Head of Outdoor Education Programs

The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education seeks a Program Director to lead Wilmington campus operations, staff recruitment, risk management, and program development. You will actively participate in field operations, collaborate with partners, and drive accreditation efforts.

The role requires strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and dedication to safety and high‑quality educational experiences across outdoor programs. Occasional overnight travel is possible.

Qualifications

• Must be detailed oriented and organized.
• Able to create and maintain a welcoming and supportive student environment.
• Excellent customer service skills are a strong must.
• Two (2) years previous clerical experience, preferably with participant records in a camp, recreation, or academic setting.
• Demonstrated success with multitasking and working as an integral part of a high‑functioning team responsible for the care and safety of others.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public presentation and procedure training/demonstration skills. (Knowledge of MS Word/Excel)
• Proficient in basic computer operation, including but not limited to navigating the Internet; using programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and corresponding via email and text
• Fluency in additional languages—including Spanish is a plus, but not required
• Ability to learn new computer software applications are a requirement
• Previous experience with invoicing and office machinery is required

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, preparation, completion, and evaluation of programming.
• Ensure programs meet NCOAE's educational, operational and risk management standards.
• Supervise the Program Coordinator and oversee logistics, food, equipment, and transportation.
• Manage program budgets, resource allocation, and operational expenses with leadership team.
• Support curriculum development, program improvement, and new educational initiatives.
• Lead recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and evaluation of instructors and staff.
• Oversee instructor scheduling, training, professional development, and performance.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications and comply with NCOAE policies.
• Promote a positive, professional, and accountable working environment.
• Oversee risk management, emergency response, and field operations standards.
• Provide leadership during field emergencies, incident response, documentation, and follow‑up.
• Lead submission of AEE accreditation reports and documentation, ensuring ongoing compliance with accreditation standards.
• Coordinate accreditation reviews continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Ensure appropriate management of equipment, vehicles, facilities, and program supplies.
• Travel to program locations, evaluate field operations and support instructors.
• Attend industry conferences, professional workshops, and continuing education opportunities to remain current with best practices and industry standards.
• Represent NCOAE at professional events, networking opportunities, and meetings with educational partners and industry stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships with schools, organizations and industry professionals.
• Participate in occasional overnight travel to meet with existing and prospective partners
• Participate in organizational leadership meetings, strategic planning, and professional development initiatives.

Skills

Detail oriented

Excellent communication

Customer service

Multitasking

Public speaking

Tools

MS Word/Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education seeks a Program Director to lead Wilmington campus operations, staff recruitment, risk management, and program development. You will actively participate in field operations, collaborate with partners, and drive accreditation efforts.

The role requires strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and dedication to safety and high‑quality educational experiences across outdoor programs. Occasional overnight travel is possible.