Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures

Be You.

The Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures has a direct impact on the Duke student experience and success. This position supervises and engages 60 part time student staff that want to make a difference on campus.  Duke Outdoor Adventures has an established history on campus and in the field with an active community of students seeking a life balance with the universities’ rigorous academic schedule.

This position will directly supervise the highly utilized climbing wall and rental program.

The Recreation and Physical Education Department is looking for an individual that is ready to lead from the front while encouraging student growth through leadership experiences of the Outdoor Adventures student staff. Critical thinking and problem solving in a dynamic campus environment is a must as we strive to adjust to the ever-changing needs of the Duke community.

Minimum Requirements: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Experience:

Experience in staff management and development, as well as trip leading experience in three or more of the following activities: backpacking, rock-climbing, white-water kayaking, sea kayaking, mountain biking, stand up paddleboarding, and the ability to train staff in at least two of the aforementioned activities. Must have the ability to obtain CPR/AED and Wilderness First Responder certifications within 3 months of hire date. Must display good judgment, think independently and make sound decisions for everyday emergency situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Recreation, Leisure Studies, Physical Education, Sport Management, or related field.

Experience

Two or more years of full-time professional experience developing Outdoor Adventure programming in a collegiate recreation setting.  Professional experience developing and administering outdoor programming in a culturally diverse environment. Demonstrated experience administering risk management practices for outdoor recreation programs. Previous experience in equipment rental procedures and adventure-based trip management, preferably in a university setting. Current certifications through ACA, AMGA, AAI, PCIA, ACCT, LNT, WMI, SOLO. Demonstrated pursuit of personal professional development through participation in a national industry association or organization (AORE, ACCT, WEA, AEE, or NIRSA). Experience with Fusion or other recreation management software.

Experience route setting for climbing competitions and wall maintenance.

Experience keeping equipment inventory and maintenance outdoor equipment.

Other Requirements: 

A valid driving license is required.

The ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.

This position is: 

Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location with evenings and weekends regularly a part of the hours.

Be Bold.                                 

Manage the operations and communication of the climbing wall and equipment rental program.

Manage and communicate with staff for scheduling and training.

Coordinate and communicate with supervisor

Choose Duke.

This is a full-time position under the direct supervision of the Director of Outdoor Adventures. The Outdoor Adventures leadership team consists of a full-time Director and a full-time Assistant Director. This Assistant Director position is responsible for the day-to-day operations and leadership of the indoor rock-climbing facility, indoor rock-climbing programming, equipment storage room, and equipment rental program. This position directly supervises 60+ student employees. The Assistant Director is responsible for assisting in the development, direction, and evaluation of a comprehensive Outdoor Adventure program. The Assistant Director has the opportunity to assist with outdoor trip leader development training and workshops. This includes assisting with the management of daily operations within Outdoor Adventures including an indoor climbing wall, outdoor trips and instructional clinics, outdoor equipment rentals, specialized programs, events, and additional projects that support the mission and vision of the Department of Recreation and Physical Education.

In addition, the Outdoor Adventures team is responsible for developing and implementing a shared vision guided by departmental goals that are aligned with the Duke Athletic department strategic plan. Outdoor Adventures plays a key role with leveraging specific strategies around health and wellbeing as well as student learning and success. This position is uniquely positioned to contribute to student learning and student success by providing space for Duke students to build community through welcoming and inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities.

• Provide the Duke community with exceptional outdoor recreation programs while serving as a champion for recreation, health, wellness and outdoor education at Duke University.

• Assist with marketing, budgeting, strategic planning, and deliberate development of Duke Outdoor Adventures in alignment with the department’s mission, values, and goals.

• Manage the outdoor equipment rental operations including equipment inventory, inspections, maintenance, budget tracking and purchasing. Coordinate group rentals and various special events.

• Provide supervision of indoor climbing wall operations, maintenance, and staff development including evening and weekends. Assist with planning and implementation of special events at the climbing wall including annual rock-climbing competitions.

• Maintain current knowledge of industry standards, emerging trends, and best practices related to risk management in collegiate rock wall facilities. Actively monitors developments in climbing safety procedures and equipment advances through continuing education, professional networks, and industry publications.

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate part-time employees on proper operating policies and procedures for the rock wall and equipment rental program within the Outdoor Adventures Program.

• Assist with the Outdoor Adventures Trips program. Co-lead outdoor trips that include, but are not limited to rock climbing, kayaking, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, caving, skiing/snowboarding excursions that range 1-10 days in length.

• Practice proper risk management policies and procedures set forth by the Department of Recreation and Physical Education and update Outdoor Adventure Policies as needed.

• Work supportively, collaboratively and diplomatically with a wide variety of colleagues, faculty, patrons, and students both inside and outside of the department.

• Collaborate with campus partners by providing consultation for outdoor adventure programs, including but not limited to climbing wall events, equipment rentals, trip planning, risk management, team building, staff development and program advising.

• Serve as an active member of the Recreation and Physical Education team by upholding the Team Charter, Team Values, and by cultivating a positive environment.

For best consideration, apply by end of February.  

Join our award-winning team as identified by Forbes magazine as America’s Best Large Employer 2024 and be part of an inclusive culture that values excellence, innovation, and discovery. As an organization, we have exciting opportunities to be forward-thinking leaders in our field. We want talented individuals to join us, examine our current operations, and create innovative solutions that will revolutionize and enhance the way we approach our work.

Duke University is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide and is renowned for its cutting-edge research across disciplines.

Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from Duke's competitive benefits package including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for employees and their children, and more.

Minimum Qualifications

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regardto an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve of thisexchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $55,000.00 to USD $60,000.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Education

Work requires analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.

Experience

Work requires one year of experience in program administration or involving academic, instructional or counseling activities to acquire skills necessary to plan, coordinate and implement a variety of program activities and events. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

Work requires one year of experience in program administration or involving academic, instructional or counseling activities to acquire skills necessary to plan, coordinate and implement a variety of program activities and events. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE