Program Director

North Carolina Outward Bound School; Morganton (NC); On-site; USD 33,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing and meals provided

403(b) retirement plan with 1.5% match

Outdoor industry pro deals

Professional development trainings

Certification renewal reimbursements

Job summary

North Carolina Outward Bound School Inc. seeks a Program Director for Table Rock Base Camp (Jonas Ridge, NC), a seasonal, exempt role guiding operations and staff across a remote wilderness setting.

You will lead program delivery, supervision, risk management, and base camp culture to ensure safe, high-quality Outward Bound experiences. The role requires extensive outdoor program leadership, a strong safety mindset, collaboration with multiple directors, and the ability to manage housing,

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications.
• Valid driver's license with at least three years of driving experience.
• Minimum of five years of experience with Outward Bound or comparable outdoor, experiential, or wilderness education programs.
• Outstanding record as an instructor, trainer, course director, community member, and/or administrator.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong safety management and risk management experience.
• Effective leadership, supervisory, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong initiative, motivation, judgment, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), Salesforce or other CRM systems, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience supervising and developing staff preferred.
• Experience leading emergency response or incident management in outdoor program settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations at the assigned base camp and deliver safe, high-quality Outward Bound programs.
• Oversee staff development, performance management, and evaluations.
• Manage base camp budget and resources.
• Support hiring processes for direct reports and per diem staff recruitment.
• Develop and maintain program staffing schedules with Staffing Manager.
• Coordinate base camp training initiatives with Safety and Training Director.
• Support ABC initiatives across NCOBS and the Program Department.
• Ensure programs comply with OBUSA and NCOBS safety policies and procedures.
• Complete program administrative responsibilities, documentation, and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Safety management

Staff supervision

Communication

Problem solving

Initiative

Outdoor education experience

Emergency response

Education

Wilderness First Responder certification

CPR certification

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Salesforce/CRM

Teams/Video conferencing

Job description

Program Director Table Rock Base Camp (Jonas Ridge, NC) Seasonal, Exempt

This is a seasonal position that runs from February 16, 2027 through October 31, 2027.

At North Carolina Outward Bound School, we believe that challenge and adventure build resilience, leadership, and compassion. To support our wilderness programs, we rely on strong program leaders who can cultivate safe, inclusive communities while delivering exceptional outdoor education experiences.

The Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of their assigned base camp, including program operations, staff supervision and development, risk management, and community culture. This role fosters a safe, inclusive, and thriving work and living environment while ensuring the delivery of high-quality Outward Bound programs. The Program Director partners with the Director of Program Operations and other organizational leaders to support strategic priorities, operational effectiveness, and positive outcomes for staff and students.

Living and working at an NCOBS basecamp is a unique experience that blends meaningful work, close community, and a deep connection to the outdoors. Basecamp life is an immersive community experience where staff live, work, and share daily life together in a remote wilderness setting. Shared housing and common spaces, communal meals, unpredictable weather, and occasional utility interruptions are all part of the rhythm of life at NCOBS. Team members who thrive in this environment embrace adaptability, community-mindedness, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships while supporting a shared mission.

Position Details

As the Program Director, you will lead operations at your assigned base camp, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality Outward Bound programs while fostering a positive staff community. Working closely with the Director of Program Operations and other organizational leaders, you will oversee program delivery, staff development, risk management, and basecamp operations. You will:

• Foster a safe, supportive, and accountable work and living community at base camp.
• Ensure base camp facilities, common spaces, and living areas remain clean, organized, and conducive to staff well-being.
• Partner with the HR Director to address employee relations matters, implement performance improvement plans, and promote adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
• Supervise, coach, and support direct reports through goal setting, professional development, performance management, and evaluations.
• Support hiring processes for direct reports and participate in the recruitment and selection process of per diem program staff.
• Collaborate with the Staffing Manager to develop and maintain program staffing schedules.
• Partner with the Safety and Training Director to support program-wide and base camp training initiatives and ensure staff preparedness.
• Support organizational Access, Belonging, and Community (ABC) initiatives across NCOBS and within the Program Department.
• Collaborate with the Director of Program Operations to identify and implement program goals, operational priorities, and strategic initiatives.
• Manage the basecamp's budget and resources.
• Manage the base camp on‑call system and serve as Base Camp Incident Commander during emergency response situations.
• Collaborate with the Facilities Director on seasonal opening and winterization, ongoing facility maintenance, caretaker oversight, and capital improvement projects.
• Partner with the Program Resource Manager to maintain positive relationships with local land managers and public agencies.
• Collaborate with the Program Resource Manager to ensure necessary program equipment, supplies, and resources are procured and available to support seasonal operations.
• Provide leadership and oversight to ensure the safe and effective delivery of high-quality Outward Bound programs.
• Ensure all programs operate in compliance with OBUSA and NCOBS safety policies and procedures, Local Operating Procedures, and administrative directives.
• Oversee the completion of program administrative responsibilities, documentation, and reporting requirements.

Position Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications.
• Valid driver's license with at least three years of driving experience.
• Minimum of five years of experience with Outward Bound or comparable outdoor, experiential, or wilderness education programs.
• An outstanding record as an instructor, trainer, course director, community member, and/or administrator.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to individuals and groups.
• Strong safety management and risk management experience.
• Effective leadership, supervisory, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong initiative, motivation, judgment, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), Salesforce or other CRM systems, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience supervising and developing staff preferred.
• Experience leading emergency response or incident management in outdoor program settings preferred.

Employment & Physical Requirements

• Successful completion of background and motor vehicle records checks.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and use hands and fingers to handle equipment and perform work tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking and hearing, in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to participate in moderate to vigorous outdoor activities.

Work Environment

• Primarily based at a seasonal wilderness basecamp in a remote community living environment. Requires access to and travel on U.S. Forest Service gravel roads (North Carolina bases) or by boat (Florida base). Basecamps are located up to one hour away from the nearest town by vehicle.
• Extended periods of work and residence at NCOBS basecamps and/or in wilderness settings. Utilities, including electricity, heat, internet, and power, may be periodically interrupted.

• Housing in cabins, including shared bathrooms and common spaces. Staff cabins are basic but comfortable; laundry, showers, internet, a group kitchen, and recreational spaces are all available at the base camps.
• Irregular schedules, including evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities, may be required.

Benefits & Perks

Working at North Carolina Outward Bound School comes with perks that support your well-being and growth. Our benefits include:

• Housing and meals provided for the duration of work period.
• Access to medical, dental, vision, and other supportive benefits for qualifying employees.
• Access to contribute to a 403(b) retirement account with 1.5% employer match after 1 year of service
• Access to outdoor industry pro deals.
• Access to professional development trainings for rock climbing and whitewater canoeing.
• Reimbursement for required certification renewals.

Compensation

$205 per day worked (estimated at 22 days per month for the duration of the work period)

Equal Opportunity & Anti-Harassment

North Carolina Outward Bound School is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law. We maintain a zero‑tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind and are dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all employees.

Accessibility & Accommodation

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where both current and future employees can thrive. Employees may request reasonable accommodation at any time to support the performance of essential job functions. The organization is committing to working collaboratively with employees to ensure they have the support and environment needed to succeed.

We are also committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive hiring process. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation at any point during the application or interview process are encouraged to reach out. We are happy to work with applicants to provide the support needed to participate fully in the hiring process.