Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience

Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience

 to join our team! UCCS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters innovation, growth, and the holistic development of its students. The work location for this position is on-site. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary/Pay Range : $ 55,000 - $65,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off : Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage : Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits : Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education : Avail nine waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More : From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

The Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience (SOLE) provides leadership to the administration and supervision of a comprehensive outdoor programs and facilities portfolio that includes outdoor trips, adventure-based classes/workshops/camps, climbing wall management, SOLE center operations including bike and ski shop, and outdoor equipment rentals. These programs and facilities are designed to enhance the wellness, leadership development, and participant connection to the campus community through adventure and outdoor based recreational and educational activities.

This position supervises 10-15 student employees, over 35 outdoor trips offered with over 400 participants, 35 classes/workshops with over 300 participants, and over 450 climbing wall passes, and events in partnership with other units that support student retention, recruitment, and success. This position provides leadership for the development, implementation, and assessment of the Student Outdoor Learning Experience short- and long-term objectives including strategic planning, budget development and management, policy and procedures, facility coordination, equipment lifecycle planning, risk management, and program performance standards/evaluations. The successful candidate will promote and cultivate an environment that values inclusiveness and diversity, engage in evidence-based decision-making, and promote student development and learning while supporting the mission and values of the department. 

Typical work schedule is 8am-5pm Monday through Friday with required work during evening and weekends to engage and support program staff and participants. No vacation permitted the week prior to and first week of each fall and spring semester.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Leadership and Program Management:

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  Provides leadership, strategic planning, fiscal management, facility and equipment management, risk management, and assessment of the delivery of the department’s Student Outdoor Learning Experience that includes a comprehensive outdoor and adventure program with over 35 outdoor trip activities, 35 classes/workshops/camps, 3-4 special events and over 450 climbing passes with 2,250 participants.
  
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  Responsible for the leadership oversight, development, implementation, management, reporting, and evaluation of program budget including but not limited to revenue, payroll, and operation expense totaling $170,000.
  
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  Reviews and submits program contracts, agreements, and permits for approval through University Procurement Service Center and Human Resources.
  
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  Directs, designs, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive high-quality outdoor adventure program that meets and balances the needs of the campus community and provides a positive experience focused on healthy behaviors and individual/team well-being through outdoor recreation activity programs.
  
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  In coordination with colleagues, develops and schedules annual/semester SOLE activity schedule including facilities, equipment, and marketing.
  
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  Administers and maintains recreational management software that supports trip, class/workshop, and event registration, outdoor equipment rental management, bike and ski services, climbing wall orientation, point of sales, and participant management as well as staff scheduling.
  
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  Collaborates in outdoor adventure programming throughout campus including partnership efforts with Wellness, Student Life, MOSAIC, Residence Life, Dean of Student Office, Veteran and Military Affairs, Geography and Environmental Studies Department, and Intercollegiate Athletics.
  
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  Engages with the Colorado Springs community outreach and engagement (i.e., Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance).  
  

• Responsible for the leadership, organization and oversight of outdoor adventure trips, services, and classes/workshops including activity review and approval ensuring risk management standards are met and in place, trip leaders and staff have appropriate certifications and training, vehicle reservation, pre- trip planning and communication, and participant registration information.
• Responsible for the leadership, coordination, and oversight of SOLE schedule including program implementation, staff training, and evaluation.
• Identifies and obtains vendor support/partnerships for programming, equipment purchasing, and outdoor permit related access.
• Address student and Campus Recreation member interests in outdoor adventure not currently offered in the program and coordinates the research development of new outdoor adventure offerings and classes.
• Develops, coordinates, and assesses learning outcomes for SOLE participants.  

• Directs the oversight and management of 27 ft climbing and bouldering wall and free-standing bouldering wall (Moonboard) including wall and equipment inspections and route setting.
• Ensures the climbing wall meets and exceeds industry standards and practices.
• Develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates climbing wall training for SOLE Guest Services Desk Attendants.
• Directs the implementation and evaluation of annually participant climbing wall orientation to ensure safety, education, and appropriate use of climbing wall and equipment.
• Responsible for the maintenance and repair of climbing wall in conjunction with Assistant Director of Facility Operations.

• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, mentors, schedules, assigns responsibilities, and evaluates student employees including SOLE program assistants, trip leaders, and guest services desk attendants.
• Manages payroll for direct reports with SOLE program and maintain payroll records.
• Completes annual evaluations and presents coaching and development opportunities throughout the evaluation period to direct reports.
• Coordinates, implements, and evaluates student employee outcome-based trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Designs, coordinates, implements, and manages in house outdoor trip leader certification to ensure trip leaders have the appropriate training, experience, and skills to lead trips and classes based off industry practices.
• Acts in accordance with department and university student employment and human resources guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Works to advocate for and create outdoor adventure internship and practicum opportunities for students.  

• Provides short and long-range planning and fiscal management related to SOLE program administration.
• Manages and maintains budget in accordance with department, division, and university guidelines and policies to ensure prudent stewardship of resources.
• Ensures that business functions employ best management practices and are consistent with department and university standards.
• Provides oversight and coordinates use of outdoor equipment including purchasing, inventory, maintenance, and replacement planning within industry and manufacturing guidelines.
• Works collaboratively with leadership staff and business office to regularly assess appropriate fee structures.
• Recommends operating and capital reserves projects/purchases by providing research and assessment relevant to area needs and product availability.  

• Facilitates and maintains emergency policies and procedures for SOLE programs.
• Directs and documents monthly and annual climbing wall, auto belays, and outdoor equipment inspections and certifications in alignment with national organization standards.
• Maintains current records of SOLE programs and first aid safety equipment as it relates to mandated safety replacements.
• When emergency situations arise, serve as a first responder, utilize necessary communication, and provide care in accordance with certification perimeters.
• Recommends policies and procedures that protect the health and safety of our participants.
• Collaborates with department staff and external partners on decisions related to healthy and safe playing conditions at Campus Recreation facilities.
• Assists with the review and management of incident and accident/injury reports.
• Collaborates with the facilities operations staff in coordinating operational and break hours, program maintenance needs and facility and program reservations and access.

• In collaboration with the Program Manager of Membership and Marketing and the Student Marketing Team, advertise and promote SOLE programs, classes, services, and events across campus.
• Reviews SOLE program website information and marketing materials created by the Student Marketing Team for updated and accurate content.
• Collaborates with the Program Manager of Membership and Marketing and the Student Marketing Team in recommending marketing strategies to promote SOLE programs, services, and events.          

• Responsible for monitoring, compiling, organizing, and analyzing SOLE data collection and reporting, including but not limited to, learning outcomes, assessment plans (i.e., post trip surveys), and annual reports.
• Accountable for the identification, development, implementation and evaluation of guidelines, policies, and procedures related to SOLE programs and facilities (i.e., outdoor adventure trips, classes, and workshops, climbing walls, outdoor rental equipment, bike/ski shop maintenance and repair) in accordance with industry standards and university policy.
• Regularly reviews and updates SOLE operations handbooks and manuals including staffing protocols for outdoor trip competency.
• Serves on assigned departmental and University committees to support the mission, vision, and core values of Campus Recreation.
• Attends professional development conferences, workshops, seminars, and advocates for professional development throughout the department to stay abreast of current trends and industry standards.
• Participates in the development of ideas and suggestions for program, facility, and service improvements.
  • Position is required to attend Campus Recreation classes and/or programs and use various facilities and equipment periodically to ensure that they are meeting or exceeding department and industry standards and risk management guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the mission, vision, and core values of Campus Recreation and the Division of Student Affairs.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by 11:59pm May 19, 20224. However, this posting will remain open until filled.
• The potential dates for interviews with the search committee will be the during the weeks of May 20, 2024 & May 28, 2024.
• The potential dates for interviews with the supervisor and appointing authority will be the week of June 3, 2024.
• The potential employee start date is July 1, 2024.

  UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

  In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.

  UCCS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify our office at [email protected] .

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Bachelor’s degree required in Recreation Administration, Sport Management, Higher Education, Exercise Science, Outdoor Experiential Education, Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Physical Education, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience that includes the following:
  • Administration, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor adventure programs, trips, classes/workshops, events, bike and ski shop services, climbing wall and outdoor equipment rental management, and/or related field.
  • Demonstrated fiscal management experience including budget development and reporting.
  • Demonstrated experience in supervising, advising, training/development related to outdoor trip leaders, and evaluating of student employees and/or practicum/interns.
  • Demonstrated experience in organization, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor trainings, workshops, and certification courses.
• NOLS Wilderness First Responder Certification or equivalent or the ability to obtain a NOLS Wilderness First Responder within 6 months of employment.
• Master Bike Mechanic Certification within 6 months of employment.
• Climbing Wall Instructor Certification within 9 months of employment.
• Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification within 12 months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a field appropriate to work.
• Five (5) years or more of professional experience that includes the following:
  • Administration and implementation of collegiate outdoor adventure programing and classes/workshops, climbing wall, bike/ski shop services, and outdoor equipment rental.
  • Demonstrated fiscal management experience including budget development and reporting.
  • Demonstrated experience in supervising, advising, training/development related to outdoor trip leaders, and evaluating of student employees and/or practicum/interns.
  • Demonstrated experience in organization, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor trainings, workshops, and certification courses.
• Demonstrated experience in outdoor trip contracting, procurement, and insurance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with online data and scheduling management system(s) in supporting outdoor program registrations, memberships, and equipment rental.
• NOLS Wilderness First Aid or Responder Instructor Certification.
• AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification.
• Ski/Snowboard Technician Certification.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard or equivalent certification.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to move, bend, crouch, kneel, stoop, balance, and handle objects. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date.  If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.