Coordinator of Outdoor Adventure

Job Summary

The Coordinator of Outdoor Adventure at East Tennessee State University provides leadership for outdoor recreation programming within Campus Recreation, with a particular focus on expanding first-year outdoor orientation experiences. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventure, this position oversees the planning and implementation of a comprehensive trips program that includes day trips, overnight excursions, and extended break trips.

Key responsibilities include recruiting, training, and supervising student trip leaders; overseeing the Buccaneer Outdoor Leadership Training (BOLT) program; facilitating outdoor skills clinics and Wilderness First Aid courses; and managing the outdoor gear rental program. The Coordinator also supports budgeting, risk management, equipment oversight, and participant experience while collaborating with campus partners to enhance programs and services.

The role additionally contributes to Challenge Course and Climbing Wall operations, staff trainings, and broader Campus Recreation initiatives. Candidates should possess experience in outdoor trip design and collegiate recreation, along with strong leadership, organizational, and student development skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of outdoor recreation, experiential education, and risk management practices
• Knowledge of outdoor trip planning
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles
• Knowledge of student development and leadership training practices for student employees and trip leaders.
• Knowledge of outdoor technical skills related to hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, paddle-sports, or biking
• Knowledge of strategies for fostering inclusion, belonging, and leadership development
• Knowledge of outdoor equipment use, maintenance, inventory, and replacement cycles
• Knowledge of budgeting, purchasing, and program assessment practices
• Knowledge of university policies, liability considerations, and industry best practices
• Strong leadership, communication skills, including verbal and written, and group facilitation skills. Skilled in trip design, implementation, problem-solving, and decision-making under pressure
• Skilled in teaching outdoor skills
• Skilled in supervising, mentoring, and evaluating student staff and trip leaders
• Skilled in risk assessment and sound judgment in changing environmental conditions
• Skilled in building inclusive communities and creating welcoming outdoor experiences for staff and participants of varying backgrounds and ability levels
• Ability to safely lead groups in outdoor environments
• Ability to respond effectively in emergencies and changing conditions
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel
• Ability to build positive relationships and foster student growth and belonging
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, colleagues, and community partners. Ability to operate a large van/vehicle while towing a trailer
• Ability to accept, utilize, and give feedback appropriately

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor''s Degree and one (1) year of experience working in a collegiate outdoor adventure/recreation program; graduate assistantship experience accepted
• A portfolio that includes a demonstrated background in trip design and implementation
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid or ability to obtain within an established period after hire
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid Wilderness First Aid Instructor or ability to obtain within an established period after hire
• Current Wilderness First Responder Certification or ability to obtain within an established period after hire
• Valid driver''s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Master''s Degree in outdoor leadership, higher education, sport management, recreation management, or related field
• A portfolio that includes a demonstrated background in some of the following categories: outdoor orientation trip design and implementation, aerial or high-ropes challenge course, climbing wall (top-rope and lead), whitewater kayaking/rafting, bike maintenance and instruction, and trail building
• Experience driving a 15-passenger van with a trailer

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family - Student Services Professional 1
• Market Range - 6
• For information on benefits please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.

ETSU is an equal opportunity employer.

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution''s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution's focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position''s essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.