University of Colorado Colorado Springs · 3 months ago
Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience
Colorado Springs, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$57K/yr - $70K/yrThe University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement. The Program Director of SOLE leads outdoor recreation and education programs to promote student wellness and engagement, overseeing a variety of outdoor activities and managing a team of student employees.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Leads strategic planning, fiscal management, facility and equipment oversight, risk management, and program evaluation for the Student Outdoor Learning Experience (SOLE). Oversees a robust portfolio including 30+ outdoor trips, 40 classes/workshops/camps, 3–4 special events, and over 350 climbing wall passes annually
Provides leadership for program budget of $200,000, including revenue generation, payroll, and operational expenses, with responsibility for development, implementation, reporting, and evaluation
Prepares and submits contracts, agreements, and permits for approval in coordination with the University Procurement Service Center and Human Resources
Designs and oversees high-quality outdoor adventure programs that promote healthy behaviors, personal growth, and team wellbeing, while meeting the diverse needs of the campus community
Collaborates with the Membership and Marketing team to maintain accurate and engaging web content, and to promote access to facilities, equipment rentals, recreational and educational adventure-based programs and classes
Builds collaborative programming across campus, partnering with units such as Wellness, Student Life, MOSAIC, Residence Life, Academic Departments, Veteran and Military Affairs, and Intercollegiate Athletics
Fosters community engagement through partnerships with local organizations, including the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance, to enhance program visibility and impact
Leads and oversees outdoor adventure trips, services, and educational offerings, ensuring all activities meet established risk management standards
Reviews and approves trip plans, verifies staff certifications and training, coordinates vehicle reservations, manages pre-trip communications, and oversees participant registration
Collaborates with colleagues to develop and schedule the annual and semester SOLE activity calendar, including facility use, equipment needs, marketing efforts, and maintenance planning
Manages the Fusion recreational software system to support registration for trips, classes, and events; oversee equipment rentals; coordinate bike and ski services; facilitate climbing wall orientations; and track point-of-sale and participant data
Secures vendor partnerships to support programming, equipment procurement, and access to outdoor permits
Responds to student and member interests by researching and developing new outdoor adventure programs and classes not currently offered
Collaborate with the Sports and Youth Programs team to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of youth summer camps, ensuring alignment with departmental goals, safety standards, and experiential learning outcomes
Oversees the operation of the 27-foot climbing and bouldering wall, as well as the freestanding MoonBoard, including routine inspections, equipment checks, and route setting
Ensures climbing wall operations comply with and exceed current industry safety and instructional standards
Designs and delivers training programs for SOLE Guest Services Desk Attendants to ensure safe and effective climbing wall operations
Oversees the annual climbing wall orientation for participants, ensuring safety, education, and proper use of equipment and facilities
Coordinates climbing wall maintenance and repairs in partnership with the Assistant Director of Facility Operations
Manages the full lifecycle of student employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, scheduling, and performance evaluation for SOLE program assistants, trip leaders, and guest services desk attendants
Conducts annual performance evaluations and provides ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities to student employees
Designs and delivers outcome-based training, team meetings, and development programs to enhance student employee skills and leadership
Develops and manages an in-house outdoor trip leader certification program to ensure employees meet industry standards in training, skill development, experience, and leadership
Advocates for and develops outdoor adventure internship and practicum opportunities to support student career readiness
Ensures compliance with departmental and university policies and procedures related to student employment and human resources
Leads short- and long-term fiscal planning and budget management for SOLE program operations, including forecasting expenses for trips, equipment purchases, staff training, and facility maintenance
Manages program budgets in alignment with departmental, divisional, and university policies to ensure responsible and effective use of resources—for example, tracking expenditures for outdoor gear replacement, vehicle rentals, and marketing campaigns
Ensures operational practices reflect best management standards and comply with departmental and university guidelines
Oversees outdoor equipment operations, including purchasing, inventory control, maintenance, and replacement planning, in accordance with industry and manufacturer standards
Collaborates with department leadership to evaluate and adjust fee structures based on program costs, participation trends, and benchmarking data from peer institutions
Researches and recommends operating and capital reserve purchases, such as climbing wall upgrades, or new rental equipment, based on program needs and product availability
Develops, updates, and communicates emergency response policies and procedures for all SOLE programs
Directs and documents monthly and annual climbing wall, auto belays, and outdoor equipment inspections and certifications in alignment with national organization standards
Oversees and documents monthly and annual inspections and certifications for the climbing wall, auto belays, and outdoor equipment, in accordance with industry and manufacturer standards
Maintains accurate records of SOLE program safety equipment and ensures timely replacement in accordance with safety regulations
Serves as a first responder during emergencies, communicates effectively, and provides care within the scope of certified training
Proposes and supports implementation of policies and procedures that prioritize participant health and safety
Collaborates with department staff and external partners to assess and maintain safe conditions across Campus Recreation, campus, and external spaces
Resolves conflicts and incidents in accordance with department policies and procedures
Supports the review, documentation, and follow-up of incident and injury/accident reports to improve safety practices
Coordinates with facility operations staff to manage program schedules, maintenance needs, and access to facilities during regular and break hours
Collects, organizes, and analyzes SOLE program data, including learning outcomes, assessments (e.g., post-trip surveys), and annual reports
Develops and evaluates policies and procedures for SOLE programs and facilities in alignment with industry, department, and university standards
Maintains and updates operations manuals, including staffing protocols and trip leader competencies
Serves on departmental and university committees to support Campus Recreation’s mission and values
Participates in professional development opportunities and promotes continued learning across the department to stay abreast of current industry trends and standards
Contributes to the planning and improvement of programs, facilities, and services
Role is required to periodically attend Campus Recreation programs and uses facilities to ensure compliance with standards and risk management practices
Performs other duties as assigned to support Campus Recreation and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Qualification
Required
A bachelor's degree is required
Experience in administration, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive outdoor adventure programs, including trips, instructional classes and workshops, climbing wall operations, bike and ski shop services, outdoor equipment rental management and/or related field is required
Must have experience with fiscal management skills, including the development, oversight, and reporting of program budgets to ensure responsible and strategic use of resources
Experience in supervision, mentorship, and training for staff, including outdoor trip leaders, climbing wall, guest services desk with a focus on leadership development, performance evaluation, and experiential learning is required
Experience in risk management within adventure programming, including the development and implementation of safety protocols, emergency response planning, incident reporting procedures, and staff training to ensure participant well-being and program compliance with industry standards
Certifications (Required or Must Be Obtained Within Specified Timeframes): Wilderness First Responder (within 9 months of employment), Climbing Wall Instructor (within 6 months of employment), Master Bike Mechanic (within 6 months of employment), CPR with AED, Standard First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens/Universal Precautions (within 90 days of hire), Campus Security Authority (CSA) training (within 90 days of hire)
Preferred
Master's Degree in Recreation Administration, Sport Management, Higher Education, Exercise Science, Outdoor Experiential Education, Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Physical Education, Business Administration, or related field is preferred
Highly qualified applicants will have demonstrated professional experience and competence in the following areas: Lead the administration, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive collegiate outdoor adventure programs, including trips, instructional classes and workshops, climbing wall operations, bike and ski shop services, outdoor equipment rental management and/or related field
Demonstrated extensive fiscal management skills and experience with procurement, contracting, and insurance services
Provided effective supervision, mentorship, and training for student employees within adventure-based outdoor program operations
Experience using online systems to support outdoor adventure operations, such as rental management platforms, scheduling software, and participant registration systems (e.g., Fusion or similar tools)
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including sound judgment, conflict resolution, and the ability to motivate and support student staff and program participants
Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service, with professionalism and responsiveness to the needs of diverse user groups
Additional Certifications (Preferred): Ski/Snowboard Technician Certification, American Red Cross Lifeguard or equivalent, NOLS Wilderness First Aid or Responder Instructor Certification, Risk Management for Administrators
Benefits
Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
Company
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a residential academic and research institute.
Founded in 1965
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Colorado Colorado Springs has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (184)
2024 (124)
2023 (163)
2022 (115)
2021 (86)
2020 (95)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Angela Bender
Asst Vice Chancelor of Human Resources/ Chief Human Resources Officer
Bill Lueck
Executive Director, Strategy and Partnerships
Recent News
MarketScreener
2025-11-05
2025-09-23
CSO Magazine
2025-04-04
Company data provided by crunchbase