Davidson College seeks a skilled and experienced candidate for the Assistant Director for Davidson Outdoors. This dynamic extra-curricular outdoor recreation program relies on well-trained student leaders to provide quality outdoor experiences to the college community. We welcome candidates who possess strong technical skills, field experience and a strong interest in student development, who are ready to help us build a more inclusive and diverse community.

The DO Assistant Director is a year-round position. The AD assists the program director, staff, student leaders and student employees in delivering a broad range of adventure-based programs. This position will be involved in managing all aspects of the DO program including:

• Outdoor Odyssey pre-orientation program
• Training, supervision and evaluation of student leaders and student employees
• Delivery of leader training courses
• Wilderness trips and local programming during the school year

This position will also collaborate with other Student Life offices to promote well-being, inclusion and connection for all members of the campus community.

Job Duties

Serve as Manager of a program area (Whitewater Paddling, Climbing Program, Biking, or Challenge Course Program) and provide leadership training and/or certification, manage the equipment according to standards as determined by the industry; develop and maintain site-specific policies and procedures; maintain records of inspection, maintenance, accidents and incidents.

Assists the Director of Davidson Outdoors in administration and management of outdoor experiential learning and recreation program within the College Union. This includes training and supervising 10 - 20 student employees who manage the climbing wall, pack out trips, register participants on trips, provide bicycle repair assistance, provide trip planning resources, manage a gear rental program, and regularly inspect the disc golf course.

Provide leadership and support for the Trip Leader Training course. Instruct and evaluate the performance of a group of sixteen trip leader candidates over the course of a nine-week class which includes two weekend and one 4-day backpacking trips. Coach up to four trip leader mentors assisting in the course.

Assist with all aspects of the Outdoor Odyssey, our outdoor pre-orientation program each summer. This includes managing registration, training Outdoor Odyssey leaders in outdoor and group development skills, setting learning outcomes for leaders, and evaluation and debriefing of the experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in any field
• At least two years of professional work experience with a leadership role in outdoor recreation in a wilderness environment
• Experience as a guide or instructor in at least two of these activities: rock climbing, whitewater paddling, mountain & road biking, backpacking

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education administration, student development or similar field
• Three years of professional experience working in a leadership role in a wilderness environment
• Experience in student counseling or student development in a liberal arts institution
• Outdoor recreation program management experience
• Instructional experience with Outward Bound, NOLS or other major program
• PCIA Base Managed or AMGA Single Pitch instructor certification
• ACA Canoe Certification Level III or higher
• Experience managing a Challenge Course including training & scheduling facilitators and booking groups
• Experience managing a climbing wall including overseeing routesetters
• Wilderness First Responder certification or ability to obtain this after hiring

Information about how to submit an application can be found at