SUMMARY
Outward Bound is an international organization dedicated to the belief that people are capable of far more than they know. The mission of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS), founded in 1992, is to change lives through challenge and discovery. POBS – serving PA, NJ and northern DE – is one of 9 regional Outward Bound USA schools.
As a robust, non-profit educational organization, POBS annually engages with more than 7,000 youth and adult participants. Our programming includes single and multi-day experiential education programs that inspire character development, leadership, and sense of community. All programs are designed to inspire participants to realize their true potential.
Student and Alumni Engagement Manager
The Student and Alumni Engagement Manager is an essential member of the POBS program and administrative team. They provide leadership, guidance, and support to youth, families and POBS program staff to engage current students and alumni in expanded Outward Bound experiences that foster a deeper connection between young people, POBS and the broader Outward Bound community.
They are responsible for managing multiple merit scholarship programs, maintaining and building relationships with local and regional educational partners and POBS staff, directing student recruitment plans and systems, and driving efforts to plan and implement alumni activities.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Merit Scholarship & Recruitment Management
- Lead coordination of POBS merit scholarship courses for middle and high school youth (PhillyYLC, NJYLC, GOAL) by developing and maintaining comprehensive recruitment plans and timelines.
- Collaborate with POBS Outreach and Expedition teams to recruit students from existing middle and high school partners, engaging school staff for recommendations.
- Coordinate with New Jersey counterparts to execute NJYLC recruitment efforts; work with POBS admissions, development, communications, and program teams to support recruitment and program design. Conduct information sessions and interviews to determine student readiness and make final selection decisions to ensure maximum course enrollment; serve as participant liaison to the admissions team. Identify scholarship recipients and facilitate connections between youth and donors.
- Support completion of course evaluations, and participate in post-course debriefs.
- Collaborate with other Outward Bound schools to identify recipients of additional merit scholarships. Adhere to annual program budgets and assist in developing recruitment materials.
- Manage donor-funded scholarships in coordination with the development department, including meeting scholarship criteria, communicating to families about scholarship awards and reporting on student experiences.
Educator Expedition Recruitment
- Develop and implement a recruitment strategy, prioritizing educators of partner schools to maximize course enrollment.
- Build and maintain relationships with schools, educational organizations, and community partners to attract educator participants.
- Screen applicants, conduct interviews and assist with the selection process of educator participants. Provide regular updates to leadership on program recruitment progress and adjust strategies as necessary to meet course enrollment targets.
- Serve as the primary representative on behalf of POBS, a licensed organization of the DoE Award USA program Ensure all Award USA program and participant requirements are met.
- Complete all Award USA orientation and training units as well as prepare and submit DoE reports as required by Award USA staff.
- Supervise the DoE co-coordinator; ensure required training is completed and managed, provide guidance and oversight to the assigned participants
- Coordinate Award celebrations in collaboration with Award USA, development staff, participants, and families, aligning with participants’ medal achievements.
- Participate in assessment sessions with Award USA staff.
- Participate in fundraising events and initiatives in support of the DoE program at POBS.
- Lead the creation and execution of alumni events for youth and adults.
- Collaborate with program, marketing, and communications teams to establish annual alumni events, using past events and feedback as a guide.
- Coordinate with teams to support the facilitation and logistics of alumni events.
- Develop a plan to engage current alumni in supporting new alumni engagement strategies, such as speaking at events or serving on planning committees.
- Host annual or semi-annual reunions for merit course alumni.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge and Skills
- Holds a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors. Experience in program and project management, and working across departments to achieve goals. Skilled in engaging and communicating with youth, caregivers, and community partners. Strong facilitation skills with 2-3 years of group facilitation experience.
- 3-5 years experience working with youth programs (i.e. Outward Bound, other equivalent). Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects. Effective communication strategies for supporting youth and families, and leading group meetings. Ability to give and receive constructive feedback, with a focus on continuous improvement. Self-motivated, flexible, with a sense of initiative and follow-through.
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, and G Suite (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar).
Essential Eligibility Criteria
- Must have a valid US or Canadian driver’s license for at least five years with clean driving record (to drive POBS fleet vehicles).
- Comfortable working outdoors and able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Able to sit or stand at a desk or computer for extended periods (50% or more of the time). Ability to travel to school and organizations throughout Philadelphia and surrounding counties. Ability to work outside of traditional work hours/days to conduct briefings, interviews and events. Handle difficult conversations with professionalism and sound judgment.
- CPR Certification and Wilderness First Responder (or willing to obtain after hire).
Preferred Work Experience and Qualifications
- 2-3 years customer service; engaging with families.
- 1-2 years supervising staff and facilitating meetings, events or group activities.
- Competency in collaborating across organizational teams (i.e. program, development, communications, marketing and engaging with a wide range of ages of youth and adults.
- Ability to create and deliver presentation materials to both small and large groups.
- Salesforce system knowledge.
- Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
Required Upon Hire
- 21 years of age or older.
- Able to pass federal, state, and child abuse background checks and annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check. Compensation & Benefits
- Salary commensurate with experience [Range $45,000 – $50,000].
- Participation in POBS’ group medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program.
- Eligible to participate in a 403(b) retirement plan.
- Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
- Opportunity to participate in Outward Bound staff expeditions across the U.S.
***To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Kim Glodek ([email protected]) by November 11, 2024***
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Philadelphia Outward Bound School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.