UCCS Campus Recreation
Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience (S.O.L.E.)
UCCS Campus Recreation, Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States, 80509
Overview
Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience (SOLE) Campus Recreation Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies! Salary Range : $56,527-$70,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions. Work Location:
On-Site Benefits at a Glance At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We\'re proud to offer: Generous Time Off : 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 holidays, bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave. Robust Health Coverage : Medical plans, preventive care, yearly mental health visit, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits. Financial & Retirement Benefits : Health savings, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, retirement options. Further Your Education : twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. Wellness & More : Wellness programs and additional benefits through CU Advantage. Total compensation calculator available for review. Summary The Program Director of SOLE leads a comprehensive portfolio of outdoor recreation and education programs designed to promote student wellness, leadership development, and campus engagement. This role oversees outdoor trips, adventure-based classes, workshops, certifications, camps, climbing wall operations, and the SOLE Center, which includes a bike and ski shop and outdoor equipment rentals. The program director supervises a team of 10–15 student employees and coordinates over 30 trips, 40 educational events, and 350+ climbing wall users annually. The position collaborates with campus partners to support student recruitment, retention, and success through outdoor experiences. This role provides strategic leadership for the SOLE program, overseeing short- and long-term planning, budgeting, policies, procedures, facility operations, equipment management, risk mitigation, and program evaluation. The program director ensures high standards of performance and continuous improvement across all areas. The successful candidate will foster a welcoming environment, encourage broad student engagement, and use evidence-based decision-making to support operations and student learning in alignment with mission and values. Work Schedule:
Typical hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with required evening and weekend availability to support staff and participants. Vacation is not permitted during the week before and the first week of each fall and spring semester. Essential Functions
Leadership and Program Management Leads strategic planning, fiscal management, facility and equipment oversight, risk management, and program evaluation for SOLE. Oversees a portfolio including 30+ outdoor trips, 40 classes/workshops/camps, 3–4 special events, and 350+ climbing wall passes annually. Provides leadership for a program budget of $200,000, including revenue generation, payroll, and expenses, with responsibility for development, implementation, reporting, and evaluation. Prepares and submits contracts, agreements, and permits for approval in coordination with University Procurement Service Center and Human Resources. Designs and oversees outdoor adventure programs that promote healthy behaviors, personal growth, and team wellbeing for diverse campus needs. Collaborates with Membership and Marketing to maintain web content and promote access to facilities, equipment rentals, and programs. Builds collaborative programming across campus with units such as Wellness, Student Life, MOSAIC, Residence Life, Academic Departments, Veteran and Military Affairs, and Intercollegiate Athletics. Fosters community engagement through partnerships with local organizations to enhance visibility and impact. Outdoor Adventure Program Leads and oversees outdoor adventure trips, services, and educational offerings, ensuring all activities meet risk management standards. Reviews and approves trip plans, verifies staff certifications and training, coordinates vehicle reservations, manages pre-trip communications, and oversees participant registration. Coordinates annual and semester SOLE activity calendar, including facility use, equipment, marketing, and maintenance planning. Manages the Fusion software system to support registration, equipment rentals, bike and ski services, climbing wall orientations, and participant data. Secures vendor partnerships to support programming, equipment procurement, and access to outdoor permits. Responds to student and member interests by developing new programs and classes. Collaborates with Sports and Youth Programs to support youth summer camps in alignment with goals, safety standards, and outcomes. Climbing Wall Oversees the operation of the climbing wall, including inspection, equipment checks, and route setting. Ensures operations comply with safety and instructional standards. Designs and delivers training for SOLE Guest Services Desk Attendants for safe wall operations. Oversees annual climbing wall orientation for participants. Coordinates maintenance and repairs with the Facility Operations team. Personnel Management and Student Development Manages the full lifecycle of student employment for SOLE program staff, including recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, scheduling, and performance evaluation. Conducts annual performance evaluations and provides coaching and development opportunities. Delivers outcome-based training, team meetings, and leadership development programs. Develops an in-house trip leader certification program and supports internship opportunities for student career readiness. Ensures compliance with departmental and university HR policies. Fiscal and Resource Management Leads short- and long-term fiscal planning and budget management for SOLE operations, including forecasting expenses for trips, equipment, staff training, and maintenance. Manages budgets in line with policies and tracks expenditures for gear, vehicles, and marketing. Ensures operations follow best management standards and guidelines. Oversees equipment operations, including purchasing, inventory, maintenance, and replacement planning. Collaborates to evaluate and adjust fee structures based on costs, participation trends, and benchmarks. Recommends operating and capital purchases based on needs and availability. Risk Management Develops and communicates emergency policies for all SOLE programs. Directs inspections and certifications for climbing wall, auto belays, and equipment per standards. Maintains safety records and ensures timely replacement of safety equipment. Acts as first responder when needed and coordinates with partners to ensure safe conditions campus-wide. Implements policies prioritizing participant health and safety. Collaborates to assess and maintain safe conditions across facilities. Resolves incidents per department policies and supports incident reporting to improve safety. Coordinates with operations staff to manage schedules and access to facilities. Administrative Duties Collects and analyzes SOLE program data, including learning outcomes and annual reports. Develops policies and procedures for SOLE programs and facilities. Maintains operations manuals and staffing protocols. Serves on departmental committees and participates in professional development. Contributes to planning and improvement of programs, facilities, and services. Requires periodic attendance at Campus Recreation programs to ensure compliance with standards. Performs other duties as assigned to support Campus Recreation and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Tentative Search Timeline Priority will be given to applications submitted by 11:59pm
November 2, 2025 . Posting remains open until filled. Interviews with the search committee are planned for the weeks of November 10 and 17, 2025. Interviews with the supervisor and appointing authority will be the week of December 1, 2025. Start date is around January 5, 2026. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in employment or compensation practices. Qualifications A bachelor’s degree is required Experience in administration, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive outdoor adventure programs, including trips, classes/workshops, climbing wall operations, bike and ski shop services, outdoor equipment rental management or related field. Experience with fiscal management, including development, oversight, and reporting of program budgets. Experience in supervision, mentorship, training for staff, with focus on leadership development and experiential learning. Experience in risk management within adventure programming, including safety protocols, emergency planning, incident reporting, and staff training. Certifications (Required or Must Be Obtained Within Specified Timeframes):
Wilderness First Responder (within 9 months) Climbing Wall Instructor (within 6 months) Master Bike Mechanic (within 6 months) CPR with AED, Standard First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens/Universal Precautions (within 90 days) Campus Security Authority (CSA) training (within 90 days)
Master’s Degree in related field preferred. Highly qualified applicants will have demonstrated experience in areas including program administration, fiscal management, supervision, risk management, online systems for operations, communication, organizational skills, leadership, and customer service. Additional Certifications (Preferred):
Ski/Snowboard Technician American Red Cross Lifeguard or equivalent NOLS Wilderness First Aid or Responder Instructor Risk Management for Administrators
Equal Opportunity and Training All employees are required to complete training on policies administered by the Office of Institutional Equity. This includes reporting obligations and compliance with conduct and nondiscrimination policies. More information is available at the university policies page. Special Instructions to Applicants Applications submitted by 11/2/2025 will receive full consideration. Apply at cu.edu/cu-careers (job #37995). Official transcripts required on hire. Provide five professional references if requested. For technical difficulties, contact CU Careers help desk. Note This job description outlines general responsibilities and is not exhaustive. The university reserves the right to modify duties as needed.
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Program Director of Student Outdoor Learning Experience (SOLE) Campus Recreation Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies! Salary Range : $56,527-$70,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions. Work Location:
On-Site Benefits at a Glance At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We\'re proud to offer: Generous Time Off : 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 holidays, bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave. Robust Health Coverage : Medical plans, preventive care, yearly mental health visit, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits. Financial & Retirement Benefits : Health savings, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, retirement options. Further Your Education : twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. Wellness & More : Wellness programs and additional benefits through CU Advantage. Total compensation calculator available for review. Summary The Program Director of SOLE leads a comprehensive portfolio of outdoor recreation and education programs designed to promote student wellness, leadership development, and campus engagement. This role oversees outdoor trips, adventure-based classes, workshops, certifications, camps, climbing wall operations, and the SOLE Center, which includes a bike and ski shop and outdoor equipment rentals. The program director supervises a team of 10–15 student employees and coordinates over 30 trips, 40 educational events, and 350+ climbing wall users annually. The position collaborates with campus partners to support student recruitment, retention, and success through outdoor experiences. This role provides strategic leadership for the SOLE program, overseeing short- and long-term planning, budgeting, policies, procedures, facility operations, equipment management, risk mitigation, and program evaluation. The program director ensures high standards of performance and continuous improvement across all areas. The successful candidate will foster a welcoming environment, encourage broad student engagement, and use evidence-based decision-making to support operations and student learning in alignment with mission and values. Work Schedule:
Typical hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with required evening and weekend availability to support staff and participants. Vacation is not permitted during the week before and the first week of each fall and spring semester. Essential Functions
Leadership and Program Management Leads strategic planning, fiscal management, facility and equipment oversight, risk management, and program evaluation for SOLE. Oversees a portfolio including 30+ outdoor trips, 40 classes/workshops/camps, 3–4 special events, and 350+ climbing wall passes annually. Provides leadership for a program budget of $200,000, including revenue generation, payroll, and expenses, with responsibility for development, implementation, reporting, and evaluation. Prepares and submits contracts, agreements, and permits for approval in coordination with University Procurement Service Center and Human Resources. Designs and oversees outdoor adventure programs that promote healthy behaviors, personal growth, and team wellbeing for diverse campus needs. Collaborates with Membership and Marketing to maintain web content and promote access to facilities, equipment rentals, and programs. Builds collaborative programming across campus with units such as Wellness, Student Life, MOSAIC, Residence Life, Academic Departments, Veteran and Military Affairs, and Intercollegiate Athletics. Fosters community engagement through partnerships with local organizations to enhance visibility and impact. Outdoor Adventure Program Leads and oversees outdoor adventure trips, services, and educational offerings, ensuring all activities meet risk management standards. Reviews and approves trip plans, verifies staff certifications and training, coordinates vehicle reservations, manages pre-trip communications, and oversees participant registration. Coordinates annual and semester SOLE activity calendar, including facility use, equipment, marketing, and maintenance planning. Manages the Fusion software system to support registration, equipment rentals, bike and ski services, climbing wall orientations, and participant data. Secures vendor partnerships to support programming, equipment procurement, and access to outdoor permits. Responds to student and member interests by developing new programs and classes. Collaborates with Sports and Youth Programs to support youth summer camps in alignment with goals, safety standards, and outcomes. Climbing Wall Oversees the operation of the climbing wall, including inspection, equipment checks, and route setting. Ensures operations comply with safety and instructional standards. Designs and delivers training for SOLE Guest Services Desk Attendants for safe wall operations. Oversees annual climbing wall orientation for participants. Coordinates maintenance and repairs with the Facility Operations team. Personnel Management and Student Development Manages the full lifecycle of student employment for SOLE program staff, including recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, scheduling, and performance evaluation. Conducts annual performance evaluations and provides coaching and development opportunities. Delivers outcome-based training, team meetings, and leadership development programs. Develops an in-house trip leader certification program and supports internship opportunities for student career readiness. Ensures compliance with departmental and university HR policies. Fiscal and Resource Management Leads short- and long-term fiscal planning and budget management for SOLE operations, including forecasting expenses for trips, equipment, staff training, and maintenance. Manages budgets in line with policies and tracks expenditures for gear, vehicles, and marketing. Ensures operations follow best management standards and guidelines. Oversees equipment operations, including purchasing, inventory, maintenance, and replacement planning. Collaborates to evaluate and adjust fee structures based on costs, participation trends, and benchmarks. Recommends operating and capital purchases based on needs and availability. Risk Management Develops and communicates emergency policies for all SOLE programs. Directs inspections and certifications for climbing wall, auto belays, and equipment per standards. Maintains safety records and ensures timely replacement of safety equipment. Acts as first responder when needed and coordinates with partners to ensure safe conditions campus-wide. Implements policies prioritizing participant health and safety. Collaborates to assess and maintain safe conditions across facilities. Resolves incidents per department policies and supports incident reporting to improve safety. Coordinates with operations staff to manage schedules and access to facilities. Administrative Duties Collects and analyzes SOLE program data, including learning outcomes and annual reports. Develops policies and procedures for SOLE programs and facilities. Maintains operations manuals and staffing protocols. Serves on departmental committees and participates in professional development. Contributes to planning and improvement of programs, facilities, and services. Requires periodic attendance at Campus Recreation programs to ensure compliance with standards. Performs other duties as assigned to support Campus Recreation and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Tentative Search Timeline Priority will be given to applications submitted by 11:59pm
November 2, 2025 . Posting remains open until filled. Interviews with the search committee are planned for the weeks of November 10 and 17, 2025. Interviews with the supervisor and appointing authority will be the week of December 1, 2025. Start date is around January 5, 2026. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in employment or compensation practices. Qualifications A bachelor’s degree is required Experience in administration, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive outdoor adventure programs, including trips, classes/workshops, climbing wall operations, bike and ski shop services, outdoor equipment rental management or related field. Experience with fiscal management, including development, oversight, and reporting of program budgets. Experience in supervision, mentorship, training for staff, with focus on leadership development and experiential learning. Experience in risk management within adventure programming, including safety protocols, emergency planning, incident reporting, and staff training. Certifications (Required or Must Be Obtained Within Specified Timeframes):
Wilderness First Responder (within 9 months) Climbing Wall Instructor (within 6 months) Master Bike Mechanic (within 6 months) CPR with AED, Standard First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens/Universal Precautions (within 90 days) Campus Security Authority (CSA) training (within 90 days)
Master’s Degree in related field preferred. Highly qualified applicants will have demonstrated experience in areas including program administration, fiscal management, supervision, risk management, online systems for operations, communication, organizational skills, leadership, and customer service. Additional Certifications (Preferred):
Ski/Snowboard Technician American Red Cross Lifeguard or equivalent NOLS Wilderness First Aid or Responder Instructor Risk Management for Administrators
Equal Opportunity and Training All employees are required to complete training on policies administered by the Office of Institutional Equity. This includes reporting obligations and compliance with conduct and nondiscrimination policies. More information is available at the university policies page. Special Instructions to Applicants Applications submitted by 11/2/2025 will receive full consideration. Apply at cu.edu/cu-careers (job #37995). Official transcripts required on hire. Provide five professional references if requested. For technical difficulties, contact CU Careers help desk. Note This job description outlines general responsibilities and is not exhaustive. The university reserves the right to modify duties as needed.
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