Overview
Lees-McRae is a small, four-year, liberal arts college, serving Appalachia and the Southeastern United States. The college is located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina. Banner Elk is nestled between two popular ski areas and is within a short drive of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and area cycling, hiking, and climbing. The college also owns and maintains the Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station.
Summary/Objective
The School of Business and Management at Lees-McRae College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Outdoor Recreation and Management. This is a 9-month, full-time faculty position to begin Fall 2023. At the time of hire, the successful applicant will have completed a PhD or EdD in Outdoor Recreation Management or a related discipline.
The Outdoor Recreation Management (ORM) program at Lees-McRae College is the nation’s only program found within a school of business. It is also one of a handful of programs at an institution emphasizing a liberal arts education. ORM offers both a major and a minor option for students. ORM works closely with the Cycling Studies, Ski Industry Business and Instruction, and Wilderness Medicine and Rescue academic programs.
The program emphasizes hands-on experience, industry certifications, and expeditionary and professional learning. Time in the field is prioritized as a way for students to apply concepts and skills learned in the classroom. The campus hosts on-campus sites for hiking, mountain biking, trail building, disc golf, rock climbing, bouldering, flat-water paddling, and fly fishing. Additionally, our on-campus facilities include an indoor climbing wall and moonboard, community garden, outdoor climbing wall, and an adventure park learning lab. Skiing, snowboarding, whitewater paddling, and skateboarding are just a short drive from campus.
Reporting to the Dean of the School of Business and Management, the Assistant Professor of Outdoor Recreation Management will support and contribute to the Outdoor Recreation Management undergraduate degree program. The ability to contribute to major core course offerings while enhancing the ORM Skill Fundamentals is required. Responsibilities for the position include teaching undergraduate courses, assisting in program administration, and risk management.
Essential Functions
Teaching, advising, planning, mentoring, and evaluation of students; Administration; Risk Management
Teaching responsibilities include but are not limited to classroom management, student assessment, and evaluation of grades.
Maintain professional standards of practice in teaching in the classroom.
Maintain currency in outdoor recreation management industry and application through continuing professional development.
Meet college standards for course syllabi creation and submission, classroom management, use of technology, use of the Learning Management System, grade submission, and records management.
Qualifications:
Doctoral degree in a related field.
Wilderness First Responder or higher medical training.
Certifications in the Recreation Field such as AMGA, PCIA, PSIA, ACA (Water), ACA (Camps), and a willingness to pursue more.
Experience overseeing outdoor programs and risk management systems.
Experience reviewing program risk management.
Crisis and emergency response experience.
Excellent oral and written communication skills for a variety of audiences.
Professional demeanor -public speaking skills
Required Skills:
Strong leadership, supervisory, and problem-solving skills.
Strong organization and event planning skills.
Demonstrated ability to take the lead on developing, changing, or implementing new program ideas.
Preferred Skills:
Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician certification.
Minimum of 3 years working at the college level.
Experience with the development and delivery of academic courses.
5 or more years’ experience in the outdoor recreation and/or tourism industry.
Experience mentoring students and supervising interns.
Experience organizing and running events of over 300 people.
Experience organizing budgets over $15,000.
About Lees-McRae College
Lees-McRae is a small, four-year, liberal arts college, serving Appalachia and the Southeastern United States. The college is located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina. Banner Elk is nestled between two popular ski areas and is within a short drive of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and area cycling, hiking, and climbing. The college also owns and maintains the Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station.
