Georgia State University, Department of Recreational Services, is searching for an outstanding candidate to fill the role of Assistant Director, Outdoors. This position is based at the Downtown Atlanta campus. Georgia State University's Touch the Earth program is over 50 years old and is nationally recognized as a leader in collegiate outdoor recreation programs.

WHAT MAKES THE Department of Recreational Services a GREAT PLACE?

• A flexible work environment
• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc
• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners 
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship
• An exciting urban university located in downtown Atlanta

The scope of responsibility will include these specific duties but is not limited to the following,

• Primary responsibilities include supervising, developing, promoting, and implementing a comprehensive recreation program outdoor program called Touch the Earth. 

• Supervise, mentor, and effectively lead one (1) full-time Coordinator of the Indian Creek Recreation Area, whose position oversees 5+ student staff, manages a budget, and manages reservations and events at ICRA lodge. Recruit, hire, train, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and schedule. 15- 20 climbing wall and equipment rental student assistants, 5-10 route setters, 30-40 volunteer trip leaders, 5-10 clinic instructors, 8-12 challenge course facilitators, and 2-3 outdoor graduate assistants.

• Develop and coordinate monthly, or as-needed, in-service training sessions for student staff. Actively incorporate Departmental Vision, Mission, and Values into staff training and development.

•  Develop, promote, assess, and implement a comprehensive outdoor recreation program including approximately 25 per semester trips, 10- 15 instructional clinics per semester, special events, indoor climbing facilities, outdoor challenge course facilities, and an outdoor equipment rental program. Manage related trip vendor contracts and inspections for the climbing wall and challenge course.

• Establish, revise, and enforce policies and procedures regarding risk management in Touch the Earth programs including the clinics, equipment rental, climbing wall, challenge course, and trips program (including but not limited to whitewater, sea kayaking, flatwater paddle sports, outdoor climbing/bouldering, rappelling, biking, backpacking, hiking, and caving). Oversee maintenance, inventory, inspections, and purchasing related to trips, clinic, equipment rental, climbing wall, and  challenge program equipment items. 

• Develop and coordinate the annual budgets of $175,000+ for the Touch the Earth program related to Touch the Earth operations, including student payroll, operational expenses, and programmatic revenue generation. Manage monthly payroll procedures for all responsible student and non-student staff positions including timesheet approval, and monthly reporting. Monitor all expenses related to procurement card purchases, preventative maintenance, and service invoices. Lead on average 3 field-based wilderness trips each semester, and facilitate and manage annual training related to trip leader trainings, wilderness medicine certifications, climbing wall attendant training, and challenge program training.

• Responsible for the development of trailer driving practices and training of staff in this area. Develop marketing strategies, publicity strategies, and pricing structures. Collaborate with department marketing staff and/or outside agencies as appropriate to implement strategies. Conduct outreach efforts to increase awareness and visibility of the program. Ensure the highest possible level of customer service to provide exceptional experiences through outdoor recreation programming. 

This position will require some weekend and evening hours.

Disclaimer: This job requisition provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties. As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job requisition may change at the discretion of the employee’s direct supervisor.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and five years of related experience; or a combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Hiring Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Recreation, Sports Administration, or related field. 
• 3 years of experience specifically in a University Recreation program.
• Application must be made through Georgia State University’s HR website. Reference position #26000290. Include 3 separate documents - Cover letter (recommended), resume, and a list of at least 3 professional reference names, phone numbers, and email addresses. 

About Georgia State University

Department of Recreational Services promotes wellness through intentional programs, services, and facilities that empower the Georgia State University community to explore, engage and thrive. On the Atlanta campus, Recreational Services is housed in the 161,000 square feet Student Recreation Center (SRC). Our two off-campus sites are also managed by the department; Panthersville Recreation Complex, an outdoor lighted multipurpose athletic field area, and the Indian Creek Recreation Area which includes the Lodge, Challenge Course (high and low ropes course), Outpost, and an Event lawn. Recreational Services offers recreation programs and services at our five Perimeter locations: Clarkston, Decatur, Newton, Dunwoody, and Alpharetta. Georgia State University is a member of the University System of Georgia.

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