Program Director

North Carolina Outward Bound School • Morganton, NC

56d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Director provides overall leadership and management of an assigned North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) base camp. The role oversees program operations and delivery, staff supervision and development, risk management, budget and resources, facilities coordination, and basecamp community culture. The Program Director works with the Director of Program Operations and other organizational leaders to support strategic priorities, operational effectiveness, and positive outcomes for staff and students while ensuring safe, high-quality Outward Bound programs.

This seasonal position runs from February 16, 2027 through October 31, 2027, at Table Rock Base Camp in Jonas Ridge, North Carolina. Basecamp work and residence take place in a remote wilderness setting and involve an immersive community environment, shared housing and common spaces, communal meals, unpredictable weather, and possible interruptions to utilities. The role may involve irregular schedules, evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities.

The position requires current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications, at least five years of experience with Outward Bound or comparable outdoor, experiential, or wilderness education programs, and strong leadership, communication, safety-management, and organizational skills. A bachelor's degree, staff-supervision experience, and outdoor emergency-response or incident-management experience are preferred. Compensation is $205 per day worked, estimated at 22 days per month during the work period.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications.
• Valid driver's license and at least three years of driving experience.
• At least five years of experience with Outward Bound or comparable outdoor, experiential, or wilderness education programs.
• An outstanding record as an instructor, trainer, course director, community member, and/or administrator.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to individuals and groups.
• Strong safety-management and risk-management experience.
• Effective leadership, supervisory, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong initiative, motivation, judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), Salesforce or other CRM systems, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Successful completion of background and motor vehicle records checks.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and use hands and fingers to handle equipment and perform work tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking and hearing, in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to participate in moderate to vigorous outdoor activities.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience supervising and developing staff preferred.
• Experience leading emergency response or incident management in outdoor program settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Foster a safe, supportive, and accountable work and living community at base camp.
• Keep base camp facilities, common spaces, and living areas clean, organized, and conducive to staff well-being.
• Partner with the HR Director on employee relations matters, performance improvement plans, and adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
• Supervise, coach, and support direct reports through goal setting, professional development, performance management, and evaluations.
• Support hiring for direct reports and participate in recruitment and selection of per diem program staff.
• Collaborate with the Staffing Manager to develop and maintain program staffing schedules.
• Partner with the Safety and Training Director on program-wide and base camp training initiatives and staff preparedness.
• Support organizational Access, Belonging, and Community initiatives across NCOBS and within the Program Department.
• Collaborate with the Director of Program Operations to identify and implement program goals, operational priorities, and strategic initiatives.
• Manage the basecamp budget and resources.
• Manage the base camp on-call system and serve as Base Camp Incident Commander during emergency response situations.
• Collaborate with the Facilities Director on seasonal opening and winterization, facility maintenance, caretaker oversight, and capital improvement projects.
• Partner with the Program Resource Manager to maintain positive relationships with local land managers and public agencies.
• Collaborate with the Program Resource Manager to ensure program equipment, supplies, and resources are procured and available for seasonal operations.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the safe and effective delivery of high-quality Outward Bound programs.
• Ensure programs comply with OBUSA and NCOBS safety policies and procedures, Local Operating Procedures, and administrative directives.
• Oversee program administrative responsibilities, documentation, and reporting requirements.

Benefits

• Housing and meals provided for the duration of the work period.
• Access to medical, dental, vision, and other supportive benefits for qualifying employees.
• Access to contribute to a 403(b) retirement account with a 1.5% employer match after one year of service.
• Access to outdoor industry pro deals.
• Access to professional development trainings for rock climbing and whitewater canoeing.
• Reimbursement for required certification renewals.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed