Challenge Course Program Coordinator

SUMMARY

Outward Bound is an international educational movement dedicated to the belief that people are capable of far more than they know. Founded in 1992, Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS)’s mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery. POBS – serving PA, NJ, and northern DE – is one of 10 regional Outward Bound USA schools. A robust, non-profit educational organization, POBS annually engages more than 7,000 youth and adult participants in single and multi-day experiential education programs that inspire character development, leadership, and community service. All programs are designed to inspire participants to realize their true potential.

The Philadelphia Outward Bound Challenge Course and Facilitation Program Coordinators are responsible for the direct oversight of all youth and adult insight program days at The Discovery Center, Wissahickon Action Learning Course or off-site programming at local parks and schools. Program insight days typically run from April- December 1, Monday- Friday with an additional 2-3 Saturdays a month.

The Program Coordinator (PC) is a supervisory position that supports instructional staff, full time faculty instructors through leadership in instruction and training, organization, and implementation of high-quality programs to all participants. The PC will support instructional staff, provide on the job technical and
facilitation training while ensuring programs remain compliant with AEE standards and ACCT standards.

The PC is responsible for preparing the program partner and educators for their program prior to arrival, coordinating prep for program staff and managing student enrollment. Additional responsibilities include performing daily pre-use inspections and ensuring the gear, grounds and equipment are maintained.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Partner Organization Relationships

  • Conduct outreach to program partner contacts one and two weeks before program delivery to ensure program readiness. /li>
  • Assist organizational with enrollment requirements, including completion of risk and liability forms and group profiles.
  • Respond to after-hours or early-morning communications regarding program changes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Data Entry

  • Perform weekly quality checks to ensure accurate and consistent data across databases.
  • Complete and enter all salesforce data after each program- including but not limited to course reports, rope logs and student data entry.
  • Input OBUSA course data after each program
  • Notify direct reports of incidents, conduct incident debriefs with Challenge Course Manager and enter incidents into the Incident Database.
  • Collaborate with the Challenge Course Manager to identify program days that OBOS surveys will be conducted. Ensure completion and upload all required survey data.

Staff Support

  • Provide on-the-job training, feedback, and professional development for program staff, ensuring alignment with AEE standards.
  • Act as a liaison between instructional staff and Faculty Instructors and the Challenge Course Manager and or Staffing Manager.
  • Plan, facilitate and or delegate weekly professional development sessions during a 90-minute weekly insight prep session for up to 15 instructional staff.
  • Cross-check staff scheduling with the Challenge Course Manager, Staffing Manager and update, change and communicate When I Work updates.
  • Train, coach and support instructional staff in their Assistant Facilitator to Lead Facilitator development progression.

Facilities and Equipment

  • Maintaining grounds, gear, and facilities to a high standard for program use include seasonal gear cleans, mulching and structure maintenance.
  • Perform daily pre-use inspections of gear, challenge course elements and surrounding grounds. Identify, respond to and notify the Challenge Course Manager of urgent critical maintenance issues.
  • Maintain and update the gear inventory and rope logs with accuracy.
  • Coordinate with The Discovery Center, Center Manager to reserve indoor program space.

Work Experience and Certifications

  • At least 2 years of Outward Bound employment or 200 hours of documented or ACCT Certified challenge course and facilitation experience.
  • Strong organizational skills with experience coordinating large group programs of 50-120 participants.
  • Knowledgeable on ACCT standards and AEE accreditation requirements.
  • Ability to demonstrate, train and coach others on aerial rescues using the Petzl Jag.
  • Experience using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and the Google Suites. Familiarity with Salesforce or When I Work.
  • Current basic first aid and CPR certified.

Management Experience

  • Minimum of 1 year managing at least 3 employees, volunteers, or work crews.
  • Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and work effectively in a team environment, while supporting the POBS philosophy and mission.
  • Proven mentorship skills, with the ability to coach and develop both new and returning staff members.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage with staff and partners.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Skilled in co-managing staff alongside other supervisors, providing constructive feedback, and addressing performance issues in a professional and respectful manner.
  • Coordinate across departments to establish and communicate clear staff expectations regarding timeliness, professional attitudes, progression from apprentice to lead roles, and engagement with students

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be 21 years or older.
  • Ability to carry, lift and move a 40 lb ladder.
  • Able to comfortably work and facilitate at heights up to 40 feet.

ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY

  • Must procure and pass an FBI Criminal Records Check.
  • Must obtain Criminal and Child Abuse clearances for Pennsylvania.
  • Must possess a current and valid driver’s license.
  • Must pass a Motor Vehicle Record Screen (Outward Bound will process. Candidates must have a clean driving background to apply).
  • Irregular work hours as necessary including the ability to work Saturday programs

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Salary Range: $36,000-$40,000
  • Starting 10-month salary position with work commitments from February 17th- December 17th, 2025
  • Option to participation in POBS’ group medical and dental insurance plans & Employee Assistance Program
  • Eligible to participate in the POBS 403B plan
  • Participate in Outward Bound USA staff expeditions.
  • 10 PTO days
  • 8 Paid float holidays

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

  • APPLY HERE
  • Application closes January 3, 2025
  • Pre-screens and interviews will be scheduled January 7-17, 2025

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.