Associate Director of Outdoor Programs

This position aids the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP) Director in the administration of the RSOP Department, with a particular emphasis on outdoor programming. The role oversees and supports outdoor program areas within the department, including Climbing, Outdoor Activities, Paddle/Surf/Kite, the Rental Center, and Sea Kayaking. It provides supervision and leadership to full-time Outdoor Program staff by offering guidance, administrative support, and oversight of programmatic offerings. In addition, the position contributes to the mission and activities of the University of Minnesota Duluth RSOP through active involvement with the department, the campus community, and external partners.

This is a 100% time position. To meet the demands and expectations of this position, work hours will vary from day to day, week to week, and season to season. This position is located in Duluth, Minnesota.

This position will report to the Director of Recreational Sports Outdoor Program.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Departmental Administration- 30%
  • Provide leadership and strategic direction for the outdoor program departments within the RSOP department.
  • Serve on the departmental leadership team to make department-wide decisions around the administration of programs, departmental policy, strategic direction, and other needs as necessary.
  • Create and administer assessments of programs in alignment with the departmental, divisional, and institutional strategic plans.
  • Serve as a departmental liaison between the Recreational Sport Outdoor Program department and the Applied Human Sciences academic department.
  • Contribute to the RSOP team by assisting and working with individuals from multiple ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including but not limited to differing race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
    
• Program Planning and Development- 20%
  • Provide support and direction for program planning within the outdoor program, including the coordination of schedules, facilities, staff, and vehicles.
  • Develop relationships across campus, Duluth, and the greater Northern Minnesota region to promote RSOP Outdoor Program offerings and services.
  • Coordinate program agreement offerings with external groups, including management of policy, contracts, and billing.
  • Collaborate to create, monitor, assess, and update policies and practices in all aspects of RSOP offerings.
  • Assist with planning and conducting annual RSOP and Outdoor Program award banquets and staff events.
    
• Staff Supervision- 15%
  • Directly supervise three RSOP Outdoor Program professional staff to include job performance reviews, professional development, and day-to-day management.
  • Supervise student staff in various outdoor program areas, including recruitment, hiring, supervision, payroll, and performance management.
  • Coordinate student staff training at the departmental and programmatic level.
  • Provide instruction coverage and support associated with the job duties within the various program areas as necessary, including Climbing, Environmental Education, Paddle/Surf/Kite, Rental Center, and Sea Kayaking.
    
• Outdoor Activities and Rental Coordinator- 15%
  • Develop, plan, and execute programming associated with the outdoor activities area within RSOP.
  • Coordinate and manage the RSOP rental center, including the rental processes, equipment procurement, and equipment maintenance.
  • Supervise the student staff and volunteers within the outdoor activities and rental center programs.
  • Develop and oversee student staff professional development opportunities within the outdoor activities and rental center programs.
    
• Risk Management- 10%
  • Coordinate risk management policy across all relevant program areas.
  • Collaborate on risk management practices across the department, including management of staff certifications, staff training, and first aid kits.
  • Serves in an on-call capacity as an emergency contact for Outdoor Programs activities.
  • Assist with the greater risk management plans for the RSOP department.
    
• Fiscal Management and Planning- 10%
  • Collaborate with the director in the creation and monitoring of RSOP operational and capital budgets, facility planning, scholarships, and foundation accounts.
  • Oversight of the relative program area staff, equipment, budget, and finances.
  • Assist the director with fundraising through the development office, which may include working with scholarships, outdoor program fundraising, advertising, and sponsorships.
  • Lead and participate in long-range planning and events for RSOP.
  • Represent RSOP on campus and community committees and external collaborations.
    
    

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree plus at least six years of related experience
• Experience with supervision
• Strong background in outdoor recreation (e.g., climbing, paddling, environmental education, rental operations)
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and serve in an on-call capacity as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in recreation, outdoor education, natural resources, higher education administration, or related field
• Experience developing and implementing strategic plans, policies, and assessment tools in a higher education or outdoor recreation setting
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, financial planning, and fundraising efforts for departmental or programmatic needs
• Demonstrated experience with risk management including the development of risk management plans, procedures, and evaluation of risk factors
• Demonstrated ability to develop partnerships with internal and external stakeholders including for-profit, non-profit, and government organizations
• Current or ability to acquire relevant certifications related to outdoor education and programming including Wilderness Medicine, Climbing (e.g. AMGA, PCIA), Paddling (e.g. ACA, Swift Water Rescue), or other related certifications

Pay Range: $67,500.00-75,000.00 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Please include a Resume and Cover Letter with application submission.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

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Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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