Assistant Director, Outdoor Programs bei Westminster University

Westminster University
Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs

About the Role:

Student Affairs at Westminster University is committed to building an equitable, inclusive, and safe campus community. The division endeavors to serve students by nurturing a vibrant campus life characterized by radical inclusivity, diversity, engagement, and belonging. Newly organized, Student Affairs has reimagined student challenge and support to all students as they embark on the journey of personal identity development, values clarification, commitment to wellness, and a passionate direction in life.

Reporting directly to the Director of Outdoor Programs, the Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs is responsible for the overall management of the Westminster University Outdoor Program. Additionally, the Assistant Director has responsibility over all aspects of the indoor climbing wall.

This is a 9 month position, with the months of May, June, and July off.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Two years of experience in outdoor education and/or adventure programming in a leadership role
• Demonstrated experience with college/university outdoor programs (either in leadership or student capacity), as well as in teaching outdoor-related topics and courses
• Excellent organizational, time management, supervisory, financial management, and communication skills to include writing and speaking with clarity, accuracy, and consistency
• Strong understanding of student development, with an interest in and commitment to providing inclusive opportunities for student involvement in the Outdoor Program
• Effective leadership skills to motivate and integrate students into the Westminster/Outdoor Program community
• Outstanding professionalism including the ability to role-model and maintain appropriate boundaries with students and co-workers
• Working knowledge of a variety of outdoor equipment use, maintenance, and repair
• Wilderness First Responder certification (must be current before start date). 
• AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification (or equivalent experience-may be asked to obtain credential within 6 months of hire)
• Strong experience with, skills in, and ability to effectively instruct multiple multi-day outdoor activities, including but not limited to backpacking, rock/ice climbing, skiing/snowboarding, paddle sports, etc.
• Experience managing/route-setting/working/instructing at an indoor climbing wall
• Clean driving record and ability become certified to drive Westminster vehicles, including pulling trailers. Must have experience with or be willing to learn how to drive large vehicles with trailers on uneven terrain and in variable conditions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced certifications and training in one or more outdoor skill areas (e.g. Rock, Snow, Wilderness Medicine, Paddling, etc.) is preferred, not required
• Masters Degree preferred

Key Responsibilities:

Involvement in all areas of the Outdoor Program: Coordinate and facilitate outdoor trips, clinics, and workshops. Develop, train, and mentor student trip leaders. Supervise student-led trips from beginning to completion. Share on-call responsibilities with colleagues while trips are in the field. Assist with the development and supervision of the outdoor equipment rental program. Assist in planning and implementation of summer programming, which includes immersive practical application opportunities for student staff. Contribute to the overall logistics of running the Outdoor Program including marketing, maintaining web resources, equipment, partnerships, etc.

Oversee climbing wall: Hire, train, and supervise climbing wall staff, facilitate climbing competitions and events, and foster campus and community partnerships.

Coordination and collaboration with the Outdoor Education & Leadership (OEL) academic program: Be a part of the administrative OEL team - specifically, weekly meetings, planning and implementation of the OEL Field Semester, support for field-based OEL courses, and program development.

Additional responsibilities: Work evening and weekend hours, as required. Respond on-call as assigned. Serve on various committees as necessary, including Staff Council, themed residence hall floors, etc. Attend division and department meetings and committees as relevant. Support mountain sport-related student clubs. Other duties as assigned.

Application Instructions:

To be considered, applicants must submit a complete application package that includes:

• Cover letter
• Technical skill/experience log

Diversity and Inclusion:
Promote an inclusive Westminster through demonstration of the commitments include in the Westminster University Diversity Statement. Participate in developmental activities to increase understanding and awareness of issues related diversity, equity and inclusion both individually and as related to our filed of work, profession or discipline.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Westminster University is committed to a diversified workforce, equal opportunity, and nondiscrimination. To this end, Westminster prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment based on race or ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, disabilities, genetic information, status as a veteran, or any other category or classification protected by applicable federal, state, or city laws.