Operations Director - Rocky Mountain

National Outdoor Leadership School• US,

1d•$53,000 - $58,000•Onsite

About The Position

The NOLS Rocky Mountain (RM) Operations Director is an essential member of the Rocky Mountain leadership team. They work to set tone and help to lead in day-to-day operations and into the future. The Operations Director is primarily responsible for long-term operational planning for the NOLS Rocky Mountain and associated campuses, including planning course routes and managing 30+ commercial land-use permits. They also play an integral role in emergency and crisis response. They are deeply committed to the NOLS mission and values while supporting in-town teams and field faculty to facilitate positive, life-changing experiences for NOLS students.

Requirements

Effective supervision: Help departments meet their goals and the goals we give them; use their team effectively, challenge them to adapt to different leadership styles when necessary, help teams lead in the service of others with a growth mindset
Professional-level experience instructing or guiding extended backcountry expeditions in remote environments with a variety of clients
Intimate knowledge of trip planning, and backcountry travel; specific knowledge of the Wind River Range, Utah canyons, Absarokas, and Big Horns is a plus
Excellent prioritization skills with the ability to adequately adapt based on emergent demands, team support, and deadlines
Ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
Propensity for executing decisions with limited information
Desire to work in a close team in a dynamic and collaborative environment
Capability to maintain a flexible schedule, working some long days, weekends and holidays
Technological proficiency with the capacity to learn quickly, navigate complicated and sometimes antiquated systems, and have a desire for continual systems innovation
Commitment to understanding and embodying NOLS' mission, values, and educational philosophy as a learning organization

Nice To Haves

specific knowledge of the Wind River Range, Utah canyons, Absarokas, and Big Horns

Responsibilities

Oversight of 30+ commercial use permits on public land in seven western states; responsible for maintaining NOLS’ relationship with many different land management agencies.
Manage Rocky Mountain permit use and distribution to ensure retention of NOLS’ user days over time.
Submit pre-season paperwork and end of year use reports to land management agencies.
Navigate permit violations and challenges as they arise.
Plan and schedule courses for the upcoming season and two years into the future for Rocky Mountain and associated campuses.
Financial oversight for direct course expenses and land use fees.
Orchestrate route planning for all Rocky Mountain campuses, including coordination of re-rations.
Create, analyze, and refine course routes based on feedback from field faculty and students. Innovate and implement changes.
Contribute as part of the Rocky Mountain leadership team; setting tone and shaping culture.
Supervise three Rocky Mountain departments.
Support, assist, and occasionally lead day-to-day needs, complex evacuations, emergent issues, and crisis response.
Gain a deep understanding of NOLS, and specifically the Rocky Mountain campuses, engaging with staff, operational procedures, course and classroom offerings to ensure organizational goals are reached.
Build relationships with 30+ government agencies regarding our operating permits and course areas, ensuring that government expectations are met.
Build relationships with in town staff, instructors, and community partners in service to students.
Become intimately familiar with NOLS RM+ evacuation procedures and systems.