Appalachian State University invites interested applicants for the position of Coordinator of Outdoor Programs to become a part of the University Recreation (UREC) team as we facilitate an inclusive environment where recreation and wellness opportunities transform, engage, and care for the App State community. 

This position is primarily responsible for working with the Assistant Director in the overall administration, fiscal management, implementation, and supervision of the Outdoor Programs. The coordinator will focus in the following program areas: Trips and the Outing Center at the Student Recreation Center. This position also includes responsibilities to closely collaborate with the operations of other Outdoor Program areas including the Climbing Wall, TeamBuilding Challenge Course, Broadstone Camp, and Bike App.

The Coordinator directly reports to the Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs and works closely with the other Coordinator of Outdoor Programs.

You will succeed in this position if you are committed to

• An advocate for fostering opportunities with everyone for everyone.
• Passionate about providing and creating meaningful student development opportunities.
• A strong believer in the benefits of experiential and adventure-based learning activities.
• A champion to bring a positive attitude.
• Constantly looking for feedback.
• A visionary and a strategic professional who possesses determination and initiative.
• Committed to building genuine connections between students to promote engaged communities.
• Available to work in a flexible schedule that requires some evenings, weekends, and designated holidays.

Who we are

At the Outdoor Program, we believe we are educators who develop and positively impact students using experience as our textbook and the Outdoors as our classroom. We excel in building connections through experiential and adventure-based activities. At University Recreation (UREC) we believe in an equitable University Recreation community with opportunities for everyone, with everyone. Learn more about UREC at this link.

You will have the opportunity to:

Program Operations

• Design and implement a comprehensive trips program for all App State community that is focused on access and providing intentional and impactful development experiences.
• Administrate and coordinate the daily programs and operations of the Outing Center which includes a gear and equipment rental program and trip registration.  
• Actively collaborate with the Outdoor Program Leadership team in the supervision, trainings, and operations of other program areas (Climbing Wall, TeamBuilding / Challenge Course, Broadstone Camp, and Bike App)
• Develop, implement, and evaluate program policies.
• Ensure continuity in departmental and university business practices across all areas of Outdoor Programs (i.e Trip Reports, Incident / Accident Reporting, Annual Reports, etc.)
• Design and implement custom programs by building new and maintaining existing strategic partnerships with other offices and departments across campus.
• Coordinate the maintenance and purchase of program equipment.
• Develop and implement program assessment strategies and tools to assess students’ needs, interests, representation, participant satisfaction, and program impact.
• Ensure staff coverage in all assigned areas. Create and monitor staff schedules.
• Keep proficiency with University Recreation software applications including, but not limited to, Fusion, TimeClock Plus, and When2Work.
• Under the guidance of UREC Communication team, design and implement program outreach and communication strategies.
• Edit and maintain program web pages.

Community & Belonging

• Administer and continually refine student staff training plans to foster a sense of belonging and a welcoming environment for our participants.
• Promote and advocate for everyone’s needs.
• Maintain a sustainable open-minded environment that is open to different perspectives.
• Mentor students to develop and utilize skills to work with diverse student populations.
• Hold self, students, and staff members accountable to departmental expectations of creating an inclusive environment at UREC facilities.
• Maintain sensitivity to different perspectives and identities.
• Challenge cultural norms to explore change.

Student Development

• Recruit, retain, and mentor a diverse crew of 30-40 Outdoor Programs student staff (Trip Leaders, Outing Center Attendants, and Program Managers) representing the App State community.
• Design, coordinate, and lead training opportunities that focus on the growth and development of student self-awareness, group dynamics, decision taking, leadership, technical skills, and employability skill sets.
• Actively engage in reflection of personal identity and how it influences work with students and colleagues, which includes professional development opportunities.
• Teach CPR, AED, and First Aid classes for University Recreation Student Staff and App State community participants.
• Continue professional development by involvement in professional organizations and participating in regular continuing education.
• Develop and coordinate staff appreciation initiatives.
• Facilitate a working environment that promotes risk-taking and a sense of belonging within the team.

Fiscal Management

• Budget, track, and reconcile all expenses related to the Outdoor Programs Trips and the Outing Center areas on a monthly basis.
• Assist in the annual budgeting process for Outdoor Programs. This includes developing, forecasting, and reporting revenues, expenses, and labor related to Outdoor Programs, Trips, and the Outing Center areas—total budgetary oversight is $250,300 within a $613,000 Outdoor Program budget.
• Budget and reconcile all university travel and expenses related to field-based programs.
• Approve daily payroll for Outdoor Programs student employees and monitor reported time.

Risk Management

• Provide oversight for risk management related to Outdoor Programs Trips and the Outing Center operations.
• Monitor outdoor program industry trends and recommend risk management policies and procedures modifications.
• Ensure continuity in departmental and university business practices across all areas of Outdoor Programs, including managing student employee certifications, compliance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations, App State vehicle driving certifications, and payment card industry standards.
• Ensure regular inspection and upkeep of the Trips and the Outing Center equipment and facilities

Facility and Equipment Management 

• Develop and implement effective and fiscally prudent procedures for issuing, maintaining, and purchasing program equipment for Outdoor Programs Trips and the Outing Center.
• Monitor and stay updated on outdoor program industry national standards for outdoor equipment used in outdoor trips programming and outdoor rental center.
• Revise, enhance, and maintain the current employee manual and operational procedures for the Trips and the Outing Center.
• Maintain an accurate, up-to-date inventory of all Trips and the Outing Center equipment.
• Manage equipment according to professional standards, and create a plan for replacing gear according to manufacturer recommendations and national standards.

Departmental Leadership and Support

• Establish effective and positive rapport with program staff, university personnel, students, and University Recreation users.
• In conjunction with the University Recreation (UREC) Pro-Staff, participate, lead, and/or coordinate departmental initiatives, including Fall Training, Fall and Spring Hiring Sessions, etc.
• Develop, coordinate, and lead professional staff development workshops and team-building events for University Recreation.
• Provide departmental and divisional support by participating in various hiring committees and Student Affairs events and initiatives.
• Participate in UREC Committees, Work Teams, and other areas within the department to advance departmental strategic goals and objectives.
• Continue professional development by involvement in professional organizations.

At a minimum you should have:

• Bachelor degree.
• 75 total days in the field in a professional and trip leading capacity including leading expedition experience varying from 1 to 8 days in extension.
• One (1) year of practical work experience in an outdoor program in a leadership capacity. 
• Valid driver’s license upon the first day of employment with a minimum of two years of driving experience and a clean driving record.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Current American Red Cross Instructor Training for First Aid and CPR, or the ability to obtain that within the first two months of employment. 

The preferred candidate will have

• Master degree in a related area.
• Technical outdoor competency in at least two (2) of the following skill areas: whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, backpacking, and/or challenge course facilitation.
• One (1) year of administrative/coordinative professional experience in working in a leadership capacity in outdoor recreation with an emphasis on staff development, fiscal management, and program implementation.
• Certifications in any of the following: AMGA/PCIA Climbing Wall Instructor, AMGA/PCIA Climbing Single Pitch, ACA Swiftwater Rescue and/or Challenge Course Facilitator Level I (ACCT). 
• Experience providing student outdoor leadership development opportunities in a college recreation setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in outdoor equipment usage and maintenance.

Direct Link to the Job Application

About University Recreation - Appalachian State University

About the University: As the premier public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 20,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu/about/About Boone: Boone is a college town in the best sense — a place where people say hello on the street and a vibrant downtown is just a block from campus. Its eclectic hub, known as King Street, features specialty shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain... biking, cycling, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, and other activities. Learn more at: https://www.appstate.edu/choose/#goto-boone Appalachian State University is strongly committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and nominations of members of historically underrepresented groups.

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