Wellbeing and Outdoor Initiatives Coordinator

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Wellbeing and Outdoor Initiatives Coordinator position. The Wellbeing and Outdoor Initiatives Coordinator is a full-time, two-year term position, starting at $64,032 per year - commensurate with experience. Given Amherst’s distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community.

Manages and oversees a key College initiative focused on ensuring that Amherst College students have the opportunity to participate in outdoor experiences that are safe, inclusive and sustainable. This position focuses on creating and supporting holistic student wellbeing and facilitating outdoor experiential learning, including the land's history, deepening the understanding of native flora and fauna and providing outdoor activities for our diverse student body. The Outdoor and Wellbeing Initiatives Coordinator will work with campus partners on existing and new initiatives that promote the development of leadership skills, personal growth, and appreciation and enjoyment of the outdoors. The broad goal is to create accessible opportunities for all students, regardless of ability or background, to engage with the outdoors both on campus, in Western Massachusetts, and across New England while having fun and learning how to grow their skills and improve their wellbeing. This is a two-year term position with the opportunity to renew. The Outdoor Educator takes appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participates in the College’s anti-racism plan and other efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Works with the Director of Wellbeing Education, stakeholders, and the broad campus community to plan and implement outdoor adventure/education and wellbeing programming to support Amherst College students' holistic development and wellbeing. 

Summary of Responsibilities:

Outdoor Program Development, Management and Safety

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for outdoor wellbeing and adventure programming for various skill levels and experiences, including off-campus trips and on-campus outdoor recreation activities that center holistic wellbeing

• Utilizing best practices for outdoor education to assess and manage risk for all programming

• Supervise student outdoor wellbeing education leaders in the planning and execution of day and weekend-long outdoor programs

• Work with campus partners to provide leadership training opportunities

• Oversee day-to-day financial activities of outdoor programs, including budget management, account tracking, compliance with College financial policies, and the processing of event expenses

• Collaborate with the Associate Director of New Student and Family Programs to expand and create inclusive programming for incoming students during Orientation

Wellbeing Initiatives

• Develop and support departmental and campus initiatives related to holistic wellbeing

• Coordinate activities that integrate outdoor adventure with student wellbeing

Space and Equipment Management

• Maintain inventory and assess the quality of materials in the Outdoor Gear Locker, ordering new items and disposing of outdated materials needed

• Oversee the checkout and check-in program for the Outdoor Gear Locker 

• Work with the Director to assist in the management of the initiatives and spaces as it relates directly to the Wellbeing Makerspace and MindSpa

• Working with the Director of Wellbeing and campus partners to develop and implement a usage plan for the expansion of outdoor education opportunities and structures at Amherst College

Assessment

• Maintain electronic records of programs, trips, post-program evaluations, accidents and incidents 

Qualifications:

Required 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Education, Recreation, Environmental Studies, Wilderness Leadership, Conservation or other related field 

• Experience in planning and managing outdoor education trips, including but not limited to overnight camping, walking and hiking, skiing, canoeing, caving, rock clim