Duke University · 1 day ago
Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures
Durham, NC
Part-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$55K/yr - $60K/yr
2+ years expDuke University is seeking an Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures who will have a direct impact on the student experience and success. This role involves supervising a team of part-time student staff, managing the climbing wall and rental program, and leading outdoor adventure programming while promoting student growth and community engagement.
EdTechEducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Manage the operations and communication of the climbing wall and equipment rental program
Manage and communicate with staff for scheduling and training
Coordinate and communicate with supervisor
Provide the Duke community with exceptional outdoor recreation programs while serving as a champion for recreation, health, wellness and outdoor education at Duke University
Assist with marketing, budgeting, strategic planning, and deliberate development of Duke Outdoor Adventures in alignment with the department’s mission, values, and goals
Manage the outdoor equipment rental operations including equipment inventory, inspections, maintenance, budget tracking and purchasing. Coordinate group rentals and various special events
Provide supervision of indoor climbing wall operations, maintenance, and staff development including evening and weekends. Assist with planning and implementation of special events at the climbing wall including annual rock-climbing competitions
Maintain current knowledge of industry standards, emerging trends, and best practices related to risk management in collegiate rock wall facilities. Actively monitors developments in climbing safety procedures and equipment advances through continuing education, professional networks, and industry publications
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate part-time employees on proper operating policies and procedures for the rock wall and equipment rental program within the Outdoor Adventures Program
Assist with the Outdoor Adventures Trips program. Co-lead outdoor trips that include, but are not limited to rock climbing, kayaking, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, caving, skiing/snowboarding excursions that range 1-10 days in length
Practice proper risk management policies and procedures set forth by the Department of Recreation and Physical Education and update Outdoor Adventure Policies as needed
Work supportively, collaboratively and diplomatically with a wide variety of colleagues, faculty, patrons, and students both inside and outside of the department
Collaborate with campus partners by providing consultation for outdoor adventure programs, including but not limited to climbing wall events, equipment rentals, trip planning, risk management, team building, staff development and program advising
Serve as an active member of the Recreation and Physical Education team by upholding the Team Charter, Team Values, and by cultivating a positive environment
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Experience in staff management and development
Trip leading experience in three or more of the following activities: backpacking, rock-climbing, white-water kayaking, sea kayaking, mountain biking, stand up paddleboarding
Ability to train staff in at least two of the aforementioned activities
Ability to obtain CPR/AED and Wilderness First Responder certifications within 3 months of hire date
Display good judgment, think independently and make sound decisions for everyday emergency situations
A valid driving license is required
The ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
Preferred
Master's degree from an accredited institution in Recreation, Leisure Studies, Physical Education, Sport Management, or related field
Two or more years of full-time professional experience developing Outdoor Adventure programming in a collegiate recreation setting
Professional experience developing and administering outdoor programming in a culturally diverse environment
Demonstrated experience administering risk management practices for outdoor recreation programs
Previous experience in equipment rental procedures and adventure-based trip management, preferably in a university setting
Current certifications through ACA, AMGA, AAI, PCIA, ACCT, LNT, WMI, SOLO
Demonstrated pursuit of personal professional development through participation in a national industry association or organization (AORE, ACCT, WEA, AEE, or NIRSA)
Experience with Fusion or other recreation management software
Experience route setting for climbing competitions and wall maintenance
Experience keeping equipment inventory and maintenance outdoor equipment
Benefits
Health insurance plans
Generous paid time off
Retirement programs with employer contributions
Tuition assistance for employees and their children
Company
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university providing undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine and other disciplines.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Duke University 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
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (274)
2024 (232)
2023 (202)
2022 (195)
2021 (148)
2020 (121)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$71.15MKey Investors
North Carolina Biotechnology CenterUS Department of EnergyGlaucoma Research Foundation
2023-02-17Grant· $0.11M
2022-09-19Grant
2022-03-09Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
Barry Myers
Professor and Director
Dan Ariely
Professor
Recent News
2025-12-18
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