Associate Director, Outdoor Adventures

Kennesaw State University; Kennesaw (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennesaw State University seeks an Associate Director for Outdoor Adventures to provide strategic leadership and oversee all outdoor programs. The role includes staffing, budgeting, risk management, and program development across trips, climbing facilities, and experiential programs.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree, CPR/AED/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within six months), and 7+ years in recreation with prior supervisory experience; a higher degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification or must obtain within six months
• Seven years of relevant experience in a recreation setting
• Previous management and/or supervisory experience
• Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education (preferred)
• Two years of supervisory experience (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and supervision of Outdoor Adventures staff.
• Lead long-range planning for programs and staffing.
• Oversee budgeting and financial analysis.
• Oversee program assessment and continuous improvement.
• Ensure alignment with university standards.
• Develop and deliver staff leadership programs.
• Manage equipment planning and procurement.
• Oversee vehicle fleet maintenance and safety.
• Ensure policy compliance and best practices.
• Oversee risk management and safety operations.
• Serve as campus recreation first responder in emergencies.
• Maintain knowledge of industry standards and certifications.
• Maintain confidential patron records.
• Support director with special projects.
• Support divisional priorities beyond department scope.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Communication

Project management

Time management

Budgeting

Risk management

Outdoor program design

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Associate Director, Outdoor Adventures

Location: Kennesaw, Georgia

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 301873

About Us

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!

Location

(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities)

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Job Summary

Responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Outdoor Adventures unit within the Department of University Recreation. Oversee program design, assessment, staffing, budgeting, and risk management for all outdoor adventure programs, including Outdoor Trips, Climbing Gym(s), Bike Shop, Challenge Course, Experiential programs, online Outdoor Adventures programs, and Outdoor Adventures special events. Ensures all Outdoor Adventures programming, equipment, and instructional practices align with university standards, divisional initiatives, and industry best practices.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 1. Provides strategic leadership and direction for the Outdoor Adventures unit, including supervision of professional staff, graduate assistants, part-time staff, interns, and student employees, while fostering a culture of ongoing training, mentorship, performance management, and professional development
• 2. Leads long-range planning and strategic development for all Outdoor Adventures programs and initiatives, including staffing models, program design, facility and space planning, equipment lifecycle management, and multi-year operational recommendations
• 3. Oversees financial planning and stewardship for the Outdoor Adventures unit, including budget development, expenditure monitoring, revenue and cost analysis, and contributions to policy development and program evaluation
• 4. Directs comprehensive assessment and evaluation efforts, analyzing participation trends, learning outcomes, training effectiveness, and program satisfaction to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement
• 5. Provides operational oversight for all Outdoor Adventures programs within the Department of University Recreation, ensuring effective program design, diverse scheduling, and alignment with departmental and university standards
• 6. Oversees the development and delivery of instructional and leadership programs, including the Adventure Leadership Course and other staff-development and outdoor skill-building initiatives.
• 7. Manages equipment planning and procurement processes, including research, purchasing, inventory assessment, and maintenance recommendations for Outdoor Adventures gear and resources
• 8. Ensures proper oversight of the department's vehicle fleet, including monitoring maintenance needs, operational readiness, and compliance with safety standards
• 9. Interprets and applies University, Division, and Department policies, as well as Outdoor Adventures industry best practices, ensuring compliance, clear communication, and consistency across all unit programs
• 10. Oversees risk management and safety operations for the Outdoor Adventures unit, ensuring emergency preparedness, equipment safety compliance, and staff training and certification standards
• 11. Serves as a departmental first responder within emergency response programs, providing support to staff and patrons as needed
• 12. Maintains current knowledge of industry standards and professional certifications in outdoor recreation and adventure programming to ensure evidence-based practices and ongoing program advancement
• 13. Maintains confidential patron records in accordance with university requirements and professional best practices
• 14. Assists the Director of Campus Recreation Programs and Services with special projects requiring direct involvement and subject-matter expertise
• 15. Support divisional priorities and initiatives beyond the department's scope, as assigned

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education

Other Required Qualifications

CPR/AED/First Aid Certification or equivalent, or must obtain within six (6) months

Required Experience

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in a recreation setting
• Previous management and/or supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications

Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education

Preferred Experience

• Two (2) years of supervisory experience
• Experience administering outdoor adventure programs within higher education
• Experience teaching, training, and providing feedback to staff on outdoor program industry best practices

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Able to adapt effectively to changes in policies, procedures, work assignments, priorities, and organizational culture
• Able to plan, coordinate, and execute large-scale, detail-oriented projects, including events, equipment purchases cycles, and outdoor adventure space renovations or maintenance.
• Able to develop and maintain professional contacts and resources that support program effectiveness and operational excellence.
• Ability to contribute to and uphold the mission, vision, and values of the University and the Department in a position of trust.
• Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time, meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

• Strong commitment to teamwork, customer service, ethical leadership, and talent development.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through, with professional phone and email communication etiquette.
• Expertise in outdoor adventures program design, training strategies, and equipment, including evidence-based programming practices.
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practice guidelines related to outdoor adventures programming, equipment safety, and risk management.
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)

SKILLS

• Strong time management and organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously and meet assigned deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
• Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
• Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, [e-mail].

Other Information

• This is a supervisory position.
• This position has financial responsibilities.
• This position will be required to drive.
• This role is considered a position of trust.
• This position requires a purchasing card (P-Card).
• This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

Background Check

• Credit Report
• Standard Enhanced
• Education
• DMV
• 9 Panel Lab Drug Test

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf