Outdoor Leadership Programs Coordinator

The University of Lynchburg is a nationally recognized private university dedicated to fostering innovation, authenticity, and inclusivity. We challenge students to cultivate a world of positive change, inspiring independent thinkers to become trustworthy, effective leaders within caring communities.

Position Title:     Outdoor Leadership Programs Coordinator

Classification:     Full-time, exempt

Reports To:          Assistant Director of Outdoor Leadership and Education 

Job Summary: The Coordinator is responsible for the comprehensive administration, development, implementation, and safety of the University's outdoor adventure and leadership development programs. This role supports the University's mission by providing experiential learning activities and high-impact practices for the campus community and external groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Safety and Risk Management:

• Develop, implement, and enforce critical safety protocols for all on and off-campus programs, including trips, challenge course activities, and the climbing wall.
• Oversee necessary inspections and safety training for all Outdoor Leadership Programs (OLP) activities and facilities.
• Maintain detailed records of equipment maintenance, repairs, replacements, and any program-related incidents.
• Conduct and document quarterly inspections and evaluations of all challenge course structures and hardware, ensuring compliance with Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards.
• Contract and oversee bidding for annual I ropes course inspection, new course builds, and maintenance
• Develop and administer comprehensive safety and technical skills training, workshops, and re-certification programs for staff.

Program Development and Administration:

• Assess campus needs and interests related to leadership and recreation to develop and implement appropriate programs for the University community.
• Develop, market, and manage adventure courses and leadership training opportunities for the greater Lynchburg community and external organizations, including preparing contracts and bids.
• Develop and manage all aspects of team-building programs, from short sessions to full-day programs, tailored to meet the desired outcomes of student organizations, departments, and external groups.
• Plan, design, and evaluate a diverse range of leadership programs and facilitate related activities.
• Prepare contracts and invoices for external clients.
• Collaborate with academic departments, athletics, students, and administration to promote student learning, engagement, and high-impact practices through OLP programs.
• Develop, implement, and annually evaluate the employee and operations manual.
• Manage the online registration and point-of-sale system (Square)
• Prepare and administer daily accounting, including cash reconciliation and deposits.
• Develop and execute an integrated marketing plan in coordination with the student marketing team to enhance program awareness and participation.
• Assist with long-range strategic planning and assessment; maintain accurate participant and program data for annual reports.

Staff Supervision and Development:

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate student staff, including managers, adventure trip leaders, climbing instructors, route setters, ropes course facilitators, archery range officers, customer service representatives, Assistant Facilitators (approx. 15), Facilitators (approx. 5), and Lead Facilitators (approx. 3).
• Maintain accurate staff contact information and manage shift scheduling using WhentoWork software.
• Develop and facilitate staff training curriculum covering technical skills (e.g., course setup, climbing techniques, gear repair), personal skills (e.g., group development, facilitation, risk management), wilderness medicine, and Leave-No-Trace ethics.
• Organize and lead regular staff meetings and trainings, ensuring effective communication of departmental updates, events, and schedules.
• Document staff training to verify competency and understanding of relevant concepts and skills.
• Conduct semesterly performance evaluations for student staff, providing constructive written and verbal feedback.
• Oversee student staff payroll.
• Mentor student staff in all program areas.
• Assist with the preparation of the department's budget, including staffing and expense projections.

Technical and Programmatic Skills:

• Proficiency in course and element setup and takedown, and gear retrieval.
• Competence in self-belay climbing, harness tie-in procedures, knot tying, and belaying.
• Ability to perform thorough course and equipment inspection and maintenance.
• Demonstrated recreational activity skills, including but not limited to hiking, rock climbing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, tree climbing, backpacking, and caving.
• Strong knowledge of group facilitation and group dynamics theory, with experience using various activities and exercises for group training and development.
• Ability to perform gear and equipment repair.

Required License/Certification:

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT).
• ACA (American Canoe Association) instructor certification and swift water rescue training.
• Preferred: NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), OB (Outward Bound), or Project Adventure experience.
• SPI (Single Pitch Instructor) rock climbing training.
• ACCT (Association of Challenge Course Technology) training Level two training.
• ACCT (Association of Challenge Course Technology) Challenge Course Manager