Assistant Director, Outdoor Recreation

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus.

Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

Pay Range $62,400

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level S5

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours
8:30am-5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am-4:30pm (summer)

Evening and weekend hours required. Hours may vary based on operational needs and season.

Job Type

Job Type Full-time

Unionized Position Code Not Applicable

Syracuse University is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to serve as Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation within The Barnes Center at The Arch, an integrated wellness facility housing recreation, counseling, health care, and health promotion departments under one umbrella. Within this model, the Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation will play an active role in facilitating integrated wellness opportunities for students, utilizing a multi-faceted approach to wellness through ongoing program collaborations with counseling, health care and health promotion.

The Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation directly oversees the management and supervision of all aspects of outdoor recreation, including adventure trips, indoor climbing wall, outdoor equipment rental, indoor and outdoor challenge courses, teambuilding, and the cross-country ski and snowshoe center. This position has personnel management responsibilities including the training, development and supervision of 1 full-time program manager and 60 student staff throughout all areas, as well as the various program assistants.

This role combines strategic program development with hands-on management of facilities, student staff, and integrated programming that supports holistic wellness initiatives through outdoor recreation.

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, outdoor education, sport management, human development or another relevant field. Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of three years of experience with balance of program development, field instruction, supervisory skills, facility management and administrative experience.

• Demonstrated climbing wall or challenge course management experience including strategic planning, budget management, equipment purchasing and maintenance and risk management.
• Professional experience developing and administering successful experiential curriculum, according to client learning outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in training and supervision of full-time staff utilizing best practices for customer service.
• Experience developing and administering collaborative programming with academic and student development organizations utilizing experiential methodology.
• Demonstrated pursuit of personal professional development through participation in a national industry association or organization such as ACCT , AEE , AORE , CWA , etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, proficient computer skills, ability to use sound…