Outdoor Programs Director

This position develops the strategic vision for the Outdoor Recreation Program at the University of Minnesota in alignment with Recreation and Wellness Goals and the Office of Student Affairs Strategic Plan. This role manages and oversees all aspects of a comprehensive, multi-faceted college outdoor recreation program which includes multiple indoor climbing facilities, outdoor trips program, instructional clinics, equipment rental shop operations and a Nordic ski center. This individual leads a team of two (2) full-time employees, and over 50 student staff, who are responsible for the daily operations of the climbing facilities, outdoor rental shop and over 40 annual student-led outdoor trips.

This position provides leadership and guidance in the development of risk management plans, technical training, and programming in a wide variety of skill areas including outdoor leadership, rock and ice climbing, backpacking, paddling and backcountry travel.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Outdoor Program Management (60%)

• Work collaboratively with full time staff, and the Associate Director of Programs, to create and guide short and long-term mission driven strategies for all Outdoor Program areas (outdoor trips, climbing gym, rental center and Nordic ski center).
• Supervise, train and lead 2 full time staff who are responsible for operations of climbing programs and the equipment rental shop.
• Hire, train and supervise 15 student trip program staff responsible for leading outdoor trips in a variety of locations and disciplines.
• Represent the Outdoor Program locally, regionally and nationally, serving as a leader in collegiate outdoor recreation and staying current in industry best practices in program development, training and risk management.
• Solely responsible for developing, maintaining and implementing thorough risk management plans for a variety of high risk activities which include remote backcountry travel, climbing, paddling, international travel and vehicle transportation.
• Minimize the University's exposure to risk by using experience based judgment and decision making in concert with risk management protocols to guide operational decisions.
• Develop, monitor and forecast an outdoor program budget of over $500,000 annually.
• Manage operations of the Nordic ski trails on the University Golf Course.
• Act as the Departmental Responsible Authority (DRA) for Fleet Services.

Program Planning and Design (30%)

• Develop and manage over 40 outdoor trips annually. This includes planning, scheduling registration, permits, transportation and any other logistics.
• Design and implement trip leader training programs for student outdoor trip leaders.
• Adapt and evolve programs, services and facilities to meet the changing needs of the university community.

University Involvement / Committees (10%)

• Contribute to the department's collaborative mission through service on committees, and engagement in departmental projects.
• Participating and engaging in departmental and Office of Student Affairs meetings to represent the Outdoor Program.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least six (6) years of professional experience in outdoor recreation programming.
• Demonstrated experience in a variety of outdoor skills such as backpacking, rock and ice climbing, canoeing, mountain biking and outdoor leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Documented experience managing full time staff
• Experience designing, developing, and delivering comprehensive training programs for outdoor guides and facilitators
• Experience in university outdoor recreation programming
• Masters Degree in recreation administration, outdoor education/recreation or related field
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification

The mission of Recreation & Wellness is to serve all students and the greater University community by enriching the campus experience and encouraging lifelong wellbeing. We are driven to develop leaders, foster supportive relationships, and inspire active living through recreation and wellness.

Pay Range: $63,000 - $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach a resume and cover letter for a complete application.

The application deadline is Friday, March 7, 2025

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).