Job no: 496180
Position type: full-time
Location: Lewisburg, PA
Categories: Student Affairs


The Director of Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL) is a key team member within the Division of Student Affairs who is charged with developing a vision for and leading a dynamic and growing outdoor education program. Serving an active community, OEL is committed to experiential learning, exposing students, faculty and staff to the outdoors, and providing diversity and inclusivity training for all group leaders and trainers.

This position reports directly to the Associate Dean of Students for Campus Activities and Programs and requires evening, weekend and week-long commitments due to workshops, trips and training schedules.

Job Duties:
Leadership
Lead, train and direct student and staff employees in the various OEL program areas, including:
BuckWild - a wilderness pre-orientation experience designed to support first-year students in transitioning to the University.
The Bison Bike Shop - includes a fleet of 80 rental bikes and bike shop that serves as a learning lab for teaching bike mechanics.
The Rental Center - houses 1500 pieces of rental equipment that supports the OEL program and the Bucknell community.
The Bucknell Landing - a river access site, giving students, faculty and staff access to a recreational and academic resources.
ClimBucknell - a challenge course at the Cowan D. Forrest Brown Conference Center featuring low and high elements, a climbing tower and a zip line.
The Climbing Program - indoor and outdoor climbing opportunities.
Trips & Events Program - weekend trips, technical skill clinics, campus-wide social and educational events and extended break excursions.
Supervise staff and/or graduate assistant, a leadership team of 10-13 students, and an estimated 100 student/staff employees.
Implement diversity and inclusion initiatives for all designated program areas.
Oversee risk management development and implementation for all facets of the OEL program.
Coordinate and execute international and domestic travel for daily, weekend and extended break learning adventures.
Manage the registration and implementation of specific medical trainings for internal staff and off-campus constituents.
Serve as Affinity House adviser, supporting a themed residential learning experience supporting the mission of OEL.
Provide oversight of vehicle and fleet training for all eligible staff of the program.
Manage the operating budgets for OEL programs that include capital budgets, endowments and donor funds.

Department and Divisional Responsibilities
Represent OEL by serving on Student Affairs and/or University committees.
Attend and actively participate in office, departmental and divisional staff meetings, retreats and trainings.
Conduct best practice research and assessment efforts.
Collaborate with offices within the Division of Student Affairs and other university departments to ensure cohesive programming and services.
Maintain a high degree of visibility to students, faculty and staff.

Minimum Qualifications:
Master's Degree in Higher Education, Outdoor Recreation Leadership, Outdoor Experiential Education, Recreation and Park Management, Environmental Studies or related field with 3-5 years work experience
Experience working with students in a collegiate setting
Supervisory experience
Challenge course facilitation with a variety of populations
Experience with managing an indoor climbing facility
Proficiency in outdoor technical rock climbing, both top site management, lead climbing and winter climbing activities
Technical experience, including teaching experience and risk management knowledge, of at least three of the following: whitewater kayaking or rafting; flat water canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding; 3 to 4 season backpacking; caving; indoor climbing wall; outdoor rock climbing; winter climbing activities; mountaineering; backcountry skiing or snowboarding; mountain biking; cross country skiing; rescue and challenge course management
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion through programming, training/workshops or mentoring
Planning international or domestic learning adventures with groups
Demonstrated ability to work in a student affairs environment, with programming, academic engagement and supervisory experience at the collegiate level
Marketing skills, computer skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Apps)
Budget management experience, including oversight of multiple budgets
Valid driver's license is required, plus the ability to drive oversized hauling vehicles with trailers
Certifications (or willingness to work towards certifications): Red Cross or American Heart CPR/AED Certification, Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician
Proficiency in Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
Familiarity with resources necessary to support the health and wellness of students, including mentorship and advising of students
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - written and oral
Ability to remain calm and work effectively in crisis situations
Ability to effectively work with multiple constituencies, organize and manage tasks.
Ability to develop and facilitate presentations
Working knowledge of equipment rental inventory software systems

Preferred Qualifications:
Licensed Inspector for PA Agricultural Rides and Amusements
Certified to instruct CPR/AED/First Aid courses
Certification in two or more of the preferred industry certifications such as Swift Water Rescue, AMGA, ACA, LNT Trainer or Master Educator, PCIA, Avalanche Certifications, Wilderness Medical Instructor, ACCT Challenge Course Manager Certification, Level II ACCT Rescue Training for Challenge Course Operation

Physical Demands:
Must have the physical abilities to perform all tasks associated with Experiential Education (i.e., lifting gear/kayaks, hiking with 40 lbs. backpack, climb challenge course poles)

About Bucknell

Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering and management programs. Our students choose from more than 50 majors and 60 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning and research opportunities. Bucknell's 3,600 undergraduate and 100 graduate students enjoy a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors.

Bucknell's beautiful 450-acre campus includes first-rate facilities and is home to more than 90 percent of its students. Residential life is vibrant with about 150 student-run organizations, 27 NCAA Division I athletic teams, a robust arts culture, and a strong student commitment to community and global service work.

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

The Community

Located in central Pennsylvania, Lewisburg features a variety of restaurants, beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), charming shops and boutiques, and the Barnes and Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. About 33,000 residents live in the region.

The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University's main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's state capital. Bucknell is about three hours from New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The cost of living here is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell's surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and many opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School is consistently ranked among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.

Advertised: 30 Nov 2018 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:

PI106035591