Logistics Manager

New York City Outward Bound Schools•Queens, NY

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in 1987, NYC Outward Bound Schools is a nonprofit organization that partners with more than 100 public schools across NYC to engage students in equitable, immersive and joyful learning that prepares them to thrive in community, college and career. NYCOBS is also part of the International Outward Bound family, and the national Outward Bound Network, with links to 8 other teams across the US, adhering to commonly agreed program, safety, brand, and operating standards and have opportunities for learning and career group across the federation. Our unique approach to programming focuses on adventurous learning — daring exploration, real-world engagement, and meaningful challenge — whether in school, local communities, or the outdoors. In schools, we coach teachers and school leaders to implement Crew, our signature advisory structure that supports student connection and belonging, and Instruction for Deeper Learning in the classroom. Outdoors, whether in the city or upstate at our wilderness basecamp, we deliver adventure programming to students, helping them realize that they can do hard things, and develop leadership skills like collaboration and initiative that transfer to the academic classroom. In all spaces where we work, we support students to be co-creators of their own learning and growth, in environments where their voices are heard and valued. Every day, we are proving that transformation and innovation can happen within a public school system, and that with truly equitable schools, all students — regardless of background or circumstance — are capable of achieving at high levels. Role Summary: Reporting to the Director of Outdoor Adventure and working collaboratively with Outdoor Adventure Course Directors/Coordinators and Program Managers, the Logistics Coordinator is the operational backbone of NYCOBS's outdoor adventure programs — developing and managing systems, policies, and procedures for logistics management and ensuring that every course has the transportation, equipment, gear, food, and supplies needed to run safely and successfully. This is a hands-on, high-initiative role that combines careful advance planning with responsive in-the-moment problem-solving. The Logistics Manager supports the full range of outdoor adventure programming — from multi-day overnight expeditions at Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, NY, to urban adventure programs and climbing wall programming at NYCOBS's Long Island City headquarters. The role requires both field presence (including overnight stays on course) and time at the organization's LIC office for preparation, inventory management, and administrative work.

Requirements

At least 1 year experience in logistics, operations, or field support in an outdoor education, experiential learning, or youth-serving program context preferred
Demonstrated ability to manage and maintain outdoor gear and equipment — including knowledge of backpacking, camping, and climbing equipment; ability to perform basic field repairs
Experience preparing meals for large groups, with knowledge of safe food handling practices in field and kitchen settings
Ability to work effectively with students ages 12–18+ from a variety of backgrounds, including the ability to engage students in logistical tasks and manage group logistics in the field
Ability to track expenses and maintain accurate budget records
Competent in loading, unloading, and transporting supplies and equipment; ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Ability to successfully obtain and maintain required outdoor adventure certifications upon hire (training provided)
Current and valid U.S. driver's license held for a minimum of 5 years; ability to drive in the city and to remote locations, including on rough roads
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods, including overnight stays (camping) of up to five consecutive days, in varied weather and temperature conditions
Willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, late evenings, and overnight stays
Digital proficiency, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
Successful completion of a NYC Department of Education background check

Nice To Haves

Strong commitment to educational equity for BIPOC youth and demonstrated dedication to our core values of community, courage, equity, integrity, and learning
Highly organized and detail-oriented — takes initiative, anticipates needs, and builds reliable systems without waiting for direction
Flexible and adaptable — thrives in a dynamic, field-based environment where priorities shift quickly and creative problem-solving is essential
Strong communicator — provides clear, timely information to team members across multiple program workstreams
Collaborative and service-oriented — approaches the role as essential support for instructors, students, and the broader outdoor adventure team
Demonstrates integrity, maturity, and sound judgment — especially in field settings where independent decision-making matters

Responsibilities

Coordinate all logistical aspects of outdoor and urban adventure programs — ensuring each course has scheduled transportation, appropriate equipment and gear, including medical supplies , and all supplies needed for the duration of the program
Manage the procurement, organization, maintenance, and repair of program gear and equipment — including backpacking, climbing, camping, and challenge course materials — keeping inventory current and field-ready
Develop and maintain organizational systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for gear management, equipment maintenance, and field logistics across all program types
Liaise with vendors, facilities staff, and the Director of Outdoor Adventure & Programs to ensure timely maintenance, repairs, and readiness of logistics spaces and program equipment
Provide logistical support to the climbing wall program — coordinating gear and supplies for climbing and team-building programming at the LIC headquarters as determined by the Climbing Wall Manager
Work with the Facilities Manager to ensure all vehicles are ready for program use; drive students and/or staff safely to course locations and remote sites as needed
Plan and oversee all food systems for outdoor adventure programs — including multi-day courses serving large groups — ensuring meals are nutritious, delicious, and appropriate for field conditions
Manage food purchasing, menu planning, and dietary accommodations, maintaining accurate budget tracking and adhering to food safety protocols in and out of the field
Prepare staff meals and coordinate food systems for all program types, including Crew Adventures, Crew Day Adventures, and urban programming
Maintain and refine food safety and meal preparation SOPs — ensuring consistent, compliant practices across all program seasons
Be present in the field for programs as needed — including overnight stays at Sharpe Reservation and other course locations — providing responsive logistical support to Program Manager, instructors and Course Directors throughout the program
Provide logistics onboarding and/or training to relevant staff, as needed, in coordination with fellow Outdoor Adventure managers, Safety Director, and Director of Outdoor Adventure
Support all phases of course operations: pre-course pack-out and preparation, in-course resupply and support, and post-course breakdown and restocking
Manage logistical needs for students in the field, including gear issues, resupply, and other on-course support as directed by program staff
Respond effectively to emergent situations and unexpected logistical challenges on course — communicating proactively with program staff and contributing to a safe, well-resourced experience for students and staff
Attend and participate in outdoor adventure trainings — building and maintaining the skills needed to support field programs safely and effectively
Develop, maintain, and improve logistics tracking system(s) that centralize asset data and support proactive planning schedules, timely and effective asset management, and cost-effective planning and budgeting.
Track logistics expenses and maintain accurate records for program budgets — supporting the Director of Outdoor Adventure & Programs in monitoring expenditures and identifying cost efficiencies
Prepare all required documentation for outdoor adventure programs — including course files, program reports, and incident records — ensuring accurate and timely data capture
Maintain clear and proactive communication with instructors, Outdoor Adventure Coordinators, Program Managers, and other relevant staff on all logistical matters
Contribute to continuous improvement of logistics systems — identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, sustainability, and quality across all program operations