The Coordinator of Challenge Programming & Course Operations reports to the Assistant Director, Outdoor Recreation & Education and provides leadership, strategic planning, administration, and day-to-day decision-making for the safe, inclusive, efficient, and effective operation of a comprehensive collegiate challenge course program within the Department of Well-Being & Recreation. This position will foster health and well-being across the diverse OHIO community through engagement, empowerment, and inclusion. Primary areas of responsibility include direct supervision of the Challenge Course facility and high, low, and mobile team and leadership development programming and its related operational staff, outdoor equipment, policies and procedures, course maintenance and risk management operation. This position will assist with cultivating strategic partnerships with the division, campus, and community constituents to support and advance the department's mission to enhance student well-being and expand the challenge program experience. Additional areas of responsibility include assistance with the delivery of the Outdoor Pursuits program by facilitating program policies and procedures, monitoring program budgets and resources, and maintaining risk management policies. Lastly, the Coordinator is expected to promote and facilitate effective communication and collaboration across all efforts of the department, division, university, and community partners.
Program Development & Facility Oversight: Design, develop, and implement a comprehensive collegiate challenge course programming experience that includes high, low, and mobile components. Create and deliver program curriculums that promote and foster team, leadership, and personal and social development through safe, challenge-by-choice risk-taking. Responding to inquiries, processing reservations, and performing client management strategies to ensure a quality experience. Provide oversight of all Challenge Course facility space and equipment to ensure user safety and operational readiness; including but not limited to, routine maintenance and safety inspections of Challenge Course high and low rope elements, equipment repair and replacement, and facility upkeep and cleanliness. Manage program personnel and coordinate program scheduling of facility usage with appropriate administrative staff and constituents. Assesses each aspect of the program and compiles statistical data and reports on learning outcomes, program evaluation, participation, satisfaction, and risk management. Maintains current knowledge of outdoor recreation and education trends, best practices, and related issues.
Staff Development, Teamwork & Inclusion: Recruits, hires, trains, supervises and evaluates undergraduate and graduate student staff. Provides leadership and guidance, promoting teamwork, accountability, and integrity. Develops and maintains working relationships, and positively influences and motivates student staff. Commits to the intentional and ongoing professional development of all staff. Advocates for awareness, understanding, and the diversity and inclusion of all people in department facilities, programs, and communications. Creates a culture of feedback to improve the team's operations and services. Anticipates future needs of students, clients, and the challenge program by making proactive adjustments to staffing levels or structure and program components to meet those needs. Encourages both employees and users to view themselves as having the potential to make meaningful contributions and to be engaged in their communities. Facilitates inclusive processes to develop and implement change that affects multiple entities.
Resource Management & Stewardship: Responsibly manage university resources including but not limited to finances, people and equipment/inventory. Continuously evaluates operational efficiency, maximizes the impact of available resources and seeks opportunities to enhance and ensure the financial strength of the department. Ensures that budgets are in compliance with University and Department guidelines, policies and procedures. Consistently monitors all revenue and expense budgets pertaining to the area.
Student Affairs: Actively contributes as a staff member of the Division of Student Affairs that upholds the framework of equity and social justice and the personal well-being of the university community. Provides leadership, promotes collaboration and facilitates effective communication across all department, divisional, university and community partners. Maintains current knowledge of the University, its environment, purpose and affairs to be prepared to respond to appropriate issues. Actively participates in professional development opportunities and maintains knowledge of current trends and best practices within area of responsibility. Advocates and promotes diversity and inclusivity through role and responsibilities in support of the department, division, and university initiatives. Infuses socially just practices into the work, making sure programming and trainings are inclusive and accessible to all students. Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Parks, Recreation, Outdoor/Environmental Education, Education, Management, or a related field
Wilderness First Responder and CPR Certifications are required.
1 year work related experience required 1 year of management experience required
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's Degree in Parks, Recreation, Outdoor/Environmental Education, Education, Management, or a related field
Challenge or Ropes Course-related certification or license Preferred
Planning Unit: Vice President for Student Affairs
Department: VP For Student Affairs
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position: April Crabtree, crabtrea@ohio.edu
Employment Type: full-time regular
Advertised Salary:
Salary for the selected candidate will be negotiable, commensurate with education and experience, and competitive in the field within the context of similarly situated positions at public universities nationally.
In addition to a competitive approach to salary, Ohio University is proud to offer a robust healthcare plan that includes maternity care, transgender care, counseling and mental healthcare, prescription coverage, vision, dental, orthodontia care, and more. Our robust benefits package also includes paid holidays, sick time, personal time, an instructional fee waiver up to 100% for self and dependents, an excellent retirement plan with up to a 14% employer contribution, a 12-week parental leave program, adoption reimbursement, flextime and flexplace policies, an employee assistance program, access to professional development programs, wellbeing incentive programs, and additional employee resources. Additional information is available at https://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits
Ohio University is home to one of the nation’s friendliest and most picturesque campuses. But more importantly, it’s where you can become part of a two-century tradition of excellence and embark upon a rewarding career that will make a real difference. From teaching and research to admissions, facilities maintenance, and residence life, our faculty and staff propel Ohio University’s mission of helping students become their best selves. OHIO offers competitive compensation and outstanding benefits. For a complete list of employment opportunities, please visit www.ohiouniversityjobs.com.Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity affirmative action institution. For more information about Ohio University’s policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment, visit www.ohio.edu/equity.