Lycoming University is seeking a Director of Outdoor Leadership and Education. Lycoming University provides a first-class undergraduate experience to an increasingly diverse student body from across the United States and around the world. Toward that end, the University is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus community that supports all students, faculty, and staff, as outlined in the 2021 Strategic Plan.
To help us become more inclusive and equitable, the Director promotes extracurricular leadership and educational opportunities for all students through the College's Outdoor Leadership and Education (OLE) program. To meet this expectation, directors must have special consideration for the needs and experiences of all members of Lycoming's diverse community and be adept at supporting and enhancing the campus experience for all members with whom they work. is needed. Additionally, in order to build authentic relationships with students, faculty, and staff, directors acknowledge and value each individual's unique identity, characteristics, and lived experiences.
To achieve this objective, the Director, working independently and collaboratively, will be the main coordinator of a vigorous program of outdoor leadership and educational activities for students. Similarly, the director will be a resource and collaborator for faculty using outdoor activities to achieve faculty programming goals and objectives.
This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible position.
Who are we:
Founded in 1812, Lycoming College is one of the nation's oldest and most respected residential liberal arts and science colleges, known for the quality of its experiential programs and the skills needed upon graduation in today's world. It is becoming more and more recognized as students acquire this knowledge. Students collaborate with faculty to conduct original research, grow in a robust internship program, study abroad in more than 20 countries, and compete in her 19 sports in NCAA Division III. Lycoming University's generous per-student endowment provides the foundation to support a first-class undergraduate education. The college offers more than 100 majors, minors, and concentrations to approximately 1,000 active learners, including 37% of students of color domestically and internationally. Students represent 31 states and territories and 16 countries.
The College proudly celebrates and values the principles of inclusive excellence. In support of its efforts to establish an inclusive and equitable campus, Lycoming University is seeking greater representation from historically underrepresented groups, recognizing that doing so will advance institutional excellence. We are working hard to hire faculty and staff.
Lycoming College is an equal opportunity employer.
What will I do in this role?
leadership and management
- Serve as a member of the Student Life Leadership Collaborative, which focuses on student leadership development.
- Provide operations, management, and field instruction for outdoor leadership and education programs that respect and support all students.
- Develop and implement risk management standards and practices and serve as the Chief Risk Management Officer for all OLE operations.
- Monitor programs for compliance with accepted industry standards, federal and state regulations, and land management permits.
- Supervises student employees, including student assistants (work-study), student instructors (trip leaders), and manages program subcontractors.
- Select and purchase equipment while negotiating the best price with suppliers/manufacturers
programming
- Conduct a number of predetermined field courses/trips per year (approximately 18-20) or in collaboration with student instructors that appeal to all students with unique identities and lived experiences. These learning opportunities include weekday experiences, weekend trips, spring break substitutes, the University's First Year Outdoor Experience (summer) program, winter experiences, and the May semester (in collaboration with faculty). , but not limited to. Staff who aim to be inclusive and provide campus-wide programs that create a sense of belonging (e.g., open houses, warrior days, first weekends, participation fairs, leadership programs, campus-wide programs, etc.)
- Oversee all aspects of climbing/bouldering wall, gear/packing room, and bike/ski shop operations.
- Advise (or identify an advisor) student groups interested in the outdoors, such as the Lycoming Marathon Canoe Team or the Climbing Wall Club.
- Develops or approves course curriculum/content and format and instructional progression and guidelines for all activities offered by OLE (e.g., programs delivered by temporary or contract staff).
what are we looking for?
education
- Master's degree in outdoor education, recreation, or related field.5+ years of program management experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
- Current WFR or WEMT certification
- Professional Instructor Certification in at least one of the following areas: Wilderness Medicine, AMGA SPI/CWI, ACA SWR, ACA Canoe/Kayak.
knowledge, skills and experience
- Experience fostering an inclusive environment that supports all students.
- A valuable experience that allows you to demonstrate leadership in the great outdoors throughout the four seasons.
- Extensive program design, management, and operational experience
- Excellent communication and group facilitation skills
- Experience in risk management at both field and program levels.
- High level technical and instructional ability in several outdoor activities including some or all of the following: rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, expedition canoeing, backcountry skiing, whitewater kayaking (preferably instructor-trainer level)
- Knowledge of student development, outdoor education/leadership, and recreation theory.
- Active members of one or more of the following: AEE, AORE, ACA
what we offer.
Lycoming College has an excellent benefits package that includes:
Health and Wellness Benefits:
- Health Insurance – Lycoming University offers a variety of health insurance options
- Dental insurance including orthodontic insurance
- vision insurance
- Expenditures that flexibly consider medical expenses and dependent care expenses
- Life insurance, accidental death insurance, amputation insurance
- long term disability insurance
- Short-term disability insurance
- cancer insurance
- personal accident insurance
- wellness program
- employee assistance program
Severance pay:
- 403(b) retirement plan with up to 9% university contributions
Tuition benefits:
- Free tuition for Lycoming University employees, spouses, and eligible dependents
- Through Tuition Exchange, Inc., we offer free tuition to eligible dependents at more than 600 universities nationwide.
- Free tuition for Pennsylvania Institute of Technology employees, spouses, and eligible dependents
Paid vacation allowance:
- Generous paid time off (PTO)
- Paid parental leave
- 14 days off per year
- summer time
Employee benefits:
- 15% off at the on-campus bookstore (excluding textbooks and snacks)
- Discounted rates for meal packs at on-campus dining facilities
- Access to campus recreation center and gym facilities for employees and their families
- Use of campus library
How do I join the Warriors team?
To be considered for this position, please apply directly online by submitting your resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three professional references.. In your cover letter, state your interest in the role as Director of Outdoor Leadership and Education at Lycoming University, your experience and qualifications in the field, and your commitment to providing programming and support to students from all diverse identities and walks of life. Please tell us about this initiative. experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. An offer will be followed by a vehicle record and criminal history background check.
Lycoming University proudly celebrates and values diversity.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive campus community that supports all faculty, staff, and students. We encourage applications from candidates of diverse identities and from all candidates interested in supporting and contributing to our mission and strategic plan. Lycoming College is an equal opportunity employer.