Outdoor Education Program Manager

The Outdoor University at Saint John’s University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of Outdoor Education Program Manager.

The Outdoor Education Program Manager develops and implements programs to foster leadership, team-building, outdoor recreation skills, healthy lifestyles, and a lifelong connection to nature for students at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSB+SJU). This role oversees all aspects of campus outdoor education, including budget management, staff supervision, and training student leaders as a part of the Outdoor University (Outdoor U) program. Drawing on the natural resources of Saint John’s Abbey and Saint Benedict’s Monastery, the position supports student recruitment and retention while creating opportunities for connection to nature for students, alumni, and the broader community. The Program Manager mentors students and staff to achieve institutional goals, including diversity and inclusion efforts to ensure outdoor experiences are accessible to historically underrepresented communities. Additional responsibilities include supporting admission events and programming for faculty, staff, alumni, and the public.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Outdoor Education Activities: 70%

• Manage the Outdoor Leadership Center to advance leadership and team building skills, outdoor recreation technical skills, healthy lifestyles, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.
• Develop, inspire, and oversee student team to lead adventure trips, programs, trainings, and operations of the outdoor gear rental center.
• Assure safety and acceptable risk levels for all outdoor education programs and equipment
• Facilitate team-building programs for various groups.
• Manage the campus climbing wall, including staff training to ensure best practices and safety standards, coordinating with a Climbing Wall Association (CWA) vendor to meet industry standards, overseeing wall inspections, route setting, facilitating outdoor rock climbing, and providing continuing education for staff.
• Direct and oversee all aspects of Collegebound, a pre-orientation outdoor experience for incoming first-year students, including developing and training the student leader team, providing support to groups as needed (including potential evacuations), and coordinating formal program assessment.
• Expand outdoor recreational and educational experiences specifically for students at CSB, working in conjunction with the Institute for Women’s Leadership, Bennie Outdoors Series, and CSB Campus Recreation.
• Establish learning goals in alignment with residential curriculum guidelines and monitor criteria for outdoor education activities directed by this position to assure positive impacts on student development.  
• Develop partnerships and collaborations with other campus departments, programs, and student groups/clubs/organizations.
• Actively participate with Student Leadership Development Team.
• Participate in and attend professional conferences and workshops related to Outdoor Education.

Administrative Leadership and Financial Management: 20%

• Supervise and mentor the Outdoor Education Program Assistant.
• Recruit, train, supervise, schedule, and recognize student workers and volunteers.  
• Oversee all budgets within Outdoor Education Programs.
• Assist with the development of the Outdoor U annual budget and program plans including goals, tasks, timelines, and reports.
• Serve on the Outdoor U Advisory Council and CSB+SJU Education and Community Education committees; lead the development, adaptation, evaluation, and updating of outdoor education curriculum while maintaining and nurturing professional contacts in the education and outdoor recreation fields.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Development & Promotion: 5%

• Promote the Outdoor U programming through campus tours, speaking engagements, and community outreach.
• Cultivate relationships with donors and partners to insure ongoing program support.

Maintain Comprehensive Vision: 5%

• Collaborate with the Outdoor U Director, Advisory Council, Academic Affairs, Student Development, and relevant committees to develop one-year, five-year, and long-term goals for Outdoor U. Propose innovations to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the Outdoor U mission.

• Bachelor’s degree in outdoor education, adventure education, outdoor recreation; equivalent education and experience. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of leadership experience in outdoor education role or demonstrated relevant skills, training, and experience applicable to the job.   
• Proven success in leading adventure education activities, including effective risk management.
• Wilderness First Responder training or willingness to obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Passion for people, education, and the environment.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; detail-oriented with excellent follow through.
• Creativity in program development and design, with the ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
• Experience in developing learning goals and assessing outcomes.
• Functional computer literacy and a commitment to staying current with relevant technology, including word processing, databases, and website maintenance software.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Candidates must be at least 25 years old to meet insurance requirements for driving students on out-of-state trips. They must also maintain a valid driver’s license and complete a university-sponsored defensive driving program upon hire.
• Ability to exercise discretion, sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality in a professional setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to perform the physical duties of the position, including working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain, walking long distances, and lifting or moving equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Occasional multi-day travel and outdoor camping for student adventure trips, conferences, and related.
• Regular travel between the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or employment@csbsju.edu.

It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.