Overview
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director of Adventures/Customs for the Recreation Center. This is a full-time,12-month position with benefits. |
Position Summary
This position will provide leadership, direction, and oversight of the Adventures Custom trips. The person in this position plans, prepares and leads inclusive custom trips that provide a variety of enjoyable and affordable experiences. The primary goal of this position is to facilitate safe, meaningful, and fun outdoor experiences. The employee will lead trips ranging in difficulty and distance, guiding, and instructing participants and delivering safe, instructional recreation custom trips to a range of diverse participants including but not limited to individuals with disabilities, school groups, seniors, corporate groups and more. |
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Development
- Design, develop, and implement all activities associated with Adventures custom trips ranging in length from one day to a week, including overnight stays.
- Oversee reservations and other associated purchases for this program.
- Oversee the utilization and management of software including but not limited to information systems, scheduling, registration systems, and applications.
- Provide educational lessons on topics such as natural history, ecology, geography, and other related topics.
- Maintain knowledge of, demonstrate, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Risk Management
- Lead and interact with groups of all sizes with diverse ages, abilities, needs and wants.
- Individualizes activities using sound judgement and effectively manages risk.
- Responsible for the health and safety of participants, managing risk and responding to emergencies when necessary.
- Represent NIU Athletics and Recreation in a positive manner; provides general recreation information and answers inquiries as needed; receives and resolves guest concerns and complaints; collects and deposits program fees.
- Lead hikes with possible elevation gains, facilitate high rope challenges, and safely fit participants with harnesses and helmets.
- Knowledgeably conduct inspections of all safety equipment including but not limited to ropes, harnesses, helmets, and hardware.
Marketing
- Develop program marketing and revenue generation initiatives to recruit and retain active participation in custom adventure programs that encourage and invite participation and revenue generation.
Human Resources
- Recruit, select, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate staff, interns and all other student personnel needed for the implementation and management of this program.
- Coordinate payroll for all student employee positions.
Meetings and Special Events
- Be an integral member of Recreation by actively participating and contributing in staff meetings, training, and development activities.
- Help with special events and other tasks as assigned.
Budget and Cash Handling
- Oversee the handling of funds such as cash register operations, reconciliation, daily deposits, and working funds for assigned program.
- Oversee budget and ROI for customs.
- Additional related duties as required.
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Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum one (1) year of field experience in Recreational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, Outdoor Leadership, or relevant field.
- Certifications in outdoor recreation (ACA, SRT-1, SPI, or similar).
- Minimum one (1) year experience and proficiency in outdoor skills such as navigation, camping, and survival.
- Must have a valid Driver' License.
Note: A Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)
Class Specific KSAs:
- Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects
- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
- Skill in analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Skill in scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Skill in oral and written communication
- Ability to adjust actions in relation to others' actions.
- Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
- Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
- Ability to develop goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work.
- Ability to work effectively with staff, the public, and outside constituency groups
- Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and supervise the work of others.
- Ability to utilize various computer software packages, such as Accounting Software, query, etc.
- Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in order to be able to analyze and investigate a variety of questions or problems
- Ability to analyze and develop guidelines, procedures and systems
Position Specific KSAs:
- An understanding of student development theory, behavior change theory, environmental planning theory and demonstrated success in the implementation of programs to a culturally diverse population.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic and diverse environment by being able to manage change and work with diverse internal and external constituents.
- Passion for outdoor activities and natural environments.
- Ability to be flexible in adapting to changing schedules, weather conditions, and guest needs.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
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Specialty Factors (Civil Service)
None |
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
- A Master's Degree in a field relevant to the position (e.g., Kinesiology, Physical Education, Outdoor and Adventure Leadership, Outdoor and Environment Education, Sports Management, or closely related field).
- Minimum two (2) years of experience in administering Outdoor Adventure programs, preferably within a university setting, to include risk management practices, emergency response, and inventory control, and outdoor adventure rental or retail operations.
- Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience in recruiting, training, and evaluating staff, including teambuilding and goal setting development activities.
- Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and American CPR/AED/BBP and First Aid basic certifications; Willing and able to obtain and maintain current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification within six months of employment.
- Currently active in one or more of the following professional organizations: AORE, AEE, NIRSA
- Experience in budget planning and fiscal management.
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Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)
N/A |
Additional Requirements (SPS)
N/A |
Preferred Qualifications (SPS)
N/A |
Physical demands/requirements
- Ability to lift heavy objects and work in physically demanding environments.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to climb, run, squat, crawl, and sit for extended periods.
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