Head of Outdoor Activity

TES FE News; Marlborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic educational institution in Marlborough seeks an experienced leader for the Outdoor Activities department. The role involves overseeing operations, coordinating trips, and ensuring safety in facilities and activities. Ideal candidates should have experience in managing outdoor activities, and be willing to work flexible hours. This position is vital for engaging students and promoting participation in outdoor events.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or coordinating outdoor activities in a school or similar setting.
• Ability to manage multiple activities, staff and external partners.
• Willingness to work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Outdoor Activities department.
• Coordinate planning of domestic and overseas trips.
• Ensure safety and quality of OA facilities and equipment.

Skills

Leadership in outdoor activities

Organizational skills

Safety management

Job description

Overview

Marlborough College has a rich history in Outdoor Activities (OA). The department facilitates a wide variety of activities involving all pupils. Examples include Year 9 Shell OA week with a two-day expedition and three days of activities, Year 10 Wednesday OA activities for one term, and ongoing support for house activities across all year groups. In senior years, a group of Year 12 pupils participates in the Devizes to Westminster kayak race, and around 50 pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. The department operates from the Kempson Centre, which includes two offices, two classrooms, an indoor climbing wall and extensive stores. The OA team comprises the Head of OA, an OA instructor, an OA storesperson (shared with the CCF), part-time local staff, teaching staff contributing to co-curricular activities, and more than a dozen external instructors as needed. The CCF is well-staffed and resourced, with plans to work more closely with OA in the near future (the CCF recently undertook a sea-kayaking trip to Corsica). Overseas trips are a popular feature, with at least one trip per year and accompanying training and assessment for the DofE Gold Award. Recent examples include dog-sledding in Sweden, an expedition to K2 basecamp in Pakistan, e-biking in Morocco, an ascent of Sweden’s highest mountain and the Macchu-Picchu trail and Rainbow Mountain in Peru.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Outdoor Activities department and oversee its operations, facilities and staff.
• Collaborate with the CCF and other co-curricular departments to align activities and resources.
• Coordinate planning and delivery of domestic and overseas OA trips and expeditions, including training, practice and assessment for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
• Ensure safety, quality and accessibility of OA facilities (Kempson Centre) and equipment.
• Represent OA in senior college leadership meetings and report to the Deputy Head (Co-curriculum and Outreach); meet weekly as required.
• Manage flexible working hours and duties in line with organisational needs at a full boarding school.
• Engage and liaise with external instructors and partners to support OA activities.
• Promote OA participation across all year groups, including senior students in races and expeditions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience leading or coordinating outdoor activities in a school or similar setting.
• Ability to manage multiple activities, staff and external partners; strong organisational and safety management skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to support boarding-school life and programme delivery.
• Experience with Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award processes and expeditions is desirable.

Application Process

Applications must be made using the College's online applications system, which can be found on the College website. In addition, please upload an up-to-date CV and a letter outlining your reasons for applying, addressed to Mr Jimmy Scragg, Deputy Head (Co-curriculum & Outreach).

https://www.marlboroughcollege.org/contact/vacancies

Deadline

The Deadline For Completed Applications Is Monday 13th October. Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 3rd November.