Program Course Director

Posted by Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center on 08/30/2022

Job Basics

Industry Sector: Outdoor

Job Categories: Camp Staff & Counselors, Outdoor Education

Company Type: Recreation, Service

State: MA

City: Boston

Country: United States

Required Experience: 1 - 3 years

Job Type: Full Time

Salary:

Required to Relocate: Yes

Required to Travel:

Employee May Telecommute: No

Job Seeker Must Live Within: 10 miles

Job Description & Requirements

POSITION SUMMARY

The Programs Course Director (CD) is responsible for the overall quality, consistency, and safety of the Thompson Island Outward Bound (TIOB) courses (virtual or in-person). A candidate for this role needs to demonstrate an outstanding ability to supervise and train others, as well as have experience leading youth programming. The Course Director’s primary role is to ensure course delivery meets program standards for safety and quality. While in the field, Course Directors will observe and mentor staff, focusing on course safety, instructor development, and educational outcomes. Course Directors should be at a level of skill with their course elements wherein they could comfortably replace a Lead Instructor in the field if the need presented itself. The Course Director is also often at base coordinating with other departments, islands, or outside entities to ensure the courses in the field run safely and smoothly. Course Directors must display the highest level of professionalism, dedication, and commitment to safety both in the field and at the base and are expected to be on call 24 hours a day for the entire duration of their course.

The course director reports to the Program Director, who reports to the Chief Education Officer.

 

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certification are preferred for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the delivery of the Outward Bound Mission and educational programming, including Social Emotional Learning Frameworks, by the instructional teams.
• Support course delivery through supervisory visits to the field to provide logistical support, conduct coaching observations, and mentor field staff.
• Ensure course delivery aligns with TIOBEC’s instructional tools, preferred practices, and policies and procedures.
• Provide 24/7 support to field staff to manage medical or behavioral evacuations and early departures; arrange medical support; manage impending inclement weather that may necessitate itinerary adjustment, and any other potential or real threat to safety or course objectives
• Ensure timely execution of instructor course prep and post-course wrap-up
• Produce all necessary course paperwork by the prescribed deadline

• Provide consistent and professional?communication with staff, students, and families during?and post-course.?

• Make necessary arrangements with kitchen, waterfront, site management, staffing, and all other aspects of Thompson Island as necessary for course delivery
• Manage student medical forms and other paperwork
• Provide written and verbal evaluation of instructors necessary for their Individual Development Plan (IDP) and improved delivery of future courses
• Maintain communication with the Program’s Manager and/or the Director of Delivery and Program Operations as directed
• Active participation in student recruitment efforts, including in-school recruitment events and island-based open houses

• Utilize the Delphi system and Participant Management Database in order to support programs, as needed, creating internal forms to communicate client needs, tracking and updating operations and ferry information, etc.

• Work with the Program Directors, Managers, and other Course Directors to deliver staff trainings and PDs.
• Serve as a Connections and Discovery Program Course Director or Instructor, as dictated by staffing needs
• Work with assigned Summer Program Manager on the design and execution of assigned summer programming
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities at the direction of the Program Manager Team and/or the Director of Delivery and Program Operations

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Supervision:

• Lead Instructors
• Instructors and/or Crew Leaders
• Interns
• Students

Key Relations:

• Director of School Programs
• School Programs Delivery Manager
• Logistics and Operations Manager
• Program Managers
• Director of Safety and Training
• Site Management Team
• Safety Team
• MVOB Captains and Deckhands

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 3-4 years of relevant field experience in the following:
  • Working with participants ages 11-18+
  • Managing challenging student behaviors
  • Working with diverse communities
  • Teaching and facilitation tailored to different learning styles
  • Teaching and facilitation tailored to different program sites (virtual or in-person)
• 2-3 years relevant management experience, including training, development, and management of staff, OR 2-3 years direct experience with Thompson Island Outward Bound Expeditions
• Ability to demonstrate emotional regulation, good judgment, and balanced decision-making in stressful situations. 
• Serve as a role model for students, staff, and the community; able to manage a range of student behaviors in a positive and professional manner.
• Ability to build and maintain a positive group culture. 

• Flexible, adaptable, and open to change.
• Wilderness First Responder & CPR certification preferred

• Intermediate computer skills, working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Spanish proficiency preferred

WORK CONDITIONS

• Expected ongoing coordination and collaboration with all CDs and Program Managers
• Courses are dynamic, and demand sound decision-making within the scope of TIOBEC methodology
• CDs must be able to manage their course(s) with appropriate autonomy
• Environmental fluctuations are typical of the New England coast, and can include hot, humid weather, and unseasonably cool, rainy, and windy coastal weather; must be comfortable working outside in either of these extremes for extended periods of time
• Must be available for course support 24 hours a day for the duration of the course
• Must respond to course delivery needs and/or behavioral/medical needs as prescribed in the TIOB manual
• This position requires a criminal background check

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Positions reporting hours to the island are asked to assist in loading/unloading cargo from the boat as able. This involves lifting and walking with parcels upwards of 50lbs on and off moving docks and up and down ramps
• Must be able to be on feet an average of 3+ hours per day
• Able to work through inclement weather conditions that include heat, rain, snow, or cold.

Must be currently vaccinated against COVID-19 up to CDC guidance

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. Employer-sponsored health insurance with the option to select between three comprehensive plans. Opt-in premier dental and vision plans. 401(k) retirement plan with a competitive match. Generous paid time off including, vacation, holidays, personal days, and parental and sick leave. Flexible scheduling, pursuant to the position. Temporary housing and meals are provided on Thompson Island for positions that necessitate.

Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center

A local and national treasure, Thompson Island is located in the heart of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Since 1833, the Island has been a beacon for experiential education, empowering young people through hands-on learning and skill building and outdoor adventure and exploration. 

Our core educational program for Boston public middle school students combine field science, social-emotional learning, and outdoor challenges — all infused with Outward Bound’s unique approach to promoting compassion, leadership, and service. Funded by philanthropy, private events, and fee-for-service offerings, our programs are offered at no cost to families.

Thompson Island Outward Bound is a proud member of the network of 11 Outward Bound schools in the U.S. with a shared mission to change lives through challenge and discovery.