Syracuse University is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to serve as Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation within The Barnes Center at The Arch, an integrated wellness facility housing recreation, counseling, health care, and health promotion departments under one umbrella. Within this model, the Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation will play an active role in facilitating integrated wellness opportunities for students, utilizing a multi-faceted approach to wellness through ongoing program collaborations with counseling, health care and health promotion. The Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation directly oversees the management and supervision of all aspects of outdoor recreation, including adventure trips, indoor climbing wall, outdoor equipment rental, indoor and outdoor challenge courses, teambuilding, and the cross-country ski and snowshoe center. This position has personnel management responsibilities including the training, development and supervision of 1 full-time program manager and 60 student staff throughout all areas, as well as the various program assistants. This role combines strategic program development with hands-on management of facilities, student staff, and integrated programming that supports holistic wellness initiatives through outdoor recreation.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in recreation, outdoor education, sport management, human development or another relevant field. Master's degree preferred.
- A minimum of three years of experience with balance of program development, field instruction, supervisory skills, facility management and administrative experience.
Skills and Knowledge
- Demonstrated climbing wall or challenge course management experience including strategic planning, budget management, equipment purchasing and maintenance and risk management.
- Professional experience developing and administering successful experiential curriculum, according to client learning outcomes.
- Demonstrated success in training and supervision of full-time staff utilizing best practices for customer service.
- Experience developing and administering collaborative programming with academic and student development organizations utilizing experiential methodology.
- Demonstrated pursuit of personal professional development through participation in a national industry association or organization such as ACCT, AEE, AORE, CWA, etc.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, proficient computer skills, ability to use sound management principles, and work effectively with ethnically and culturally diverse constituencies.
Preferred Skills:
- Wilderness or Remote First Aid / Wilderness First Responder Certification.
- Current Challenge Course Level Il Certification in accordance with the standards as set by (ACCT), or equivalent.
Responsibilities
- Oversee hiring, training, supervision, payroll and evaluation of 1 full-time Program Manager for Outdoor Recreation.
- Oversee the development and management of 60 student employees, encompassing climbing wall attendants, supervisors, adventure trip leaders, challenge course facilitators, cross country ski and snowshoe center attendants, and special program staff.
- Oversee development of leadership and training for student staff based on industry standards and best practices in the field of outdoor and experiential education.
- Provide direct oversight for all challenge course and climbing wall operations in their entirety.
- Oversee hiring, training, supervision, payroll and evaluation of 2 full-time Program Managers for Outdoor Recreation.
- Oversee Program Manager supervision of 60 students working as climbing wall attendants, supervisors, adventure trip leaders, challenge course facilitators, cross country ski and snowshoe center attendants, and special event staff.
- Oversee development of leadership and training for student staff based on industry standards and best practices in the field of outdoor and experiential education.
- Oversee the supervision and evaluation of comprehensive outdoor programming, including climbing wall, outdoor equipment rental, challenge course, team building, adventure trips, cross country ski and snowshoe course, and various special program areas.
- Assist Associate Director of Outdoor Recreation with managing contracts and program agreements.
- Assist Program Manager with registration and staffing for programs.
- Assist the Associate Director for Outdoor Recreation with ensuring the safe operations of outdoor recreation facilities including The Barnes Center at The Arch indoor climbing wall, indoor and outdoor challenge course, Outdoor Education Center, as well as the Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Center.
- Collaborate with other departments and student organizations to offer creative and innovative programs and events.
- Purchase and maintain outdoor recreation equipment.
- Operate and provide direct supervision of climbing wall, challenge course, cross country ski and snowshoe center facilities and adventure trip programs as needed.
- Develop, implement and evaluate comprehensive emergency procedures, risk management plans and assessment protocols for outdoor programs and facilities.
- Ensure proper maintenance and compliance with applicable State and County regulations and industry standards.
- Facilitate low and high challenge course and mobile initiatives programs as needed.
- Teach skill clinics and First Aid / CPR classes as needed.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.