Assistant Director of Outdoor Education

EXPIRED

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Category

Professional/Administrative

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Posting Details

Position Information

Job Category

Professional/Administrative

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Position Title

Assistant Director of Outdoor Education

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Division

Athletics

Department

Outdoor Education

Hiring Wage/Salary Range

$46,115 / annually

Determination

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Benefits

Current BenefitsColgate University is proud to offer in-depth, competitive benefits that support the health and wellbeing of our employees and their family. The majority of benefits are effective on the date of hire.We pride ourselves on the scope and quality of the benefits offered to our employees. We invite candidates to visit our Benefits page to learn more about our generous benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:  Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, behavioral health benefits, disability and life insurance, 403 B Retirement with employer core and matching contributions.  Paid Time Off: Vacation time (varies based on position classification), sick time, 13.5 holidays including a Winter Recess between Christmas and New Year’s and 3 floating holidays.  Paid Family Leave: After six months of employment, employees become eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid time off up to 67% of salary to a state maximum for bonding with a newborn, adopted or foster child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition or to help after a family member has been deployed to active military duty abroad.  Continuing Education and Professional Development: Employees and their spouse/domestic partner may take up to 2 courses per semester at Colgate, tuition free with a $20 per course registration fee. Funding for work related courses to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree related to your current position. After 7 years of service employee’s eligible children may be awarded up to half of Colgate’s tuition to attend an accredited college, university or trade school of their choice.  Along with a generous benefits package, additional perks unique to Colgate University included but are not limited to free on campus parking, free gym membership with discounts for family members, reduced Seven Oaks Golf Course memberships, University Bookstore discount, free library access, 3 free tickets for any regular season athletic home event, access to Colgate owned Bewkes Swimming center and Glendening Boathouse, free access to all cultural events.

Department Statement

With over 100 years of history, Colgate Outdoor Education is a highly successful program known nationally for its focus on leadership, teaching, and skill development.Colgate Outdoor Education provides Colgate students with leadership, wellness, personal growth, a sense of place, and community-building opportunities through outdoor and experiential programs. In addition, our community values sustainability, diversity and inclusion, safety, and improvement. We support Colgate’s mission to help students: Prepare for lives of leadership and productive citizenship Develop the skills to participate in a lifetime of healthy activity Develop personal potential and experience the cohesion of shared purpose The Assistant Director of Outdoor Education collaborates with the director in the oversight of sixty student staff and providing year-round outdoor and experiential programming to the Colgate community. The position is 10 months, with benefits year round. Typical months off are June and July.Outdoor Education is housed in Basecamp, formerly the Colgate ski haus, now a rustic office space on the edge of campus, complete with kitchen, fireplace, and equipment rental center. Right next door, in the Huntington Gymnasium, the Angert Family Climbing Wall provides a teaching and training space and a home for the local climbing community. We also make good use of the Glendening Boathouse, located on Lake Moraine, for canoe, sea kayak, and SUP practice, and the Beattie Reserve, an 80-acre wilderness area, located four miles from campus, that includes a yurt and our high and low ropes course. Right out the back door, on the old ski hill, are miles of running, mountain biking, and cross country skiing trails across the 575-acre Colgate campus. The rolling hills and country roads of the Chenango Valley make for stellar road biking. Several local crags and ski areas also offer great teaching and learning destinations for our programs.Just an hour from campus, the six-million-acre Adirondack Park provides world-class outdoor recreation opportunities. For whitewater kayaking, upstate New York’s intensive hydrologic development lends itself to regular releases on classic runs such as the Moose, Beaver, and Raquette rivers. The Adirondack anorthosite is a high quality granite-like rock, perfect for both sport and traditional climbing, with over 1,600 recorded routes. In the winter, the park freezes over to create many destinations for skiing and ice climbing. The legendary Shawangunks Ridge, or “the Gunks,” is just three hours away with some of the world’s best multi-pitch traditional climbing and bouldering. Other renowned destinations for climbing and skiing, such as Rumney, North Conway, Mt. Washington, Killington, Stowe, Lake Willoughby, and Smuggler’s Notch are all within a 4-6 hour drive.Colgate University is committed to the principle of institutional control in administering its athletics program in a manner consistent with the NCAA, ECAC, and Patriot League rules. Each individual involved in the athletics division is obligated to maintain competency and knowledge of the rules, to act within his or her realm of responsibility in full compliance with the governing legislation, and to report any violation of NCAA, ECAC or Patriot League rules of which he or she is aware. Should a situation warrant further investigation, you have an affirmative obligation to cooperate full in the infractions process, including the investigation and adjudication of a case. The failure to do so can be grounds for your termination with cause.

Accountabilities

The Assistant Director of Outdoor Education is responsible for effective management of the 25-40 outdoor education physical education courses, 10-20 advanced skills seminars, 40+ backyard adventure day trips, and academic break trips (fall, winter, and spring) including: Planning the semester-long schedule of programs Assigning the appropriate staff to each program Administrative oversights of all travel logistics Supervision and evaluation of student leaders Instruction of physical education courses Marketing of all programs Budget planning Exercises independent judgment and unchallengeable authority in decision-making while leading all outdoor education programs and trips. Responsible for the safety and welfare of all participants and has unchallengeable decision-making ability regarding participant activities.Assistant Director is accountable for the effective development, instruction and evaluation of student participants in advanced seminar courses. To include: Development of course outline and learning outcomes Instruction of courses Supervision and risk management of participant safety Administrative oversight of all course logistics (i.e. travel planning, budget development, promotion, etc) Responsible for effective management of the Angert Family Climbing wall to include: Budget management Hiring, training and evaluating all student staff year-round Facilitating route setting Creating and enforcing safety policies for the facility and its users Purchasing essential equipment Oversight of facility maintenance Accountable for the organization and planning of the annual Colgate Climbing Competition. Responsible for the overall management and full oversight of the Outdoor Education Rental Center. This includes effective: Organization of the rental center Regular inventory and equipment inspections Ordering equipment as needed Hiring, training, and evaluation of student staff Rental and return of equipment in accordance with rental center policies Scheduling of hours of operation and staffing Promotion of the rental center to the campus community Responsible for weekly student staff meeting agenda and outcomes to ensure student staff members receive the appropriate information, training, and development.Responsible for effective development, teaching, instruction, and ongoing management of assigned PHED programming areas – primarily whitewater paddling and/or sea-kayaking , rock and ice climbing, and/or team building as well as other areas as assigned.Accountable for the organization and planning for the annual Banff Film Festival. This includes ensuring effective: Contracting with the Banff Film Festival World Tour Contracting with a theatre for film screening Creation, printing, distribution, and sale of tickets for the event Marketing and promoting the event Securing sponsorship for the event Management of the event day Responsible for adherence to assigned OE budgets. Exercises independent discretion on all purchases and budgetary decisions for assigned areas.Assists with the student staff training program and the Wilderness Adventure pre-orientation program, as needed.Accountable for maintaining professional relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.Responsible for role modeling behaviors, leadership, teaching, and excellence for students. Responsible for adhering to the division’s mission: to be an inclusive community of competitive excellence.This position has been designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA), in accordance with the federal statutory requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act. CSAs are required to and responsible for reporting allegations of crimes they receive from students and employees to the Campus Safety Department.

Technical Competencies

Name

Outdoor Programming

Description

Demonstrated ability to create, implement and evaluate innovative programming in the outdoor education field. Demonstrated ability to organize, lead and communicate with students and staff. Demonstrated proficiency in two or more of the following outdoor skills: winter and summer backpacking whitewater and flatwater canoeing and kayaking sea-kayaking rock and ice climbing mountain biking cross country skiing and telemark skiing

Name

Leadership & Administration

Description

Demonstrated ability to lead student and adult groups on outdoor trips and outdoor skill classes. Demonstrates effective communication with a diverse population of people. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage travel planning and trip logistics.

Name

Teaching and Instruction

Description

Demonstrated ability to teach/instruct skills and leadership in both outdoor and indoor settings. Uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic approaches to teaching. Knowledge of experiential education theories and methods and application to both outdoor and classroom teaching.

Name

Student Development

Description

Demonstrated ability to instruct, train, supervise and evaluate student participants and student employees.

Name

Risk Management

Description

Proven ability to safely manage class settings, trips/expeditions, and climbing or challenge course facilities. Demonstrated ability to create and enforce policies as it pertains to each course or facility. Demonstrated ability to safely manage a group while traveling and engaging in outdoor education activities. Maintain Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification.

Name

Essential Outdoor Skills

Description

Demonstrated paddling or climbing experience described below with a preference for paddling. Experience in both is strongly preferred. Paddling Demonstrated ability to manage students in whitewater up to class III or beyond (ACA level IV certification preferred). Personal experience and ability paddling in water up to grade IV/V. Experience and/or training in swift water rescue techniques. Demonstrated personal and professional sea kayaking experience and demonstrated ability to manage and instruct students in open water accordingly may be considered an equivalent substitute, especially for a candidate with demonstrable rock/ice climbing or team building/challenge course experience. Climbing American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor (or equivalent), as well as rock climbing lead experience at an intermediate level or higher. Intermediate level ice climbing skill or higher.

Behavioral Competencies

Name

Personal Accountability for Results

Description

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; Behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; Shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Name

Effective Communication

Description

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; Shares information and seeks input from others; Adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Name

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Description

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; Generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; Involves others in solving problems and making decisions; Factors organizational goals into decisions; Makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Name

Change Management

Description

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; Understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; Adapts to new methodologies; Identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Name

Leadership and Teamwork

Description

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; Balances individual and department goals; Helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; Treats others with respect; Resolves conflicts among team members.

Name

Creativity and Innovation

Description

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; Critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Name

Diversity and Inclusion

Description

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; Understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; Earns the trust and respect of others; Includes and welcomes others; Works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Name

Sustainability

Description

Understands the impact of decision-making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; Supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; Influences others to use sustainable practices.

Requirements

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

One (1) year of professional trip-leading experience. Familiarity with climbing wall management and operations. Personal climbing ability at an intermediate or higher level (rock and ice) and/or whitewater kayaking in water up to grade III/IV, both strongly preferred. Alternatively, extensive sea-kayaking experience may be considered. Experience with institutional rock/ice climbing and/or white water kayaking, both strongly preferred. Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to plan, prioritize, and delegate across multiple projects. A clear commitment to the university’s academic mission and appreciation of its liberal arts curriculum. Solid familiarity with technology including the Google Apps suite as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, etc. Must be able to mentor college students in leadership, teaching, risk management, and technical skill development.

Preferred Qualifications

Three (3) or more years of professional trip-leading experience. Knowledge of experiential education theories and methods. Experience running an indoor climbing gym and/or route setting. Personal sport/traditional lead climbing/multi-pitch ability at an intermediate or higher level (rock and ice) and/or whitewater kayaking ability in water up to grade IV/V, both strongly preferred. Experience working professionally with collegiate outdoor programs, outdoor pre-orientation programs, and/or outdoor education programs such as Outward Bound, NOLS, or High Mountain Institute. Experience in additional outdoor pursuits is desirable, including, but not limited to: cross country or telemark skiing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, challenge course facilitation, lightweight backpacking, geocaching, fly fishing, etc.

Education

Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree in a related field (Outdoor Education, Recreation, Parks/Tourism, etc.) preferred.

Certifications

A current valid driver’s license, in accordance with the University’s Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy is required. Current certifications in WFR (or WEMT) and CPR and ability to maintain. Must have or be able to obtain in the first year of employment, certifications from the AMGA (Single Pitch Instructor) and/or ACA (Level 4 Whitewater Kayaking, Level 4 Swiftwater Safety and Rescue, Coastal Kayak Instructor Level 3).

Physical Requirements

The ability to pass a DOT physical exam (a commercial driver’s license is neither necessary nor required).

Other Information

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number

2023S047Posting

Temporary

No

Work Schedule

Full-Time for 10 months.Monday – Friday with evenings, overnights, and occasional weekends.Typical months off are June and July.

Job Open Date

06/15/2023

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions Summary

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Clery Act

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently a Colgate employee?

   • Yes
   • No

2. * Have you ever been a Colgate employee?

   • Yes
   • No

3. Do you have a spouse/domestic partner who currently is, or will be, employed at Colgate University?

   • Yes
   • No

4. * Are you at least 18 years of age?

   • Yes
   • No

5. * Please let us know how you heard about this position.

   • Albany Times Union
   • Binghamton Press & Sun
   • BlackCoachesinSports
   • Careerbuilders.com
   • Cazenovia Republican
   • Centralnewyorkhelpwanted.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Chronicle of Philanthropy
   • Colgate Employee
   • Colgate Website
   • CoSIDA
   • Diverse Issues of Higher Education
   • HERC (Upstate New York HERC)
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Indeed.com
   • InsideHigherEd.com
   • LinkedIn
   • Mid-York Weekly
   • NACWA
   • naviGATE
   • NCAA News
   • Norwich Evening Sun
   • Oneida Daily Dispatch
   • Sherburne News
   • Studentaffairs.com
   • Syracuse Post Standard
   • Utica Observer Dispatch
   • Waterville Times
   • WomenLeadersinCollegeSports.com
   • Other

6. (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents 1. Resume 2. Cover Letter Optional Documents

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