Outdoor Recreation Director

JOB TITLE

Outdoor Recreation Director

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR

Dean of Students STATUS:

Full Time

FLSA STATUS

Salary, Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Outdoor Recreation Director will serve a key role supporting the College's mission of preparing students for thoughtful leadership, engaged citizenship, and lifelong learning. Situated in the heart of Appalachia, Davis & Elkins offers a distinctive environment where outdoor recreation and experiential education serve as powerful tools for student development, wellness, and connection to place. The Outdoor Recreation Director provides vision, leadership, and daily management of the College's outdoor recreation and adventure initiatives. Working closely with students, faculty, and Student Life colleagues, this position creates accessible and transformative experiences that foster leadership, resilience, teamwork, and respect for the natural world. Under the supervision of the Dean of Students, the Outdoor Recreation Director oversees the Outdoor Adventure Living-Learning Community (LLC) and leads a comprehensive outdoor recreation program that may include outdoor trips and expeditions, challenge-course and team-building experiences, adventure-skill instruction, equipment rental, and the stewardship of College outdoor resources. This role is highly student centered and emphasizes mentorship, inclusive participation, and experiential learning.

DUTIES:

Provide leadership and daily management of the College's Outdoor Adventure Living-Learning Community (LLC) as well as Recreation and Adventure programs. Plan, coordinate, and facilitate outdoor trips and experiential learning programs that support student learning, leadership development, and wellbeing. Manage and oversee challenge course and/or portable teambuilding programs, including facilitation and maintenance. Oversee equipment inventory, rental systems, inspection, and maintenance. Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate student employees and trip leaders. Manage student employee payroll and staffing budgets, as assigned. Develop and maintain risk management policies, procedures, and documentation consistent with College practices and industry standards. Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, certifications, and emergency response procedures. Collaborate with campus partners, including Student Life, Athletics, Academic Programs, and Residence Life, to provide integrated and meaningful student experiences. Represent the Outdoor Recreation program at campus events, orientations, and recruitment activities. Assess programs and outcomes to support continuous improvement and student success. General office duties as needed. Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean of Students.

PREREQUISITES / EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in recreation, outdoor education, sports management, higher education, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred. A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, team-based environment. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs. Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as programs require. Commitment to student development, leadership education, and inclusive excellence. Experience working with college students in an outdoor recreation or student affairs setting. Knowledge of safety and risk management practices related to outdoor recreation and adventure programming. Experience facilitating challenge courses, teambuilding programs, or outdoor leadership experiences. Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification, or willingness to obtain. Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ACCT, climbing instruction, or outdoor leadership credentials), or willingness to obtain. Familiarity with scheduling, payroll, or recreation management software. A valid driver's license and the ability to operate College vehicles may be required as part of assigned duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

Ability to foster a welcoming and positive climate among a diverse group of students, staff, and participants. Eagerness to support Student Affairs initiatives and campus-wide collaboration. Capacity to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and model professionalism.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to lead and participate in outdoor activities - including hiking, backpacking, canoeing/kayaking, climbing, and challenge course facilitation in a variety of weather conditions Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds (e.g., outdoor gear, ropes, boats, tents, portable challenge‑course elements). Ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time, sometimes several hours per day during trips, programs, or challenge‑course events. Ability to bend, stoop, climb, and reach, as required for gear maintenance, belaying, setting up equipment, or supporting outdoor activities. Ability to sit at a computer workstation for portions of the workday during planning, scheduling, and administrative tasks. Ability to drive College vehicles, including vans or trucks, for extended periods while transporting students or equipment (if required by the institution). Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations, including providing first aid, facilitating evacuations, or performing rescues consistent with training. Ability to work in varied outdoor environments, including uneven terrain, forests, rivers, steep slopes, and low‑light conditions. Sufficient auditory and visual acuity to safely facilitate outdoor programs, monitor group safety, and communicate clearly in outdoor settings.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Davis & Elkins College offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including health insurance options, retirement benefits, paid time off, and tuition-related benefits consistent with College policy.

TO APPLY

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses) of three professional references via email to Erin Quint, Assistant Director of Human Resources at quinte@dewv.ed u. Please write "Outdoor Recreation Director" in the subject line of the email.

Pay:

From $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person