Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience

Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience

Campus Recreation

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience (S.O.L.E.) to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range: $56,527-$70,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location: OnSite

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

The Program Director of SOLE leads a comprehensive portfolio of outdoor recreation and education programs designed to promote student wellness, leadership development, and campus engagement. This role oversees outdoor trips, adventure-based classes, workshops, certifications, camps, climbing wall operations, and the SOLE Center, which includes a bike and ski shop and outdoor equipment rentals. The program director supervises a team of 10–15 student employees and coordinates over 30 trips, 40 educational events, and 350+ climbing wall users annually. The position also collaborates with campus partners to support student recruitment, retention, and success through outdoor experiences.

This role provides strategic leadership for the SOLE program, overseeing its short- and long-term planning, budgeting, policies, procedures, facility operations, equipment management, risk mitigation, and program evaluation. The program director ensures high standards of performance and continuous improvement across all areas.

The successful candidate will foster a welcoming environment, encourage broad student engagement, and use evidence-based decision-making to support program operations, student development and learning in alignment with departmental mission and values.

Work Schedule:
Typical hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with required evening and weekend availability to support staff and participants. Vacation is not permitted during the week before and the first week of each fall and spring semester.

Essential Functions

Leadership and Program Management  

• Leads strategic planning, fiscal management, facility and equipment oversight, risk management, and program evaluation for the Student Outdoor Learning Experience (SOLE). Oversees a robust portfolio including 30+ outdoor trips, 40 classes/workshops/camps, 3–4 special events, and over 350 climbing wall passes annually.
• Provides leadership for program budget of $200,000, including revenue generation, payroll, and operational expenses, with responsibility for development, implementation, reporting, and evaluation.
• Prepares and submits contracts, agreements, and permits for approval in coordination with the University Procurement Service Center and Human Resources.
• Designs and oversees high-quality outdoor adventure programs that promote healthy behaviors, personal growth, and team wellbeing, while meeting the diverse needs of the campus community.
• Collaborates with the Membership and Marketing team to maintain accurate and engaging web content, and to promote access to facilities, equipment rentals, recreational and educational adventure-based programs and classes.
• Builds collaborative programming across campus, partnering with units such as Wellness, Student Life, MOSAIC, Residence Life, Academic Departments, Veteran and Military Affairs, and Intercollegiate Athletics.
• Fosters community engagement through partnerships with local organizations, including the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance, to enhance program visibility and impact.

Outdoor Adventure Program

• Leads and oversees outdoor adventure trips, services, and educational offerings, ensuring all activities meet established risk management standards.
• Reviews and approves trip plans, verifies staff certifications and training, coordinates vehicle reservations, manages pre-trip communications, and oversees participant registration.
• Collaborates with colleagues to develop and schedule the annual and semester SOLE activity calendar, including facility use, equipment needs, marketing efforts, and maintenance planning.
• Manages the Fusion recreational software system to support registration for trips, classes, and events; oversee equipment rentals; coordinate bike and ski services; facilitate climbing wall orientations; and track point-of-sale and participant data.
• Secures vendor partnerships to support programming, equipment procurement, and access to outdoor permits.
• Responds to student and member interests by researching and developing new outdoor adventure programs and classes not currently offered.
• Collaborate with the Sports and Youth Programs team to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of youth summer camps, ensuring alignment with departmental goals, safety standards, and experiential learning outcomes.

Climbing Wall

• Oversees the operation of the 27-foot climbing and bouldering wall, as well as the freestanding MoonBoard, including routine inspections, equipment checks, and route setting.
• Ensures climbing wall operations comply with and exceed current industry safety and instructional standards.
• Designs and delivers training programs for SOLE Guest Services Desk Attendants to ensure safe and effective climbing wall operations.
• Oversees the annual climbing wall orientation for participants, ensuring safety, education, and proper use of equipment and facilities.
• Coordinates climbing wall maintenance and repairs in partnership with the Assistant Director of Facility Operations.

Personnel Management And Student Development:

• Manages the full lifecycle of student employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, scheduling, and performance evaluation for SOLE program assistants, trip leaders, and guest services desk attendants.
• Conducts annual performance evaluations and provides ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities to student employees.
• Designs and delivers outcome-based training, team meetings, and development programs to enhance student employee skills and leadership. 
• Develops and manages an in-house outdoor trip leader certification program to ensure employees meet industry standards in training, skill development, experience, and leadership.
• Advocates for and develops outdoor adventure internship and practicum opportunities to support student career readiness.
• Ensures compliance with departmental and university policies and procedures related to student employment and human resources.

Fiscal And Resource Management:

• Leads short- and long-term fiscal planning and budget management for SOLE program operations, including forecasting expenses for trips, equipment purchases, staff training, and facility maintenance.
• Manages program budgets in alignment with departmental, divisional, and university policies to ensure responsible and effective use of resources—for example, tracking expenditures for outdoor gear replacement, vehicle rentals, and marketing campaigns.
• Ensures operational practices reflect best management standards and comply with departmental and university guidelines.
• Oversees outdoor equipment operations, including purchasing, inventory control, maintenance, and replacement planning, in accordance with industry and manufacturer standards.
• Collaborates with department leadership to evaluate and adjust fee structures based on program costs, participation trends, and benchmarking data from peer institutions.
• Researches and recommends operating and capital reserve purchases, such as climbing wall upgrades, or new rental equipment, based on program needs and product availability.

Risk Management:

• Develops, updates, and communicates emergency response policies and procedures for all SOLE programs.
• Directs and documents monthly and annual climbing wall, auto belays, and outdoor equipment inspections and certifications in alignment with national organization standards. 
• Oversees and documents monthly and annual inspections and certifications for the climbing wall, auto belays, and outdoor equipment, in accordance with industry and manufacturer standards.
• Maintains accurate records of SOLE program safety equipment and ensures timely replacement in accordance with safety regulations.
• Serves as a first responder during emergencies, communicates effectively, and provides care within the scope of certified training.
• Proposes and supports implementation of policies and procedures that prioritize participant health and safety.
• Collaborates with department staff and external partners to assess and maintain safe conditions across Campus Recreation, campus, and external spaces.  
• Resolves conflicts and incidents in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Supports the review, documentation, and follow-up of incident and injury/accident reports to improve safety practices.
• Coordinates with facility operations staff to manage program schedules, maintenance needs, and access to facilities during regular and break hours.

Administrative Duties:

• Collects, organizes, and analyzes SOLE program data, including learning outcomes, assessments (e.g., post-trip surveys), and annual reports. 
• Develops and evaluates policies and procedures for SOLE programs and facilities in alignment with industry, department, and university standards. 
• Maintains and updates operations manuals, including staffing protocols and trip leader competencies. 
• Serves on departmental and university committees to support Campus Recreation’s mission and values. 
• Participates in professional development opportunities and promotes continued learning across the department to stay abreast of current industry trends and standards.
• Contributes to the planning and improvement of programs, facilities, and services. 
• Role is required to periodically attend Campus Recreation programs and uses facilities to ensure compliance with standards and risk management practices. 
• Performs other duties as assigned to support Campus Recreation and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by 11:59pm November 2, 2025. However, this posting will remain open until filled.
• The potential dates for interviews with the search committee will be the during the week of November 10 & 17, 2025.
• The potential dates for interviews with the supervisor and appointing authority will be the week of December 1, 2025.
• The potential employee start date is around January 5, 2026.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.

• A bachelor’s degree is required
• Experience in administration, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive outdoor adventure programs, including trips, instructional classes and workshops, climbing wall operations, bike and ski shop services, outdoor equipment rental management and/or related field is required.
• Must have experience with fiscal management skills, including the development, oversight, and reporting of program budgets to ensure responsible and strategic use of resources.
• Experience in supervision, mentorship, and training for staff, including outdoor trip leaders, climbing wall, guest services desk with a focus on leadership development, performance evaluation, and experiential learning is required.
• Experience in risk management within adventure programming, including the development and implementation of safety protocols, emergency response planning, incident reporting procedures, and staff training to ensure participant well-being and program compliance with industry standards.
• Certifications (Required or Must Be Obtained Within Specified Timeframes)
• Wilderness First Responder (within 9 months of employment)
• Climbing Wall Instructor (within 6 months of employment)
• Master Bike Mechanic (within 6 months of employment)
• CPR with AED, Standard First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens/Universal Precautions (within 90 days of hire)
• Campus Security Authority (CSA) training (within 90 days of hire)
• Master’s Degree in Recreation Administration, Sport Management, Higher Education, Exercise Science, Outdoor Experiential Education, Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Physical Education, Business Administration, or related field is preferred.
• Highly qualified applicants will have demonstrated professional experience and competence in the following areas: 
• Lead the administration, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive collegiate outdoor adventure programs, including trips, instructional classes and workshops, climbing wall operations, bike and ski shop services, outdoor equipment rental management and/or related field.
• Demonstrated extensive fiscal management skills and experience with procurement, contracting, and insurance services.
• Provided effective supervision, mentorship, and training for student employees within adventure-based outdoor program operations.
• Experience using online systems to support outdoor adventure operations, such as rental management platforms, scheduling software, and participant registration systems (e.g., Fusion or similar tools).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including sound judgment, conflict resolution, and the ability to motivate and support student staff and program participants.
• Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service, with professionalism and responsiveness to the needs of diverse user groups.
• Additional Certifications (Preferred)
• Ski/Snowboard Technician Certification
• American Red Cross Lifeguard or equivalent
• NOLS Wilderness First Aid or Responder Instructor Certification 
• Risk Management for Administrators
• Wilderness First Responder (within 9 months of employment)
• Climbing Wall Instructor (within 6 months of employment)
• Master Bike Mechanic (within 6 months of employment)
• CPR with AED, Standard First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens/Universal Precautions (within 90 days of hire)
• Campus Security Authority (CSA) training (within 90 days of hire)
• Lead the administration, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive collegiate outdoor adventure programs, including trips, instructional classes and workshops, climbing wall operations, bike and ski shop services, outdoor equipment rental management and/or related field.
• Demonstrated extensive fiscal management skills and experience with procurement, contracting, and insurance services.
• Provided effective supervision, mentorship, and training for student employees within adventure-based outdoor program operations.
• Experience using online systems to support outdoor adventure operations, such as rental management platforms, scheduling software, and participant registration systems (e.g., Fusion or similar tools).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including sound judgment, conflict resolution, and the ability to motivate and support student staff and program participants.
• Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service, with professionalism and responsiveness to the needs of diverse user groups.
• Ski/Snowboard Technician Certification
• American Red Cross Lifeguard or equivalent
• NOLS Wilderness First Aid or Responder Instructor Certification 
• Risk Management for Administrators

All employees of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) are required to complete training on policies and procedures administered by the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), under the supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator. Required training includes: understanding and reporting conduct prohibited by the sexual misconduct, protected class nondiscrimination, and conflicts of interest in cases of amorous relationships policies, related retaliation, and compliance with accommodations regarding disability, pregnancy or related conditions, and religion. All employees are also designated as “responsible employees” and are required to report conduct prohibited under these policies, and student disclosures of pregnancy or related conditions directly to the OIE and to provide OIE’s contact information to any student disclosing pregnancy or related conditions. More information is available at: Policies and Resolution Procedures | Office of Institutional Equity (uccs.edu).

Note: This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities, qualifications, and physical requirements of this role at UCCS. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. The university reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities as needed to meet the university's needs.