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Wilderness Group Program Manager 

EOE Statement Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS) is an equal opportunity employer and values the inclusion and collaboration among employees of diverse backgrounds and experiences. VOBS prohibits discrimination against, and harassment of, any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, qualified individuals with a disability on the basis of the disability, or any other category which may be protected under applicable state or federal law. VOBS also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics nor on differences based on gender identity or expression.

Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.

We know that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage any interested applicant to apply, even if you don’t meet every one of our qualifications listed.



 
Location Ely Base  
About the Organization At Voyageur Outward Bound School we believe in the potential of every individual. We believe when people discover strength of character, an aptitude for leadership and a desire to serve, it has a positive impact on their lives and the lives of those around them.


Outward Bound changes lives through challenge and discovery. We offer life-changing expeditions for everyone, regardless of social or economic status, race or gender, from struggling teens, to first generation urban youth, adults in transition or veterans integrating back into life outside of active duty.


Our Culture


When you join us, you are joining a growth minded community where we are actively engaged in creating a more inclusive organizational culture. To foster a more welcoming outdoor community for all, we are working to address barriers related to race, culture, socioeconomics, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation and mental health. See our Equity Statement here.


Outward Bound is challenging by design. Thriving here takes compassion, a learning mindset, and a deep desire to do meaningful work. And just like our students on course: we are crew, not passengers. This means everyone contributes. Our successes are shared, and our challenges are our opportunities. From the office to the wilderness, we are growing together. You belong here.



 
Category Program Management  
Description

Summary

We challenge you to change a life.
We challenge you to change your community.
We challenge you to change the world!


The need for leaders of character and compassion is great.
For over 50 years, Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS) has changed lives through challenge and discovery. We know that personal discovery leads to positive transformation. Our students grow character and compassion through nature-based adventure. Our vision is more resilient and compassionate people for a more resilient and compassionate world.


Voyageur Outward Bound School is a charter of Outward Bound USA, the leading provider of experiential education for youth and adults. We design and deliver intensive
single-day and extended wilderness expedition experiences that build and develop character, leadership, and service through shared experience.


VOBS delivers high impact programs across three sites: Twin Cities Center in St Paul, MN, Homeplace Wilderness Basecamp in Ely, MN and Big Bend Basecamp in Redford, TX.
Our values are integrity, excellence, compassion, inclusion, and safety. Our instructors are highly trained and experienced. We are proud to be recognized as one of the 100 Best places to work by Outside magazine for three consecutive years.


Collaboration with educational, non-profit organizations and businesses is critical to our mission. We partner with schools, colleges, non-profit organizations, families, and business to serve their youth, young adults and adults with programs that support specific educational goals.

The Wilderness Group Program Manager will manage all Group Programs at our Ely and Texas bases to include coordinating pre-& post-program planning with partners and the Group Outreach team, coordinating with Program Directors about the ensuring the right fit of staff to instruct, Course Directing 80-90% of the Homeplace courses,
supporting the CD of courses the Program Manager does not directly CD. This person will enroll all Group Program students, including those in the Twin Cities and will have an indirect reporting relationship to the Director of Student Services. This includes ensuring our enrollment documents and processes meet all standards set by our
Student Services Department, and ensuring the administration process is consistent with expectations to manage our data, course reporting, staff feedback, and partner feedback.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OF WILDERNESS GROUP PROGRAMS – 40%

  • Manage Wilderness Group Programs to deliver high quality Outward Bound program with schools, non-profit organizations, and businesses.
  • Course Direct 80-90% of all Group Programs at Homeplace throughout all seasons (fulfill expectations of Course Directors Job Description)
  • Supervise and mentor instructors to deliver courses to the agreed up objectives and partner expectations, according to national and charter operating policies and procedures, including all pre-course, during course, and post-course planning, and supervision that helps deliver a high quality course in alignment with our partner’s goals.
  • Once the program is contracted, serve as primary liaison and coordinator with the program partner, Program Directors, Logistics Manager, and site to support our systems, staff, partners, and students, including troubleshooting with sites and partners when issues arise.
  • Prepare written and oral presentations for our staff and partners
  • Serve as a member of the Homeplace emergency response team as needed
  • Primary point of contact for the Outreach and Marketing team, Program Directors and Partners

2. STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND SCREENING – 40%

  • Work with our partners to ensure they receive all necessary enrollment documents (packing lists, travel directions, medical forms, etc.) in accordance with VOBS and National Student Services standards.
  • Administer the screening process for all Group Program students at all 3 VOBS locations, including working with schools and other partner agencies to establish a process and deadline that supports our instructors, students, and partners, including helping to integrate an online enrollment process.
  • Assess students psychological, behavioral, motivational and physical appropriateness for an Outward Bound course using assessment tools and training provided.
  • Conduct required follow-up with student, parent, doctor, and/or therapist to gather relevant additional information as needed to accurately assess each student’s appropriateness and needs for course.
  • Consult with Director of Student Services and Outward Bound consulting physician when additional expertise is needed.
  • Approve or decline students in a timely fashion with a high standard of professionalism.


3. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION – 15%

  • Timely communication with all Wilderness Group Program partners, Outreach team and Program Directors to ensure we administer, design and deliver courses with a high level of professionalism and excellence.
  • Recognize that our Program Directors and site teams are also our “customers” and ensure we are setting these teams up for success. Help Outreach team identify optimal program dates at each site.
  • Provide quality, friendly and responsive information to our partners, staff, and students.
  • Use our database, Salesforce, to help implement an accurate and consistent group programs administrative process to track and report courses and student data, and communication with partners.
  • Review all pre and post course materials to ensure professionalism, accuracy, and efficiency in student enrollment and engagement.

4. VOBS TEAM – 5%

  • Help build and maintain a supportive environment for partners, staff and students, demonstrated by a positive work and course culture
  • Serve as a course director, field instructor, and staff trainer in the field as necessary
 
Position Requirements

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of OB philosophy and programs, experiential education, social and emotional learning skills and an ability to design, supervise and implement training and programs as such.
  • Proficient skills in teaching, adult learning (staff), and technical skills including those associated with Homeplace (Winter, Summer) and Texas, safety management, weather, camping, etc.
  • Ability to work both independently and cooperatively as a team member, detail oriented with good organizational skills, able to prioritize and work on multipleprojects.
  • Very strong and effective communicator, both written and oral
  • Excellent leadership, supervisory and mentoring skills
  • Coachable with an ability to ask questions
  • Proficient computer skills, Microsoft office, email, PowerPoint, etc. Able to learn data management systems like Salesforce.
  • Ability to work with a wide variety of ages and populations of people representing the diverse communities (rural, urban, suburban, domestic, international, etc.)
  • Minimum of 3-5 years instructional experience outdoor education, youth development, or educational field at VOBS.
  • Course Director experience at Homeplace Summer (and Winter preferred)
  • Experiential education experience in differing environments, such as wilderness, front country, urban or classroom helpful
  • WFR, water safety required. Rock site manager, ACA or AMGA helpful

Physical & Other Requirements

  • Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity including but not limited to running, swimming, backpacking rock climbing, canoeing, skiing, etc.
  • The Wilderness Groups Program Manager will be required to spend a week or more at a time in the field for training, field observations and supporting courses.
  • Ability to lift and move a minimum of 70 pounds.
  • Sitting at a desk or computer 30% of the time or greater.
  • Willingness and ability to work a non-standard, flexible schedule, as the training and program schedule demands. Including on-call responsibilities
  • Maintains motor vehicle record within OB policies and procedures, able to drive 15 passenger vehicle with trailer.
  • Ability to travel to all VOBS program locations as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary, this is a benefitted .75 FTE position.
  • Position located in Ely, MN.

How to Apply

Voyageur Outward Bound School is committed to supporting diversity in all of its forms. Applicants representing diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

  • Please apply through our website: VOBS Careers with a cover letter, resume, three references.
  • Closing Date: February 1, 2019 - Start Date – Early to Mid-March

 
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time  
Salary Range  
Position Wilderness Group Program Manager  
Close Date 3/15/2019  
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt  
Hiring Manager(s) debra schroeder  

This position is currently not accepting applications.

To search for an open position, please go to http://VOYAGEUROUTWARDBOUNDSCHOOL.appone.com



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