From a Ryan Brady Photo

Course Director Position: Outward Bound, Denver

 

Summary	The Course Director oversees the safety, quality, and educational effectiveness of all courses.  Primary responsibilities include supervising and evaluating Instructors, managing technical student sites, and overseeing all logistical details of courses in the field.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities	·         Serve as the primary link between program management and Instructors. ·         Assess Instructor capabilities and help staff develop, work on and evaluate personal and professional goals. ·         Run pairing meetings, help with route plans and educational course content.  ·         Oversee and manage entire course from course planning, implementation and wrap-up. ·         Ensure Instructors thorough completion of all course planning tasks and general readiness prior to student arrival. ·         Work closely with other Course Directors and support staff to coordinate course support needs, including transport. ·         Communicate frequently with Denver Center Admissions staff to discuss pertinent screening concerns of incoming students. ·         Provide active in-field leadership, training, mentoring, and inspiration for staff throughout course.  ·         Run staff trainings according to individual technical and educational skills.  For field staff unable to attend training, provide orientation to specific program environment, course details, school policies and current safety updates. ·         Handle emergency phone calls, troubleshoot with field and senior program staff, and coordinate student and staff evacuations from start to finish. ·         Manage technical sites, serving as trainer and mentor.  ·         Maintain professional presence and relations at sites, with outside agencies, other organizations and locals. ·         Ensure completion of all course end paperwork.
Secondary Duties and Responsibilities	·         May be required to step into Instructor role if program needs dictate. ·         Assist program and other courses during busy times - such as supporting sites, managing evacuations, driving, and packing food. ·         As time permits, takes on special projects such as reconnaissance, maintaining facilities, resource file creation, etc. ·         Supervise and provide additional training for interns and support staff working with assigned courses.
Knowledge and Skills	·         Knowledge of OB programs and philosophy. ·         Detail oriented with good organizational skills. ·         Strong technical skills and working knowledge specific to local course area. ·         Demonstrated successful working relationships with peers and other management staff. ·         Solid trainer, able to accurately assess staff and teach to a variety of learners. ·         Able to smoothly and diplomatically manage diverse staff, creatively and effectively facilitating conflict if necessary. ·         Ability to balance the management of more than one course at a time.  ·         Ability to problem solve, prioritize and manage multi-tasks successfully within tight timelines and high stress. ·         Very strong and effective communicator, both written and oral.
Education and Work Experience	·         High school graduate and 2-3 years experience in the outdoor education/experiential learning field or any similar combination of education and experience. ·         Certified in Wilderness First Responder or above, CPR and any other certifications required by the local program area.
Physical Requirements	·         Must be sufficiently fit to participate in all site and course activities and maintain ample energy, strength and focus to aid students and instructors ·         On feet most days – sometimes for up to 16+ hours a day. Could be more if an emergency. ·         Ability to carry weights up to 50-60 lbs.
Salary and Benefits	·         Paid at an exempt, per-diem rate at the Course Director level.