The Outdoor Recreation Coordinator is responsible for the daily management of the equipment rental operation, climbing wall, and educational programs (i.e. kayak roll workshops). Additionally, the position acts as a liaison for the Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center with University and community patrons.
Departmental Description
Vanderbilt Athletics Department prepares student-athletes to become leaders and champions in life by placing the highest values on integrity, character, sportsmanship and victory.
About Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt is a renowned private institution founded in 1873 located a little more than a mile from downtown Nashville, TN. The university’s students, faculty, staff and visitors frequently cite Nashville as one of the perks of Vanderbilt. VU is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday.
Duties, Responsibilities, and Expected Outcomes:
Rental Equipment and Outdoor Recreation Center
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Assist in the supervision of the physical plant of the 3,000 sq. ft. Outdoor Rec Center
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Enforce all Outdoor Recreation policies and procedures
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Manage equipment rentals of over $25,000 in revenue and inventory operation
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Work with vendors and oversee the maintenance and replacement (purchase) of all outdoor recreation equipment
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Engage in the continual education and implementation of industry trends and standards for outdoor recreation
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Assist in the establishment of safety policies and procedures in accordance with department and industry risk management plans
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Recruit, hire, train, supervise, meet, and evaluate rental student staff
Climbing Wall and Programming
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Manage all aspects of the climbing wall including programming, maintenance, route design, and safety protocol
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Support the development and implementation of inclusive outdoor education programming, based on needs of patron populations
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Engage in the continual education and implementation of industry trends and standards for the climbing wall
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Assist with planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating current programs, events, clinics, etc.
Adventure Trips and Educational Programming
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Provide support in the planning, training, and staffing of Adventure Trips
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Plan and lead diverse adventure trips as assigned
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Lead all climbing trips and conduct staff training
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Lead and coordinate workshops in outdoor skills and topics (i.e. Kayak Roll classes in the Rec’s pool and Wilderness First Aid certification classes)
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Assist in the establishment of safety policies and procedures in accordance with department and industry risk management plans
Human Resources
Budgeting
Other
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Initiate strategic partnerships with campus and community partners to design educational outreach programs that will positively impact the campus experience
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Provide data and maintain detailed records on programs, including records with confidential data
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Assist in the production of communications, publications, and outreach material using multiple technologies and social media
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Enforce University policies and compliance standards
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Other duties as assigned
Hours: This position is exempt and is expected to work Monday through Friday. Weekends, evenings, and on call status required.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Outdoor Recreation, Sports Management, Physical Education, or related is preferred
- Minimum of two years’ experience working in a supervisory role
- Intermediate-level climbing or experience in sport climbing and anchor setups
- Must be able to communicate effectively and relate to patrons
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Must be flexible and able to adapt easily to changes that occur on short notice
- Broad-based experience in Outdoor Recreation activities is preferred
Certifications
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AMGA or PCIA Climbing Wall Instructor Certification
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Wilderness First Aid (required)
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Wilderness First Responder Certification (preferred)
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CPR/First Aid/AED or ability to obtain within 45 days of hire
Success Factors
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Acceptance of Feedback – Takes constructive criticism with grace, and makes improvements without taking it personally or holding grudges. When wrong, owns it – freely admits mistakes.
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Adaptability – Reads cues and adapt accordingly. Adjusts style and approach to accommodate the styles and needs of others. Can anticipate and effectively de-escalate potential conflicts.
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Creative Thinking – Goes beyond the boundaries of the job description, willingly takes on new challenges, and finds creative solutions rather than always awaiting direct instructions.
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Helpful Nature – Offers to help lighten the load for others in times of need. Volunteers rather than waiting to be asked. Understands that almost no one works in a silo and needs the help of others to do their job well; recognizes that by helping others first, others will likely reciprocate.
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Integrity – Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well as successes, recognizes that trust is required to hold a team together.
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Maturity -- Exhibits professional maturity; doesn’t pass the buck to dodge accountability; doesn’t engage in petty office politics or inappropriate social conduct.
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Optimism– Is friendly, tirelessly cordial, polite, and genial. Comes in to work with a good attitude and doesn’t bring their own personal “little black clouds” into the work environment.
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Is Nice – Asks caring, interested questions and is a good listener. Smiles and is grateful. Sends appropriate notes of thanks to others who have helped. Avoids gossip or saying negative things about co-workers. Patient and generous. Makes suggestions rather than stating hard and fast opinions. Avoids being negative, sarcastic, and cynical.
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Works through Issues – Recognizes that the work is about successful outcomes. If things aren’t going well, outcomes suffer. Is willing to have crucial conversations if things aren’t going well. Doesn’t just complain to management…does everything possible to remedy the situation directly first.
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Teamwork – Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers; makes them feel valuable and important by acknowledging what they do well. Doesn’t expect from others effort that one is unwilling to do themselves. Finds ways to acknowledge other’s strong suits.
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Raises the Bar – Expects and delivers excellence. Is a creative problem solver. Is proactive. Welcomes input on making things better. Places a high value on learning and getting better.
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Eager – Enthusiastic, wanting to learn, wanting to continue one’s personal and professional development and expertise.
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Is clear with the deliverables and outcomes needed, but allows members of the work unit to tackle the problems in the way they see fit, without micromanaging every process. Understands that the destination – rather than the exact route – is what’s important.
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Welcomes inquiry and recognizes mistakes as learning opportunities.
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Cares about their employees as people, not just as “resources.”
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Champions the work unit’s cause, and makes compelling business cases for its needs.
