Overview
The Program Director (PD) provides overall leadership of the High Sierra Program team and single point accountability for local High Sierra wilderness programming quality and safety. The PD works to provide daily leadership, administrative mentorship and management of the Midpines basecamp. Responsibilities include local operations, course supervision and business management. Reports to the Director of Program & Safety (DPS).
This opportunity is perfect for the individual looking to work with a tight-knit team and community during program season!
Compensation & Schedule
This is an exempt, full-time 12 or 11 month position.
Rustic housing is provided, if desired, during the summer program season, and there is an option to caretake the property over the winter.
Food is provided during the summer program season.
Salary is commensurate with experience, with a starting range from $60,000-65,000 annualized
Tentative start date at the earliest is Oct 1, 2026
Required to work from our Midpines Basecamp from April 1 – until approximately late Sept, and can work remote in an approved state the rest of the year (CA, CO, OR, UT)
Location
This position is located at our High Sierra program base in Midpines, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills 30 miles east of Yosemite National Park. High summer temperatures can reach 80-120+ degrees Fahrenheit. The basecamp has a main building with an office, program gear sheds, a commercial kitchen and weather port living quarters (durable fabric structures).
Qualifications:
Passionate about Outward Bound’s mission, programs, and course activities
Have a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors and can mentor staff in this topic
Great organizational skills and an eye for details
Self-motivated and flexible with a sense of initiative, follow-through, and commitment
Works both independently and cooperatively as a team member, prioritizing and moving forward on multiple projects simultaneously
Effective communicator with an abi
Required Skills:
4-6 years of experience in the outdoor education/experiential learning field, or any similar combination of education and experience
Experience with multi-day wilderness expeditionary programs
Previous experience managing teams and programs
About Outward Bound California
At Outward Bound California (OBCA), we use challenging outdoor experiences to teach social-emotional skills like teamwork, leadership, and compassion. We offer a wide range of programs, including high/low ropes activities at our San Francisco Challenge Course and multi-day rock climbing/backpacking trips in the High Sierra and Joshua Tree. Our programs encourage our participants (ages 12+, including adults and veterans) to embrace challenges and reflect on how they want to contribute to their communities and the world.
At Outward Bound California (OBCA), we use challenging outdoor experiences to teach social-emotional skills like teamwork, leadership, and compassion. We offer a wide range of programs, including high/low ropes activities at our San Francisco Challenge Course and multi-day rock climbing/backpacking trips in the High Sierra and Joshua Tree.
