BOLD & GOLD Course Director

YMCA Of Greater Seattle•Seattle, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

We have a strong commitment to equity. The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner. As a Course Director, you will be responsible for supervising one- and two-week wilderness-based expeditions. This includes managing logistics, mentoring staff, and ensuring the safe and successful delivery of these programs. Course Directors work with instructors to plan curriculum for expeditions, provide on-call support to groups in the field, support evacuations, communicate with families, and ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of the BOLD & GOLD summer program. BOLD & GOLD is dedicated to inspiring courage and confidence in diverse groups of youth through outdoor adventures. As a program of the Camping & Outdoor Leadership branch of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, BOLD & GOLD offers year-round partnership programs and summer expedition experiences. Partnership programs engage with schools, non-profits, and community-based organizations to design and implement transformative outdoor experiences. The summer expedition program runs single-gender and all-gender expeditions that engage youth through frontcountry and backcountry trips ranging in length from 5 to 15 days. BOLD & GOLD experiences take place in Mt Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, National Forests, Washington State Parks, and local green spaces. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, snowshoeing, fishing, art, and team building. The goal of BOLD & GOLD is to increase confidence, courage, emotional intelligence, wonder, and community awareness in our participants. BOLD & GOLD believes these traits are the foundations of leadership and works to inspire participants to develop their own leadership style. BOLD & GOLD prepares young people to be the next generation of leaders through multicultural experiential education in the natural world. Find out more at www.seattleymca.org/boldgold.

Requirements

Experience making the transference of a wilderness experience relevant to the everyday lives of youth.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with youth and adults from a variety of backgrounds.
Ability to role model compassionate and confident leadership.
High level of self-awareness and can work in a collaborative setting.
Commitment to working with diverse groups of youth and staff.
Possesses strong organizational skills, flexibility, and a problem-solving mentality.
Ability to mentor staff in technical backcountry skills, including backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and mountaineering.
Ability to mentor staff in interpersonal skills, including clear consistent communication, building positive group culture, and supporting participants through challenges such as homesickness, conflict, etc.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with Microsoft Office suit (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
Current WFR or W-EMT, and CPR Certification
Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit
Leave No Trace 101 Certification
This role transports clients as an “authorized driver” for the YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS) using an employer-provided vehicle. Driving duties for this role are Required.
To become an authorized driver, you must be 21+, have possessed a driver's license for at least 3 years, and pass a drug screen that will test for impairing substances (including marijuana) in addition to meeting the driving record standards below:
YGS Driving Record Standards
Within the last three (3) years: No more than two (2) vehicle related suspension(s) and/or reinstatement(s). No more than two (2) moving violations and/or accidents.
Within the last five (5) years: No Major Violations which include, but are not limited to, the following: DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI, BUI (Boating), Administrative Per Se, or Refusing to Test, Driving with an open container of alcohol, Reckless Driving, Hit andRun– property damage only (Incidents involving injury fall under Permanent Disqualification), Racing, Driving with a suspended/revoked license/insurance, Speeding over 20 mph, Fleeing and/or eluding police, Any other felony driving conviction(s)
Driving records that result in Permanent disqualification from driving duties: More than 3 DUI, DWI, OUI, OWI, BUI, Administrative Per Se, or Refusing to Test forentiretyof driving history.
More than 3 Driving with a suspended/revoked license
Hit and Run resulting in bodily injury or death
Manslaughter/felony death by motor vehicle

Nice To Haves

Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
Experience with anti-racism practices.

Responsibilities

Direct all aspects of wilderness courses including logistics, staff supervision, participants, risk management situations, and a positive group culture.
Oversee the safe delivery of wilderness courses- with an emphasis on multicultural leadership, ranging in length from 5 to 15 days.
Work within a leadership team to ensure all staff and participants have the equipment, tools and knowledge needed to be successful.
Build strong rapport with participants, staff, and families, foster positive group development, create structure, and draw learning from experiential activities.
Train and mentor staff in how to: Build emotionally and physically safe environments with groups of middle and high school participants.
Help participants build emotional intelligence and multicultural leadership skills through wilderness experience.
Ensure both a physically and an emotionally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff.
Model cultural humility and celebrate diversity, effectively working with people of different identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
Other duties as assigned.
Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.