Assistant Director of Retreats and Special Events; Outdoor Education Specialist), Bradford Woods

Overview

BRADFORD WOODS (BA-BRAD-IUBLA)

The Office of Student Life works to ensure every Indiana University student and guest has a positive, safe, healthy, and meaningful experience by providing the support and resources needed to succeed. As a proud department within the Office of Student Life, Bradford Woods strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and a true sense of belonging ated just 30 minutes north of Bloomington, Bradford Woods is IU's Outdoor Center with 2,500 acres of forest and a 110-acre lake used by over 400 programs each year.

With free parking and a stunning natural setting, there's no better place to work than Bradford Woods.

This position supports the mission of Bradford Woods by coordinating and facilitating high-quality Retreats and Special Events that serve both Indiana University students and external groups. The role directly impacts program quality, participant satisfaction, and departmental revenue through effective planning, communication, and collaboration.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Assesses, designs, facilitates, and evaluates Retreats programming to ensure engaging, high-quality experiences for all participants.
• Collaborates with the Program Director to grow and diversify Retreats program offerings and advance opportunities that align with Bradford Woods mission.
• Leads efforts to expand and enhance the Retreats department through strategic marketing, sales, and development of comprehensive event experiences, including the growth of a boutique retreats center.
• Develops and implements a marketing and sales strategy to increase visibility, attract new clients, and build long-term partnerships.
• Defines and packages service offerings, coordinate pricing and budgeting, and establish systems to elevate events beyond facility rentals into full-service, tailored retreat experiences.
• Serves as the primary client contact, providing clear communication, personalized support, and a seamless, high-quality experience from inquiry through event completion.
• Collaborates closely with housekeeping, food service, maintenance, and program staff to ensure the delivery of cohesive, well-coordinated events.
• Participates in area budget development and management to ensure financial sustainability and alignment with departmental goals.
• Provides administrative and marketing support, including public relations, data tracking, and strategic reporting to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
• Creates a welcoming environment where guests can connect, grow, and thrive within Bradford Woods unique outdoor setting.

General Responsibilities

• Responsible for design and implementation of recreational, educational, professional development, and team-building retreats, camps, and other outdoor education programming.
• Manages day-to-day operations, logistics, and issues related to programming, providing technical or informational support to participants.
• Identifies and develops contracts, partners, and coalitions; researches, identifies, and negotiates facilitators, speakers, and presenters.
• Develops educational materials, curriculum, equipment, elements, and other resources necessary to conduct programmatic offerings and services.
• Develops activities appropriate for the participants in a given outdoor program, camp, or retreat and works with leaders and constituents to develop itinerary.
• Designs and implements evaluation tools for program effectiveness, makes recommendations, and implements changes based on results.
• Assists in budget development and revenue projections and ensures programs, camps, and retreats align with budgetary needs.
• May assist with seasonal or temporary staffing needs including selection, hiring, training, and supervision.

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

Required
- Bachelor s degree in related field

Preferred

Work Experience

• Some experience in related field

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

For priority consideration applicants should apply by Friday, February 6, 2026.

Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits for full-time staff employees, including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings…