Montana State University

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25113

For questions regarding this position, please contact: 

Jocelyn Larson

(406)-994-6278

jocelyn.larson@montana.edu

Classification Title Recreation Coord III

Working Title Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs

Brief Position Overview 

The Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs will provide leadership and expertise in the Outdoor program within the Campus Recreation Department. Areas of oversight include the outdoor rental shop, bike/ski shop, trips program, credit-based outdoor courses, and the climbing wall.

Campus Recreation is a dynamic department that offers recreational programs, services, facilities, employment, and learning opportunities to the MSU community. Campus Recreation is part of the Student Wellness area, within the Division of Student Success. This position will report to the Associate Director of Campus Recreation and oversees the Coordinator Outdoor Rental Center, Climbing Wall Coordinator, and student employees.

Position Number 4M1641

Department Recreational Sports & Fitness

Division Division of Student Success

Appointment Type Classified

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester 

If other, specify From date 

If other, specify End date 

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary Starting at $61,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type Classified Salary

If other, please specify 

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement 

The Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs will provide leadership and expertise in the outdoor program within Campus Recreation. Areas of oversight include the outdoor rental shop (which includes equipment rentals, bike and ski shop), trips program, credit-based outdoor courses, and the climbing wall. The Assistant Director is charged with developing, implementing, and assessing a comprehensive and diverse offering of outdoor programs, services, and activities in support of the Campus Recreation Department and Student Wellness area. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to support, promote, and build a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds, while offering opportunities for leadership and community development. They will also work to effectively manage risk for the Outdoor Recreation program area. The qualified candidate will be required to work Monday-Friday and occasional nights and weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Contribute to a staff culture of one team, one mission within Campus Recreation and Student Wellness.
• Oversee all aspects of the Outdoor Recreation Program including budgeting and professional staff oversight for:
• Rental Shop + Bike and Ski Shop
• Outdoor trips and Custom Programs
• Climbing Wall
• Contribute to Campus Recreation annual budget, evaluation and strategic planning efforts.
• Aid the Department of Health and Human Development (HHD) in the scheduling, logistics, and staffing of Outdoor Activity Classes for Credit (ACT) classes.
• Coordinate summer Expeditions trips series for first year student groups.
• Support student staff recruiting, hiring and training.
• Establish and maintain systems and processes to manage and mitigate risk.
• Recommend and implements strategy and practices for program development and enhancement.
• Contribute to Campus Recreation and Student Wellness student employment systems, processes, and employee development program.
• Assist with departmental outreach efforts to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

1. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
2. Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, outdoor recreation, health promotion, recreation, education, sports management or a related field, or a combination of education and/or applicable experience.
3. Current certification in CPR, AED, and Wilderness First Responder or the ability to obtain within six months of hire.
4. 2+ years Professional level experience with outdoor recreation related programming.
5. Demonstrated experience providing risk management support to field-based outdoor programs.
6. Demonstrated ability to lead student training field experiences over multiple days.
7. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
8. Master’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, health promotion, higher education, sports management, or a related field.
9. Demonstrated supervision experience of both professional and student staff.
10. Prior experience managing one or more aspect(s) of a collegiate outdoor recreation program.
11. 3+ years Professional level experience with outdoor recreation related programming.
12. Demonstrated experience training staff on risk management systems for supporting field-based outdoor programs.
13. Demonstrated ability to teach outdoor certification courses, i.e., Wilderness medicine, Climbing Wall Instructor Course or Avalanche Education.
14. Experience working with Fusion software.
15. Experience working with land management agencies and managing commercial use permits.

• The Successful Candidate Will
• Effectively coordinate and prioritize workload to meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Utilize a growth mindset when facing personal and professional development opportunities.
• Have ability to positively respond to difficult situations with comprehensive and creative outcomes.
• Consistently demonstrate professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continually supporting, promoting and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented office culture, assisting with special projects, events and departmental and/or Campus Rec/Student Success area initiatives.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills and abilities to build and maintain positive working relationships within the department, University, and community.
• Model professional and ethical behavior.
• Maintain knowledge of and implement current best practices for outdoor recreation, wellness, and operations in college recreation.
• Seek opportunities to enhance the overall operations of Campus Rec with intentional interdepartmental collaboration and the development and implementation of integrated operations processes.

Position Special Requirements/Additional InformationThis job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical DemandsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:Screening of applications will begin on March 21, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

EEO StatementMontana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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