Campus Recreation Coordinator, Outdoor Adventures

University of New Hampshire

1d•$43,710 - $77,920

About The Position

As a professional within the Campus Recreation Department, the Coordinator of Outdoor Adventures provides leadership for the Outdoor Adventures (OA) program— including the trip program, bouldering wall, outdoor gear rental service, and Mendums Pond Recreation Area. The coordinator uses a student‑development approach when supervising student staff, ensures all programs follow Campus Recreation and University risk management protocols, and addresses disciplinary situations according to UNH policies. The Coordinator reports directly to the Campus Recreation Associate Director. Under the shared governance model between the Department of Recreation Management & Policy (RMP) and Campus Recreation, the Coordinator represents Campus Recreation on the Lifetime Activity Program (LAP) Committee for matters related to OUT courses, offering operational expertise in facilities, equipment, transportation, risk management, and instructor support. As part of their regular responsibilities, the Coordinator also teaches one credit-bearing OUT course each semester. This course serves as the primary training and assessment platform for Outdoor Adventures staff, with a focus on field leadership, technical proficiency, and risk management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Education, Experiential Education or related field and two years experience in a supervisory programmatic position in outdoor/adventure recreation (Grad. Assistant experience acceptable)
Thorough knowledge of outdoor recreation and their organization and administration
Knowledge of the area of equipment and facility management and maintenance
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
CPR/First Aid and AED, Wilderness medicine certifications (i.e. WFR, WEMT) within 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Outdoor Education, Outdoor Recreation or a related field desirable.
Two or more years of experience in a supervisory programmatic position in an outdoor pre-orientation program, wilderness outings program, and leadership development in a college or university setting preferred.
Strong background in paddle sports, backpacking, camping, hiking, and orienteering.
Willingness to work nights, weekends, and extended periods.
Experience in new program implementation and supervision.
Demonstrated communication skills.
Current driver’s license, ability to obtain Defensive Driving Certification.
Demonstrated strong customer service skills.
Professional certifications in climbing, paddle sports, challenge course supervision/management; membership in AORE and NIRSA desired.

Responsibilities

Administer the CREC Outdoor Adventures trip program, including program design, leader development pathways, scheduling, logistics, and post‑program assessment.
Coordinate the development and execution of trip programs that align with Campus Recreation goals.
Ensure compliance with all Campus Recreation and University risk management policies related to Outdoor Adventures, academic programs, and student groups engaged in outdoor pursuits; facilitate ongoing staff training in risk management practices for OA Wilderness Leaders.
Collaborate with the LAP Committee and the RMP Program Director on operational components of OUT courses, including facilities access, equipment support, transportation, and field logistics, to ensure alignment with the shared governance model and unified risk expectations.
Provide consultation and guidance to student groups engaging in outdoor pursuits to promote safe practices, responsible planning, and alignment with university risk management expectations.
Coordinate daily operations, seasonal maintenance, and capital projects at Mendums Pond Recreation Area.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff responsible for facility operations.
Manage equipment inventory, maintenance, and purchasing needs for the site.
Collaborate with other departments on facility use, rentals, partnerships, and special events.
Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures consistent with university, state, and municipal regulations.
Oversee inventory, maintenance, and replacement of equipment.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff for rental service.
Organize and collaborate on bouldering competitions and instructional offerings in collaboration with instructional and youth programs.
Work collaboratively with the OUT program contact to ensure bouldering wall staff receive training that aligns with OUT course skill, safety, and instructional standards.
Work with OLM staff to ensure open‑climb offerings align with shared risk and operational standards for the Hamel Recreation Center Bouldering Wall.
Administer the CREC OA gear room, developing standardized systems for storage, maintenance workflows, and equipment tracking that support both OA programming and OUT course field needs.
Teach credit-bearing OUT course semesterly as part of regular responsibilities, focused on developing Outdoor Pursuit Leader competencies in technical skills, leadership, judgment, and risk management.
Coordinate course planning with the RMP OUT program contact to ensure alignment with program expectations and field-based operational standards.
Promote the effective and responsible use of funding, personnel, facilities, and time across Outdoor Adventures operations.
Partner with Campus Recreation marketing staff to support promotion of Outdoor Adventures programs and services.
Serve on Campus Recreation and university committees as appropriate, including representing CREC on the LAP Committee related to OUT course governance, and contribute insight regarding facilities, equipment, transportation, staff training, and operational integration.
Contribute to the development of short- and long-range plans for Outdoor Adventures programs and facilities.
Adhere to university protocols related to hiring, purchasing, documentation, and administrative processes.
Collect, review, and prepare data to inform program evaluation, reporting, and operational decision-making.
Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain current knowledge in outdoor recreation, risk management, leadership development, and industry standards.
Perform other duties as assigned as necessitated by the Division of Student Life.