Coordinator, Outdoor Experiential Programs

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC’s Recreation & Wellness department seeks a Coordinator, Outdoor Experiential Programs to support Stanford’s outdoor recreation and experiential education offerings. You will coordinate outfitting, logistics, and resources for field experiences, weekend trips, and orientation programs, ensuring safe, efficient operations.

The role also supports staff development, equipment maintenance, and fleet operations, while guiding student and contingent personnel to deliver high-quality participant

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years of outdoor education experience.
• Experience with outdoor education field programs and campus recreation/outdoor education, leadership, and team development.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate outfitting and logistical preparation for weekly outdoor programs.
• Plan food purchasing, rationing, equipment preparation, and gear staging.
• Oversee fleet operations, vehicle maintenance, and driver orientation sessions.
• Coordinate recruitment, hiring, orientation, training, and scheduling of staff for outfitting operations.
• Support Team Development Course programs and maintain facilities and resources.
• Maintain inventory, safety standards, and consistent operating practices in Outdoor Center.

Skills

Outdoor program coordination

Fleet logistics

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Driver's license (CA)

CPR/First Aid

Job description

Budgeted salary range: $70,916 - $80,955
Position Type: Onsite 5 days per week

Stanford’s Recreation & Wellness department is seeking a dynamic Coordinator, Outdoor Experiential Programs for the University’s Adventure Programs, which offer students, faculty, and staff diverse opportunities to explore the outdoors through student-led camping trips, skills clinics, and gear rentals. Based out of the Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center (AOERC), the team coordinates student-led excursions ranging from local day hikes to wilderness backpacking trips in major destinations like Yosemite, Point Reyes, and Pinnacles National Parks. On campus facilities include an indoor climbing wall and Outdoor Center that provides affordable rentals for items like tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear. Every Fall Adventure Programs runs the Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT) program for incoming Stanford students.

Position Summary:

The Coordinator, Outdoor Experiential Programs supports the delivery of Stanford’s outdoor recreation, experiential education programs through the coordination of outfitting services, operational resources, and program logistics. The position manages the preparation and staging of food, equipment, and transportation resources for a range of field experiences, including weekend trips, outdoor education courses, and large-scale adventure-based orientation programs such as SPOT. The Coordinator also supports the Team Development program through program facilitation, course and facility maintenance, and operational support. In addition, the position oversees program fleet operations and serves as a key resource for vehicle maintenance, driver orientation, and driver authorization processes.

Primary Areas of Focus

Outdoor Program Outfitting & Logistics

• Coordinate outfitting and logistical preparation for weekly outdoor programs, field experiences, outdoor education courses, and large-scale programs such as Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT).
• Develop and execute plans for food purchasing, rationing, equipment preparation, and gear staging.
• Maintain appropriate food storage, handling, and recordkeeping practices in accordance with applicable California food-handling requirements.
• Coordinate the day-to-day outfitting operation to ensure program materials, food, and equipment are prepared accurately and on schedule.

Fleet & Transportation Operations

• Oversee program fleet operations, including scheduling routine vehicle service and maintenance, in accordance with university and program requirements.
• Coordinate vehicle orientation sessions for authorized program drivers.
• Serve as the program’s primary point of contact for the driver authorization process in partnership with the Office of Risk Management.
• Ensure vehicles are appropriately cleaned, maintained, and available to support scheduled outdoor and experiential programs.

Staff Coordination

• Coordinate the recruitment, hiring, orientation, training, scheduling, and ongoing support of student and contingent personnel involved in outfitting operations.
• Provide day-to-day direction and guidance to staff to support effective, safe, and reliable program operations.
• Promote staff engagement, accountability, and retention through effective training, communication, and operational leadership.

Team Development Program Support

• Support the development, delivery, facilitation, and assessment of Team Development Course programs.
• Assist with maintenance and operational readiness of Team Development facilities and program resources.
• Provide logistical and programmatic support to ensure high-quality participant experiences.

Outdoor Center Operations

• Support the Outdoor Center Manager with daily operational needs, including inventory management, quality control, staff training, and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Help maintain accurate inventory and ensure equipment is safe, functional, and appropriately prepared for program use.
• Contribute to consistent operating practices and service standards across Outdoor Center activities.

Other duties may be assigned

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of relevant outdoor education experience, or combination of education and relevant execution of outdoor programs.
• Preferred demonstrated experience with outdoor education field programs and/or experience in the field of campus recreation/outdoor education, leadership, and team development.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A general understanding of all recreation and adventure programs
• Knowledge of outdoor equipment selection for outdoor trips
• Ability to operate a vehicle for university purposes while possessing and maintaining an appropriate license.Maintain a positive, student-focused attitude by listening, understanding, and responding to student needs and offering creative solutions.
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of current risk management practices in recreation and outdoor education settings

Certificates and Licenses Required

• Sport/Unit certifications may be needed (i.e.,AEMA, PGA)
• Valid California non-commercial class driver’s license
• Current CPR, AED and First Aid

Physical Requirements

• Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 45 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than three hours per day.
• Perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Moderate physical activity