Manager, Outdoor Adventure

University of Akron; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Flexible work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Akron oversees an Outdoor Adventure program that includes climbing wall operations, trip planning, equipment rentals, and risk management. This role ensures engaging student experiences, safety compliance, and responsible resource management in a dynamic campus setting.

As a leader, you will supervise student staff, develop inclusive outdoor recreation experiences, and collaborate across departments to promote leadership and well-being for participants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in recreation, parks, education, or a related field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience managing and instructing recreational sports programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work non-traditional hours.
• Experience supervising student staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, administration, and strategic oversight of the Outdoor Adventure program.
• Supervise student staff and foster a customer-service oriented environment.
• Oversee rock wall operations and safety procedures.
• Design and manage adventure programming, trips, and special events.
• Oversee equipment rentals, inventory, and lifecycle management.
• Develop risk management plans and ensure compliance with university policies and regulations.

Skills

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Program planning

Outdoor recreation instruction

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Facility management software

Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for the leadership, administration, and strategic oversight of the Outdoor Adventure program, including climbing wall operations, trip programming, adventure programming, equipment rentals, special event programming, and risk management. Position supervises student staff, develops engaging and inclusive outdoor recreation experiences, ensures compliance with industry and University safety standards, and manages program resources to promote student engagement, leadership development, and participant well-being.

Essential Functions

Staff Supervision

recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate a team of student employees that support outdoor adventure program operations and fosters a customer service-oriented work environment while promoting student staff development and leadership.

Rock Wall area supervision

oversee the daily operations of the indoor climbing wall and bouldering arch that ensures a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment. Develop and maintain operating procedures that comply with industry standards and best practices for climbing wall operations.

Adventure Programming and Trip Management

design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive outdoor adventure program including day trips, overnight excursions, clinics, and experiential learning opportunities. Coordinate all logistical aspects of adventure programming including space allocation, transportation, permits, lodging, risk assessments, participant communication, and trip documentation.

Equipment Rentals

manage the outdoor equipment rental program, including inventory management, purchasing, maintenance, repair, replacement planning, and lifecycle tracking. Develop rental policies and procedures, pricing structures, and reservation processes via facility management software.

Risk Management

develop, implement, and continuously evaluate comprehensive risk management plans for all outdoor adventure programs and facilities. Ensure compliance with university policies, industry standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Conduct routine inspections of facilities, equipment, and program sites to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Maintain certifications, staff training records, waivers, and operational documentation.

Special Event programming

develop and facilitate experiential team building and leadership development programs for university departments, student organizations, summer camp programs and external clients as necessary. Contribute to departmental revenue generating initiatives including birthday party rentals.

Licenses/Certifications Required

CPR, First Aid, & AED certified Wilderness First Aid certified or ability to obtain within 3-months of hirs

Preferred Certifications

Wilderness First Responder, Climbing Wall Instructor, Single Pitch Instructor

Additional Position Information

Education

relevant Bachelor’s Degree

Experience

Requires a minimum of 1 year experience in managing and providing instruction in recreational sports programming such as canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, sailing, climbing, etc. Supervisory experience of staff and/or students, strong oral and written communication skills, and ability to work a non-traditional work week.

Computer Skills

to include Microsoft Office suite of programs and membership/facility management software.

Application Deadline

September 19, 2026

Compensation

The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt)

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if applicable)

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio. The University of Akron empowers our people to flourish by delivering an applied and community-connected educational experience and cultivating research excellence. Leveraging our passion and expertise, we create innovative academic opportunities, support the well-being of our students and employees, and prioritize community embeddedness and engagement to impact lives through transformative experience. Through this focus, UA aspires to be the leader in community-focused higher education. The University of Akron is a lifelong learning partner, recognizing and valuing diverse learning experiences and combining traditional classroom experiences with innovative and robust approaches. As Zips, we prioritize the well-being of our students and employees, cultivate a culture and community where all can flourish, and act as responsible stewards of our resources and infrastructure by leveraging data to differentiate our processes and systems. We leverage our urban campus as a responsive and reliable partner to identify and meet the needs of the region. We intentionally contribute to economic and workforce development and civic life through research, innovation and engagement to provide community-embedded experiential learning opportunities that will enhance the UA experience for all students. We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders. For more information about The University of Akron or the Akron community please visit our About UA page.

Benefits

The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission. All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions. Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)). Please visit our benefits home page for more information.