The Program Director (PD) provides overall leadership of the High Sierra Program team and single point accountability for local High Sierra wilderness programming quality and safety. The PD works to provide daily leadership, administrative mentorship and management of the Midpines basecamp. Responsibilities include local operations, course supervision and business management. Reports to the Director of Program & Safety (DPS).
This opportunity is perfect for the individual looking to work with a tight-knit team and community during program season!
Compensation & Schedule
This is an exempt, full-time 12-month position.
Rustic housing is provided, if desired, with close access to communal bathrooms and kitchen during the summer program season and option to caretake over the winter.
Food is provided during the summer program season
Salary is commensurate with experience, with a starting range from $58,000 - $64,500
Tentative start date at the latest Feb 29, 2024
Required to work from our Midpines Basecamp from April 1 - until approximately early Oct, and can work remote the rest of the year (WA, UT, CA, OR for remote work)
Benefits
OBCA offers a competitive benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance with employer contribution, PTO, long-term disability and life insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and 401(k) plan with 3% match after 1 year from start date.
Opportunities for professional development
Pro Deal, the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates
Location
This position is located at our High Sierra program base in Midpines, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills 30 miles east of Yosemite National Park. High summer temperatures can reach 80-100+ degrees Fahrenheit. The basecamp has a main building with an office, warehouse, commercial kitchen, program gear sheds, and weather port living quarters (durable fabric structures).
Who We Are
Outward Bound California (OBCA) is a non-profit that uses challenging experiences in outdoor settings to create social-emotional learning opportunities for our students. We are a part of the Outward Bound USA network of outdoor education programs, with a 50-year history in the US, serving over 40,000 students annually.
We offer a wide range of programs, from 1-day experiences on our San Francisco Challenge Course to multi-day rock climbing and backpacking courses in the High Sierra and Joshua Tree. We work with students aged 12+ (including adults & veterans). OBCA is committed to increasing access for those who have traditionally been excluded from outdoor spaces. We do this, in part, through our 40+ community partnerships and by offering partial or full scholarships to over 2/3 of our students.
Check out what our staff and students have to say about our High Sierra programs in this video.
Equity and Inclusion Statement
We believe that all people should have safe access to the outdoors and culturally relevant and responsive educational programming. OBCA is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and honored for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture where we are always learning and improving toward a vision for equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are also committed to reflecting the diverse communities with whom we work and strongly encourage People of Color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.
Who You Are
OBCA does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here, and we are committed to the professional development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to submit an application for consideration.
Knowledge & Skills
Passionate about Outward Bound’s mission, programs, and course activities
Have a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors and can mentor staff in this topic
Great organizational skills and an eye for details
Self-motivated and flexible with a sense of initiative, follow-through, and commitment
Works both independently and cooperatively as a team member, prioritizing and moving forward on multiple projects simultaneously
Effective communicator with an ability to give and receive both positive and constructive feedback
Holds a current Wilderness First Responder, CPR and CA Epinephrine certifications by the start of the program season
Proficient with Microsoft operating system (Word and Excel), Adobe, and G Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar)
Proficient in backpacking in alpine environments on and off trail
Education & Work Experience
4-6 years of experience in the outdoor education/experiential learning field, or any similar combination of education and experience
Experience with multi-day wilderness expeditionary programs
Previous experience managing teams and programs
Physical and Mental Requirements
Able to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment and decision-making, and assess and mitigate risk under extended periods of stress
Able to practice and role model appropriate self-care
Sitting at a desk or computer 90% of the time or greater
Bonus if you…
Have experience working in the High Sierra
Have experience with institutional rock climbing settings, an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor or higher certification.
Have Experience with Salesforce or other Consumer Relationship Management (CRM) platform
Have experience with curriculum development with an equity focus
Responsibilities
Program Leadership
Collaborate with OBCA Regional Operations and DPS to determine and fulfill program needs, goals and strategy
Oversee delivery and course quality of all programs such that courses are true to OB mission, core values, design principles, outcomes and established vision of program quality
Coordinate with local and national vendors and land managers to fulfill program needs. Oversee permitting and commercial use expectations
Provide High Sierra Management Team oversight, development and support
Oversee course scheduling and field staff development
Coordinate and ensure a culture of feedback for staff and program. Implement improvements and disciplinary actions as needed
Safety
Ensure all National Safety Standards and Charter Operating Policies and Procedures are adhered to
Oversee local Incident Command, Local Emergency Response and Local Operating Procedures
Share and schedule on-call responsibilities with the program team
Ensure accurate and complete incident reporting for all courses
Oversee the content and delivery methods for course safety briefings
Uphold Outward Bound’s zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect as protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority
Site Support
Establish and model basecamp culture, expectations and norms
Oversee and coordinate basecamp maintenance and upkeep including opening and closing the base each season
Ensure basecamp adheres to all local and national regulatory codes and policies.
Manage local IT systems and equipment
Oversee off-season care for basecamp
Outward Bound California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Outward Bound California also promotes respect for all people, and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.
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