflict resolution), sense of place, and risk management and emergency protocols.

Train student employees in equitable hiring practices for participation in leader selection and leader training.

Serve as on-call point person for all trip-related emergencies, during COOT and during the year; organize the emergency response team, assist with on-site evacuations or other urgent logistical support.

Oversee the Colby Outing Club (COC), the Colby Mountaineering Club (CMC), the COOT Committee; manage the Colby Outing Club Cabin.

Collaborate and coordinate with Colby’s Office of Recreation on programmi

Tagged as: Administrative Staff, Backcountry Skills, Climbing Skills, Full Time, Instruction and Guiding, Mountaineering Skills, Teaching/Education, Water Skills

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and experience working in higher education or with college-aged students in a residential setting; Three years of experience in outdoor recreation, education, or comparable field required.

Master's Degree in Outdoor Education or Recreation, Experiential Education, Environmental Education, or other related degree preferred, or the equivalent in education and experience;

WFR & CPR certification required.

Registered Maine Guide Recreational License strongly pr

Required Skills:

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Varied conditions including general office, outdoor campus environment, and remote field conditions with a range of extreme weather conditions. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, but frequent evening, weekend, and overnight hours are required. Extensive travel within Maine and beyond may also be required. Duties require an ability to communicate verbally and in writing with students, faculty, staff, and other persons. Position involves sitting, alt