Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw, Georgia
Valdosta, Georgia
Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida
Palos Hills, Illinois
Posted: 04-Apr-25
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Type: Full Time
Salary: Starting $60,000
Categories:
Internal Number: req19454
The Department of Wellness at Oklahoma State University is seeking an experienced and passionate professional to lead its Outdoor Adventure program as the Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventure. This role offers an exciting opportunity to oversee a large collegiate outdoor recreation program, with a focus on student development, risk management, and exceptional program delivery.
About the Department & Facilities
Our state-of-the-art recreation facilities span over 350,000 square feet, offering extensive fitness and wellness programming, including:
- A 27-foot rock climbing wall and bouldering area
- A high and low ropes challenge course
- Expansive weight and cardio spaces (60,000 sq. ft.)
- Multipurpose rooms and a performance studio
- Indoor track
- Over 15 acres of outdoor sports fields
The Outdoor Adventure program features equipment rentals, outdoor trips, challenge course facilitation, route setting, providing diverse opportunities for student engagement and leadership development.
Position Overview
The Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventure will provide strategic oversight, leadership, and vision for the program, supervising a dedicated team, managing program operations, and ensuring a safe and engaging environment for participants.
Key Responsibilities
- Staffing & Supervision
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- Recruit, hire, train, mentor, supervise, and evaluate staff, including:
- (1) Coordinator of Outdoor Adventure
- (1) Graduate Assistant of Outdoor Adventure
- (25) Outdoor Adventure student employees
- Foster a positive, student-centered work environment, emphasizing leadership development.
- Recruit, hire, train, mentor, supervise, and evaluate staff, including:
- Program Management
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- Develop, schedule, and oversee all Outdoor Adventure programming, ensuring alignment with university and departmental goals.
- Implement risk management policies and procedures for outdoor operations, trips, and special events.
- Expand and enhance Outdoor Adventure offerings, including rental programs, route setting, and instructional workshops.
- Oversee the Outdoor Adventure budget, ensuring financial sustainability through revenue generation.
- Equipment & Facility Oversight
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- Manage inventory, rentals, and equipment replacement for the Outdoor Adventure program.
- Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of facilities and equipment to ensure safety and compliance.
- Partnerships & Collaboration
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- Establish partnerships with campus departments, academic programs, and external organizations to expand program impact.
- Ensure high-quality outdoor experiences and workshops for diverse groups, including students, faculty, schools, and corporate teams.
- Safety & Compliance
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- Conduct regular safety inspections to maintain compliance with industry standards.
- Maintain all required certifications for staff and program operations.
- Assessment & Reporting
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- Track program success and maintain records for continuous improvement and alignment with NIRSA and CAS standards.
- Training & Leadership Development
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- Lead student employee training initiatives, fostering a learning-focused culture.
- Professional Development & Industry Engagement
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- Stay current with trends and best practices by attending local, regional, and national conferences (AORE, NRPA, NIRSA, etc.).
- General Responsibilities
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- Participate in departmental meetings, university initiatives, and cross-functional projects.
- Maintain a flexible schedule, including occasional nights and weekends for events and training.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Leisure Studies, Health Promotion, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum of two (2) years managing a large outdoor adventure program.
- Financial Management: Experience developing a budget dependent on revenue generation.
- Risk Management Expertise: Strong background in outdoor programming safety and compliance.
- Technical Knowledge: Experience with outdoor equipment rental procedures and operations.
- Certifications: CPR/AED/First Aid certification within 90 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Recreation Management, or a related field.
- Experience:
- 3-5 years leading a collegiate outdoor recreation program.
- Managing rock walls, challenge courses, or adventure trips.
- Supervising full-time staff and large student teams.
- Engagement with AORE, NRPA, NIRSA, or other industry associations.
Application Process
To review the full job description and submit an application, visit: jobs.okstate.edu
- Requisition ID: (req19454)
- Position Number: (535206)
- Application Deadline: May 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST (for guaranteed consideration).
A complete application includes:
- Cover Letter
- Resume addressing all qualifications
- Three Professional References
For questions about the position or search process, contact: Dr. Matt Beck, Search Chair | mrbeck@okstate.edu | 405-744-6274
OSU is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and E-Verify employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
For assistance or accommodations in the application process, contact OSU Human Resources at 405-744-7401.
