Outdoor Adventures Manager (10-month salaried position)

New York City Outward Bound Schools

New York, NY, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Travel & Tourism

Full Time

Job Description

Salary: $56,667 - $70,833 (10-month salary)

ABOUT NYC OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOLS

Why can’t school be more like an Outward Bound course? NYC Outward Bound Schools believes that students benefit greatly from tapping into the world beyond their classroom and their immediate community to partake in joyful learning experiences that can prepare them to thrive in community, college, and career. In partnership with the NYC public school system, NYC Outward Bound Schools is a non-profit organization that serves over 28,000 students in almost 80 schools across the five boroughs of New York City. NYC Outward Bound Schools provides opportunities for unique, liberatory, experiential learning for students in their social, emotional, and academic development. The organization supports NYC young people both by leading students in outdoor adventure programming that pushes beyond their traditional school experiences and also by coaching and supporting educators on how to incorporate lessons from these catalytic experiences within the classroom. Ultimately, our diverse and committed staff support NYC young people in unique ways to develop the knowledge and skills to lead with confidence and curiosity, persist in the face of challenges, and live fulfilling lives.

Role Summary:

The Outdoor Adventures Manager is responsible for the development, management, and execution of the day-to-day outdoor adventure and climbing wall programs to ensure that young people have access to safe and inclusive programming that centers student leadership and allows discovery through exploration. The Outdoor Adventure Manager plans and directs all aspects of the outdoor adventure and climbing wall programs, manages a team of outdoor instructors and climbing wall staff, and works with the Director of Outdoor Adventures to create the strategic direction and annual programming plans. The Outdoor Adventure Manager (10-month) is a full-time position that begins in August and ends in June each year. This position requires both remote, overnight work on outdoor courses in NY State and urban adventures in NYC as well as work in the NYC Outward Bound Schools’ headquarters office in Long Island City (Queens).

Essential Functions:

Serve as the program manager for all aspects of the outdoor and urban adventure programs with NYC Outward Bound Schools
Develop and/or adapt curriculum and lesson plans for outdoor adventure programs and trainings
Oversee logistics for each course, including ensuring each program is properly staffed, has scheduled transportation, has the appropriate equipment, gear, and supplies needed, and has the appropriate amount of meals/food for the duration of the program
Drive and/or arrange for transportation of students and/or staff to address emergent issues on site, pick up supplies, and address other needs that require vehicular transportation; ensure all other authorized staff are competent to drive NYC Outward Bound Schools vehicles
In coordination with the Director of Safety, screen students for relevant medical history and accommodations and implement necessary interventions to ensure the safety of students on course
Oversee the climbing wall program, including ensuring all staff are effectively trained, the climbing wall itself and its supporting materials are in the proper condition for use with students, and that programs are scheduled effectively.
Support staff on appropriate management of student behavior, including addressing conflict to maintain the focus of the program when necessary.
Manage individual incidents and emergent situations to ensure a timely and appropriate response for the safety and health all outdoor adventure participants
Communicate with and guide schools through the student admissions and preparation process, including sharing all expectations for staff participation while on site, as well as any necessary post-course updates
Hire and supervise site leaders and outdoor instructors, including observing outdoor instructors on course to provide feedback to staff for the continuous improvement and development of staff.
Design and lead trainings for outdoor adventure staff
Facilitate staff activities that support a continuous improvement framework to respond to shifts in strategy and approach in order to support teams’ growth
Draft and maintain all required paperwork, data, and case files for outdoor adventure programs to ensure an ability to capture all course incidents, program reports, continuous learnings, and program impact.
Implement and lead new and innovative programs aligned with NYC Outward Bound Schools’ mission and vision.
Support school-based programming, when needed, that is aligned to outdoor adventure programming.
Instruct students on specific outdoor adventure courses when needed, modeling the approach that “everyone is an instructor”
Perform other duties as directed

Qualifications:

Strong commitment to educational equity for BIPOC youth, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Demonstrated dedication to our core values of community, courage, equity, integrity, and learning throughout all aspects of their work
A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in education, outdoor education, and/or non-profit work in support of young people.
Understanding of the approach to teaching and expanding opportunities for young people from varied and diverse backgrounds, including an ability to resolve conflict when it arises
Ability to manage educational programming that supports and accommodates diverse learners
Ability to design and facilitate professional development and training for adults
Demonstrated ability to build trust, work collegially, and achieve influence across a wide range of diverse stakeholders
Demonstrated skills in harnessing and growing team talent to deliver on the goals of development and communication initiatives
Ability to originate action without instruction, take initiative, and prioritize tasks effectively
Flexibility, maturity, and ability to juggle competing priorities
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal; experience and skill in public speaking and presentations
Unquestionable integrity and ethical standards in leadership.
Excellent digital literacy skills, including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Google.
Ability to successfully obtain and maintain necessary certifications for outdoor adventure, upon start of employment and after completing required training
Current and valid U.S. driver’s license held for a minimum of the past five (5) years, with the ability to drive, when needed, in the city and to remote locations, preferred
Successful completion of a NYC Department of Education background check.
Ability to work long hours, lift up to 50 lbs, and perform physical, outdoor jobs in all weather
Ability to work outdoors for up to five days, overnight (i.e., camping), in many weather and temperature conditions

Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
HRA/FSA/Transit accounts
Life insurance
403(b) with employer match after one year
Generous PTO

Location:

Requires up to five days a week on remote course location for overnight programs as well as participation in programs in the city and at the organization's headquarters in Long Island City (Queens)

Studies have shown that certain populations, including women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

NYC Outward Bound Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination against, and harassment of, any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, qualified individuals with a disability on the basis of the disability, or any other category which may be protected under applicable state or federal law.

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