Coordinator, Outdoor Experiential Programs

Budgeted salary range: $70,916 - $80,955
Position Type: Onsite 5 days per week

Stanford’s Recreation & Wellness department is seeking a dynamic Coordinator, Outdoor Experiential Programs for the University’s Adventure Programs, which offer students, faculty, and staff diverse opportunities to explore the outdoors through student-led camping trips, skills clinics, and gear rentals. Based out of the Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center (AOERC), the team coordinates student-led excursions ranging from local day hikes to wilderness backpacking trips in major destinations like Yosemite, Point Reyes, and Pinnacles National Parks. On campus facilities include an indoor climbing wall and Outdoor Center that provides affordable rentals for items like tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear. Every Fall Adventure Programs runs the Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT) program for incoming Stanford students.
 

Position Summary:

The Coordinator, Outdoor Experiential Programs supports the delivery of Stanford’s outdoor recreation, experiential education programs through the coordination of outfitting services, operational resources, and program logistics. The position manages the preparation and staging of food, equipment, and transportation resources for a range of field experiences, including weekend trips, outdoor education courses, and large-scale adventure-based orientation programs such as SPOT. The Coordinator also supports the Team Development program through program facilitation, course and facility maintenance, and operational support. In addition, the position oversees program fleet operations and serves as a key resource for vehicle maintenance, driver orientation, and driver authorization processes.

 

Primary Areas of Focus
 

Outdoor Program Outfitting & Logistics

Coordinate outfitting and logistical preparation for weekly outdoor programs, field experiences, outdoor education courses, and large-scale programs such as Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT).Develop and execute plans for food purchasing, rationing, equipment preparation, and gear staging.Maintain appropriate food storage, handling, and recordkeeping practices in accordance with applicable California food-handling requirements.Coordinate the day-to-day outfitting operation to ensure program materials, food, and equipment are prepared accurately and on schedule.

 

Fleet & Transportation Operations

Oversee program fleet operations, including scheduling routine vehicle service and maintenance, in accordance with university and program requirements.Coordinate vehicle orientation sessions for authorized program drivers.Serve as the program’s primary point of contact for the driver authorization process in partnership with the Office of Risk Management.Ensure vehicles are appropriately cleaned, maintained, and available to support scheduled outdoor and experiential programs.

 

Staff Coordination 

Coordinate the recruitment, hiring, orientation, training, scheduling, and ongoing support of student and contingent personnel involved in outfitting operations.Provide day-to-day direction and guidance to staff to support effective, safe, and reliable program operations.Promote staff engagement, accountability, and retention through effective training, communication, and operational leadership.

 

Team Development Program Support

Support the development, delivery, facilitation, and assessment of Team Development Course programs.Assist with maintenance and operational readiness of Team Development facilities and program resources.Provide logistical and programmatic support to ensure high-quality participant experiences.
 Outdoor Center Operations

Support the Outdoor Center Manager with daily operational needs, including inventory management, quality control, staff training, and equipment maintenance and repair.Help maintain accurate inventory and ensure equipment is safe, functional, and appropriately prepared for program use.Contribute to consistent operating practices and service standards across Outdoor Center activities.
 ** Other duties may be assigned

 

Preferred Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of relevant outdoor education experience, or combination of education and relevant execution of outdoor programs. Preferred demonstrated experience with outdoor education field programs and/or experience in the field of campus recreation/outdoor education, leadership, and team development. 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

A general understanding of all recreation and adventure programsKnowledge of outdoor equipment selection for outdoor tripsAbility to operate a vehicle for university purposes while possessing and maintaining an appropriate license.Maintain a positive, student-focused attitude by listening, understanding, and responding to student needs and offering creative solutions.Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.Records maintenance skills.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from diverse backgroundsKnowledge of current risk management practices in recreation and outdoor education settings
 Certificates and Licenses Required

Sport/Unit certifications may be needed (i.e.,AEMA, PGA)Valid California non-commercial class driver’s licenseCurrent CPR, AED and First Aid
 Physical Requirements

Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 45 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than three hours per day.Perform desk-based computer tasks.Moderate physical activityResponsibilities

Core Duties:

• Oversee, review and administer student records by analyzing data,counseling students and providing recommendations that requireinterpretation and influence decisions. Make exceptions on issues ofeligibility, course enrollment and program requirements.

• Develop recommendations and collaborate with staff, faculty andother offices to resolve programmatic issues within the school andacross functional units, (such as strategizing to ensure optimalenrollment).

• Provide advice to students on a range of issues, including, butnot limited to, academic progress, academic program policies, careerplans, accessibility, community standards, etc., to guide them in makingappropriate choices and decisions.

• Apprise students of research, fellowship and scholarshipopportunities. Participate in related student recruitment andselection.

• Provide first line response to identify students in crisis andrefer to appropriate resources, as needed.

• Collect and analyze data from multiple sources including studentfeedback, surveys, trend reports, and data analytics. Prepare andsummarize reports and make recommendations to enhance offerings, such asprograms and courses and to influence current processes andpolicies.

• Develop, analyze, influence and review, policies, processes andprograms by incorporating feedback and trend data learned fromfirst-line interactions with students. Advise manager and team on policyupdates and provide recommendation for implementation ofchanges.

• Identify trends, perform needs analysis, and participate in theimplementation and testing of new technology.

• May develop marketing materials and strategies for programactivities and outreach functions. Assist in planning and developingwebinars, education fairs and other external functions.

• May provide oversight with the administration of financialprocesses such as financial reimbursements, data entry, reviewing termsand conditions regarding contracts, understanding vendor requirements,and following up and resolving issues.

• May train and supervise other staff, volunteers, student andtemporary workers.

Minimum Education andExperience:

Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience, orcombination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft OfficeSuite.

• Basic analysis and problem solving skills.

• Customer service skills.

• Relevant computer systems/technology experience.

• Understanding of financial transactions.

• Ability to learn and understand compliance with legal, financial,and university policies and external regulations.