The Placement Exchange Job Board

Position Description

• Oversees selection of and collaborates with a student leader Steering Committee to oversee all aspects of the First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP) pre-orientation facilitating group adventure-based experiences that promote the development of social support and self-awareness for over 450 first-year students. The committee operates on consensus-based approach to leadership.

• Oversees and maintains program-wide focus on building a diverse, accessible program for students of all backgrounds and identities, with specific attention paid to communities not traditionally represented in the outdoors, using trainings, programming types, and recruitment practices that foster a sense of belonging for all students.

• Manages the program budget, creates long term financial plans and manages the distribution of financial aid, under direction of the Dean of Students Office. Works with outside contractors for a variety of reservations and services; negotiates contracts and evaluates services. Develops alumni relationships and leads large fundraising efforts in addition to managing long-term donor relationships. Oversee the ongoing outdoor program accreditation review process with the Association of Experiential Education.

• Responsible for risk management and responds to all emergencies during training trips and FOP trips by creating a leader communication system, preparing accident response protocol, maintaining relationships with local authorities, and managing an emergency response team. Must be able to re-locate while students are out on trips to ensure close proximity. Oversees the program's ongoing accreditation review process with the Association of Experiential Education (AEE). In addition, conducts yearly assessment of the FOP experience for leaders and first-year student participants to ensure quality programming and implements intentional changes to the program based on data gathered. Manages the FOP office and gear storage room in the SOCH (trip gear, computers, website, database, mailings, telephone contact, etc.). Serves as the main liaison and representative for the needs, interest, and concerns of FOP with relevant Harvard offices and administration. Manages and maintains FOP office and gear storage room.

• Ensures that all aspects of FOP align with College policies and best-practice safety standards. Provides comprehensive training to student leaders in topics including social justice, outdoor education, small group facilitation crisis management and emergency planning to minimize the potential for harm.

• Collaborates with Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Leadership develop larger leadership initiatives across the College.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in higher education, particularly in student engagement.
• Ability to create and facilitate wilderness trainings including medical and technical skills.
• Knowledge of current Association of Experiential Education (AEE) accreditation standards.
• Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician certification or higher.
• Knowledge of New England trails/wilderness areas.
• Experience staffing and managing climbing walls, including American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) certification and /or Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) training
• Abiding interest in students and dedication to their development as whole beings, and an energetic commitment to improving their experience on campus.
• Substantial and demonstrable experience leading a strategically important student affairs function based on sound principles of student development and a clear philosophy about the integration of residential and co-curricular life with academic endeavors.
• Understanding and perspective on the impact of demographic changes on the composition and needs of the student body, and nimble at identifying programmatic adjustments in response.
• Collaborative style and sophistication in working with partners across multiple organizations to create the conditions for a high-quality student experience.
• Skilled at interacting with a diversity of external constituents (parents, alumni, donors, and so on) who express interest and have a stake in the work of the office.
• Appreciation for and creativity in adapting traditions and mores of Harvard College to changing times.
• Calm under pressure and during crises, and able to direct teams during high stress periods to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students.
• Competence managing finances and planning for program development over multiple years.Experience facilitating reflection activities, preferably with college student populations

Certificates and Licenses

Current Wilderness First Responder certification

Physical Requirements

Walking, Hiking, Climbing

Working Conditions

Remote/Outdoor

Additional Information

The Student Engagement Office, located within the Dean of Students Office, is committed to creating experiences that help students build community. Beyond immediate role responsibilities, the Outdoor and Recreation Coordinator will work closely with the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Leadership to have a direct impact on direction of planned leadership programming for the larger College community.

Through Student Engagement's values of Mattering, Discovery, Partnership, and Growth the office plays a significant role in the vibrancy of Harvard College with a focus on personal and social transformation.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Student Engagement, the Outdoor and Recreation Coordinator is a member of the Student Engagement team in the Office of the Dean of Students. The position requires strict confidentiality, as well as strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.

We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to be a part of our community

Salary Grade: 057

Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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