Assistant Director of Adventures (4342) Specialty Factors Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job Position Information Posting Detail Information Working Position Title Assistant Director of Adventures (4342) Specialty Factors Classification Program Coordinator - CUSTOM

CLASSIFICATION

Position Number 00004342 Open Date 09/04/2026 Close Date 09/18/2026 Priority Review Date Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE 1.00

Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job code 5002 Union Representation Union Union Code

AFC - AFSCME

C, Local #1890 Unit/Department Univ Recreation and Wellness College/Unit Univ Recreation and Wellness Division Div Intercollegiate Athletics Location RC Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page www.niu.edu/recreation Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Overview Northern Illinois University ( NIU ) is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director of Adventures for the Recreation Center, a division of NIU Intercollegiate Athletics. Join a team that for over 35 years has provided entertaining and educational experiences to NIU students, faculty and staff, as well as services to the local community. This is a full-time,12-month position with benefits. Position Summary This position will provide leadership, direction, and oversight of a comprehensive Adventures program including special events, rentals, bouldering, and team-building. The person in this position plans, prepares and leads inclusive Adventure programming both on and off property. Programming includes, but is not limited to, kayaking, canoeing, biking, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, special events, and team building workshops. The person in this position is responsible for the health and safety of participants. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Program Development Develops comprehensive Team Building workshops to include marketing initiatives to recruit and retain active participation for revenue generation, targeting both campus and community opportunities Develop birthday party programs, summer camps, other day/night activities to enhance youth participation, team building and revenue generation for Recreation Advocate and promote various program activities and services to enhance participation Personnel Recruit, select, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate staff and interns and all other student personnel needed for the implementation and management of programs Coordinate payroll for all student employee positions Software Management Oversee reservations and other associated purchases for programs Oversee the utilization and management of software including but not limited to information systems, scheduling, registration systems, and applications Oversee the completion of regular and detailed assessments of all programs, services, and activities Equipment Management Coordinate daily equipment management including maintenance and equipment inventory of equipment including, but is not limited to, bikes, skis, boats, and camping gear Assist in facilitating custodial and facility work requests for the Adventure Center Develop and ensure the implementation of a risk management and emergency response plan for programs Meetings Coordinate in part special events and other tasks assigned by the Associate and Assistant Athletic Directors of Recreation Be an integral member of Recreation by actively participating and contributing in staff meetings, training, and development activities Safety & Conduct Leads groups of all sizes with diverse ages, abilities, needs and wants Individualizes activities using sound judgement and effectively manages risk Responsible for the health and safety of participants Represents NIU Athletics and Recreation in a positive manner; provides general recreation information and answers inquiries as needed; receives and resolves guest concerns and complaints; collects and deposits program fees Accounting Oversee the handling of funds such as cash register operations, reconciliation and daily deposits Budget & Reporting Oversee the development of participant and student employee programs and assessments that demonstrate evidence of learning Prepare semester and annual reports, demonstrating evidence of program accomplishments and learning outcomes Oversees the maintenance of required records and reports to measure programming effectiveness Budget oversight for the program Manages all administrative duties such as reservations, email, and correspondence Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) Please see required Specialty Factors below. Bachelor's degree. A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position. Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Note:

Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1 year) of work experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(KSAs) 1. Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 2. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 3. Skill in analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. 4. Skill in scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. 5. Skill in oral and written communication. 6. Ability to adjust actions in relation to others' actions. 7. Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. 8. Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. 9. Ability to develop specific goals, plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish tasks. 10. Ability to work effectively with staff, the public, and outside constituency groups. 11. Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and supervise the work of others. 12. Ability to utilize various computer software packages, such as Accounting Software, query, etc. 13. Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in order to be able to analyze and investigate a variety of questions or problems. 14. Ability to analyze and develop guidelines, procedures, and systems. Specialty Factors (Civil Service) Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Sport Management, or related field. Minimum of one (1) year (12 months) of professional experience in outdoor adventure programming or similar adventure programs. Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience in recruiting, training, and evaluating staff, including teambuilding and goal setting development activities. Must have/be able to obtain a valid Illinois Driver's License and meet university driving standards. Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) Master's Degree in a field relevant to the position (e.g., Recreation, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or closely related field). Two (2) or more years' experience in administering Outdoor Adventure programs, preferably within a university setting. Currently active in one or more of the following professional organizations:

AORE , AEE , NIRSA

. Wilderness First Responder Certification. Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic and diverse environment by being able to manage change and work with diverse internal and external constituents. Knowledge and demonstrated teaching experience in outdoor adventure activities. Activities may include, but are not limited to camping, climbing, gym climbing, caving, bouldering, canoeing, rafting, backpacking, kayaking, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing. Demonstrated experience with equipment procurement and rental operations. Familiarity and comfort with DSE or similar software package. Familiarity and comfort with Microsoft Office Professional 2010. Understanding of risk management protocols and emergency action plans. Demonstrated experience in managing a team of students, employees, or volunteers to accomplish operations. Organization and problem-solving skills; ability to effectively prioritize work; manage multiple tasks simultaneously; work independently; and demonstrate sound judgement. Ability to collaborate with constituents and campus community. Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) N/A Additional Requirements (SPS) N/A Preferred Qualifications (SPS) N/A Physical demands/requirements Walking, standing, sitting, lifting up to 50lbs. Occasionally work nights and weekends and overnights as needed for trips. Appointment and Compensation Details Appointment and Compensation Details Anticipated Appointment Start Date 10/05/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours Varies; days, nights and weekends Salary $50,000.16/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,083.34/Semi-monthly Earn Type Salary Application Procedure Application Procedure Application Procedure Required Procedures Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience.

Important:

Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received. If eligible for Veteran's Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination. After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register. Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu . Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication. Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination:

The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant's/employee's education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met. Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver's license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials. After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.

Additional Details:

Click on Program Coordinator for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements. Applicants who may assume they do not meet the exact minimum qualifications are still invited to apply. Within the application documents, applicants should be sure to explain how their credentials and related qualifications address the requested minimum requirements. Please click on Human Resource Services - Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University's benefits package. Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources. Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/96765 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator Health Services 2nd floor CivilRights@niu.edu 815-753-0455 Visa Policy In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu . Safety Information NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety. Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report . Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy. Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume/Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire) List of at least 3 Professional References Optional Documents Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256) Certifications/Licensure #1 Other Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (

• ).

• How many years of experience do you have in this type of position? 0-1 1-3 3-5 5-7 7+
• Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response.) (Open Ended Question)
• What is the highest level of education attained? GED High School Diploma Associates Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree PHD
• Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration? Yes No
• If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points?

The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered. Yes No Not Applicable