Assistant Director Outdoor Recreation

Position Summary:

The University of Dayton, Department of Campus Recreation seeks a self-motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive professional with the ability to facilitate change through the creation and implementation of innovative programs. This is an opportunity to join a team of committed professionals that pursue creative and unique programming and solutions that emphasize the participant experience, while intentionally developing student leaders in a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and professional development. The Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation is challenged with the development, expansion, and oversight of a comprehensive outdoor recreation and experiential learning program. The successful candidate will build upon the foundation of a program with an emphasis on adventure, environmental awareness, challenge, education, personal development, group formation, leadership, safety, and fun. The multifaceted outdoor recreation program includes the administration of an existing climbing wall and bouldering cave, satellite equipment rental facility and bicycle program, a local and regional trip program, instructional clinics and programming at Old River Park, a 45-acre scenic recreational area with a 1.5-mile lagoon, walking paths, open green space, and historic pavilion and bandstand that is located on campus. Further, the assistant director, outdoor education is expected to display a commitment to understand and support the University of Dayton's distinctive Marianist tradition and educational vision, as well as a willingness to model institutional values of service to others, community, and diversity.

% DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

30 Program Development and Management
Plan, program, and administer the outdoor recreation program. This includes the management of the following program components: leadership and teambuilding activities, local and regional trips, skill building workshops, special events, equipment rental, climbing wall, “RecBike” bicycle issuance and fostering an outdoor ethic that educates on the benefits of, access to, and responsibility for nature. Foster student participation through the provision of adaptive, safe, and engaging activities. Assess the program effectiveness through student interest, participation statistics, satisfaction surveys, accomplishment of learning outcomes, and employee feedback. Modify the program dependent upon the needs of the University community. Work collaboratively with stakeholders to engage and educate in areas of outdoor recreation, environmental awareness, leadership, and group formation. Serve as liaison between campus stakeholders and partners (campus departments, registered student organizations, and community groups) in the communication of usage policies, space availability and scheduling, programmatic capabilities, and operation of Old River Park. Research and propose future programmatic expansion at Old River Park. Manage and maintain all outdoor equipment, including procurement and rental operations. Evaluate policies and procedures for equipment, trips, workshops, and climbing wall operations.

20 Individual and Group Leadership Development
Research, develop, create, and oversee all aspects of team building and leadership programs designed to meet group needs. With an emphasis on outdoor recreation and experiential education practices work to maximize the leadership development experience of existing student staff across all areas of Campus Recreation and programmatic groups (ie. sport clubs) through intentional experiences. Work to identify diverse campus partners that may seek to benefit from similar recreationally based developmental programs. Contribute to department wide training efforts to include new staff orientation, all staff training and the student supervisor leadership cohort.

20 Personnel
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate all student staff including trip leaders, climbing wall specialists, rental center staff, RecBike mechanics, and team leaders. Develop job responsibilities and expectations for each employee and provide the supervision to ensure employees are knowledgeable about equipment use, policies and procedures, and safety requirements. Monitor and submit all payroll reports for these employees. Develop and implement monthly in-service trainings for employees and maintain employee manuals.

15 Risk Management
Contribute to the ongoing development and facilitation of the department’s comprehensive risk management plan. Maintain a full knowledge of current risk management standards and practices in the outdoor recreation and indoor climbing wall industry. Familiarity with maintaining and inspecting an indoor climbing wall, as well as all equipment utilized in the facilitation of the program. Develop, revise, and submit for review area specific waivers, releases, contracts, and participation agreements. Plan and conduct safety training for employees. Ensure that all risk management and liability expectations are being met with specific regard to outside groups and minors. Maintain a historical database and records per established guidelines.

10 Fiscal Operations
Develop, oversee, and administer the budget for the outdoor recreation program. Conduct regular analysis of market conditions to recommend an operational budget for the various program areas and rental fee structures. Maintain financial records of rental and/or program revenues and expenses, ensuring budgetary control.

5 Related Duties
 Be involved with and make meaningful contributions to departmental, divisional, and institutional initiatives, as well as within professional organizations.
 Support and align with the mission, vision, values, and strategic direction of Campus Recreation and the Student Development sub-division of Health and Wellbeing.
 Actively participate in student development activities on campus by serving as a volunteer, mentor, committee member and/or participant.
 Actively work with other campus departments in holistic student wellbeing, persistence, and retention efforts.
 Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
• Candidate must currently have a bachelor's degree;
• 2 years of experience administering outdoor recreation programs including trip leadership/supervision;
• Working knowledge of risk mitigation standards and practices in outdoor recreation programming and the indoor climbing wall industry;
• Current certifications in First Aid, CPR and Wilderness First Responder or have obtained by date of hire;
• Articulated passion for promoting holistic wellbeing and enhancing student learning;
• Success working collaboratively with various constituents;
• Excellent written communication skills;
• Attention to detail; and
• Ability to work on a flexible basis including evenings, weekends, and on/off campus activities.

• Valid drivers license with low risk driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Master’s Degree in Campus Recreation Administration, Higher Education Administration, Student Development, Outdoor Recreation, Recreation Management, Sports Management, Kinesiology or a related field;
• Instructional skills and industry certifications in several of the following: canoeing, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, backpacking, skiing, field evacuation, expedition planning, outdoor ethics, bicycle safety etc.;
• Knowledge of basic student development or education theory specific to leadership, technical skills, or facilitation skills for team building activities;
• Progressive experience within a collegiate recreation setting as non-student professional, with an emphasis on student development, to include supervisory experience of college students;
• Progressive responsibility in, and knowledge of, planning and facilitation of intentionally designed outdoor and team building programming with the ability to formulate new, innovative ideas;
• Proven success working with a range of culturally and ethnically diverse populations, and evidence of commitment to fostering a collaborative multicultural environment;
• Demonstrated integrity, dependability, and sound judgment, while being able to lead and work within a team environment;
• Direct experience with administering a budget;
• Demonstrated analytical skills to identify problems, assess alternatives, and render consistent, logical decisions; and
• Ability to thrive in a student service environment that values high expectations, accountability, leadership, and balanced lifestyles, while possessing exceptional verbal communication skills, enthusiasm, positive attitude, and be a self-starter with the ability to instill the same in others.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the University of Dayton Human Resources on or before June 26, 2022 (employment.udayton.edu). Please include your resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references. Address inquiries to Mark Hoying at mhoying1@udayton.edu or 937/229.2721.

A federal court on December 7, 2021, issued a ruling that suspends the COVID-19 vaccine requirement that applies to federal contractors nationwide. With this development, the University will pause any enforcement action against employees who have not complied with the requirement to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8, 2021 or to have requested an exemption to maintain their employment status.

The University will continue to monitor the state of the pandemic on campus and in the community as well as developments in federal and state requirements, and also will continue to regularly consult with public health officials and our medical panel. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, our protocols and requirements are subject to change depending on conditions on campus or in our community, and government requirements.

Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.