Expedition 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 POBS Expedition Program Coordinator is an organization leader, serving primarily as a course director and supervisor for field staff to deliver the highest quality programs. This role very firmly also includes field instructing multi-day backpacking and paddling expeditions on a semi-regular basis throughout the program season. Additional responsibilities include  (but are not limited to) delivering staff training, logistical support, and other duties as assigned by the senior program staff. Understanding of and commitment to the Outward Bound philosophy and curriculum are keys to success for this position.

The Program Coordinator (PC) is a supervisory position that supports the program team through leadership in instruction and training, organization, and implementation of high-quality programs to all participants. The PC is responsible for preparing the program staff and students for expeditions by delivering school briefings, coordinating course prep for field staff and working with the POBS Admissions team to manage student enrollment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Planning and Delivery

  • Serve primarily as a course director for multi-day backpacking and paddling expeditions. This includes pre-course prep, collaboration with the admissions and logistics teams, and participation in POBS emergency on-call system throughout the length of each course.
  • Serve as a Lead Instructor on backpacking, canoeing, and/or multi-element expeditions on a semi-regular basis.
  • Collaborate with the program team to design and deliver on-going staff training throughout the year.
  • Support Staffing Manager as needed with staff communication, goal tracking, evaluation regarding their work expectations using email, text and When I Work software.
  • Deliver and/or oversee delivery of relevant professional development sessions to field instructors during course prep.
  • Observe staff while in programming and provide constructive feedback at the end of each program and end of season.

Data Entry and Evaluation

  • Conduct weekly quality checks to ensure all data entry is correct and consistent between multiple databases for all programs delivered.
  • Ensure course reports, data entry and incident reports are completed for all expeditions.
  • Mentor and coach field staff through Assistant Instructor to Lead Instructor progressions and in-field observations to ensure all program days are logged and accurate.
  • Communicate regularly with the Staffing Manager and the Program Coordinator of Training and Curriculum regarding individual staff development needs and position promotions.
  • Deliver and ensure completion of Outward Bound Outcome Surveys (OBOS).

In-Field Duties

  • Participate regularly in POBS on-call system for emergencies, as well as troubleshoot any and all issues related to the field, students, parents, and organizational partners.
  • Work closely with the logistics team to coordinate in-field climbing days, group transports, on-site activities, vehicle shuttles, and expedition resupplies.

Discovery Center Facilities

  • Coordinate with POBS day program team, Discovery Center Director, and Audubon program team to manage multiple groups using the Discovery Center at one time.
  • Utilize Discovery Center space calendar to plan and prepare for multiple groups on site for course starts and ends.

Work Experience and Certifications

  • Minimum of 2-3 years of field experience in the outdoor education/experiential learning field.
  • Minimum Outward Bound Lead Instructor (or equivalent) with related certifications.
  • Ability to demonstrate flexibility and effective communication with program staff.
  • Experience using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and the Google Suites. Familiarity with Salesforce or When I Work a plus.
  • Current Wilderness First Responder Certification.

Management Expectations

  • Ability to work in a team environment and support POBS philosophy and mission.
  • Must be a strong mentor, able to develop and coach new and returning staff.
  • Strong and effective communicator, both written and oral.
  • Self-starter, strong initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to co-manage a team of staff along with other supervisors, provide positive feedback, and address performance issues with staff in a professional manner.
  • Coordinate across departments to set and communicate staff expectations around timeliness, attitudes towards work, progression from apprentice to lead, and working with students.

ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY

  • Must be 21 years or older.
  • Ability to carry, lift and move items up to 40 lbs.
  • Able to manage personal stress
  • 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 in-field.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • 10 Month salary position from February 15th, 2023-December 15, 2023.
  • Participation in POBS’ group medical and dental insurance plans.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Eligible to contribute to the POBS 401(k) plan with employer match after one year.
  • 11 PTO days.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Participation in Outward Bound staff expeditions nationwide

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Apply online by January 31, 2023.

 

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.