Programs Course Director

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $51,500

Who are we?

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School is a National and State Park located in the heart of the Boston Harbor Islands, With a 200-year legacy of serving children in Boston and a 48-year partnership with the Boston Public Schools (BPS), the Island is a beacon for experiential education, empowering young people through hands-on learning and skill building and outdoor adventure and exploration. We are a proud member of the network of 11 Outward Bound schools in the U.S., with a shared mission to change lives through challenge and discovery.

Education is at the forefront of our work. Funded by a combination of philanthropy and a robust private events business, our outdoor educational programs are offered at no cost to families.

What is our mission and how do we achieve it?

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound Schools core mission is to build stronger, more equitable school communities by delivering free experiential learning programs that boost academic success and foster personal growth. Our research-based programs blend STEM, social-emotional, and challenge-based learning, giving students a unique opportunity to build life skills alongside academic ones.

Whom do we serve (students, clients, customers)

We offer programs for Boston Public School middle school and high school students, fee-for-service programs for school and youth groups, and leadership development programs for professionals. We also fund our transformational programs by hosting private and corporate events and weddings.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Programs Course Director (CD) is responsible for the overall quality, consistency and safety of the Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound (CSIOBS) courses (virtual or in-person). A candidate for this role needs to demonstrate an outstanding ability to supervise and train others, as well as have experience leading youth programming. TheCourse Directors primary role is to ensure course deliverymeets program standards for safetyand quality. While in the field,Course Directorswill observe and mentor staff,focusing on course safety, instructor development, and educational outcomes. Course Directors should be at a level of skill with their course elements wherein they could comfortably replace a Lead Instructor in the field if the need presented itself. Course Directors must display the highest level of professionalism, dedication and commitment to safety both in the field and at base and are expected to be on call 24 hours a day for the entire duration of their course.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certification preferred for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the delivery of the Outward Bound Mission and educational programming by the instructional teams.

• Support course delivery by providing logistical support, conducting coaching observations, and mentoring field staff.

• Ensure course delivery aligns with CSIOBSs instructional tools, preferred practices, and policies and procedures.

• Provide 24/7 support to field staff to manage medical or behavioral evacuations and early departures; arrange medical support; manage impending inclement weather that may necessitate itinerary adjustment, and any other potential or real threat to safety or course objectives
• Ensure timely execution of instructor course prep and post-course wrap-up
• Provide consistent and professionalcommunication with staff, students, and families duringand post-course.

• Make necessary arrangements with kitchen, waterfront, site management, staffing, and all other aspects of Cathleen Stone Island as necessary for course delivery

• Manage student medical forms and other paperwork
• Provide written and verbal evaluation of instructors necessary for their professional growth and improved delivery of future courses
• Participate in student recruitment efforts, including in-school recruitment events and island-based open houses

• Utilize booking and client management systems (Triple Seat and Salesforce) to support programs, as needed, creating internal forms to communicate client needs, tracking and updating operations and ferry information, etc.

• Work with the Program Directors, Managers, and other Course Directors to deliver staff training and PDs.

• Serve as a Connections and Discovery Program Course Director or Instructor, as dictated by staffing needs

• Work with assigned Summer Program Manager on the design and execution of assigned summer programming

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities at the direction of the Program Manager Team

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree preferred

• 3-4 years relevant field experience in the following:

• Working with participants ages 11-18+

• Managing challenging student behaviors

• Working with diverse communities

• Teaching and facilitation tailored to different learning styles and program sites

• 1-2 years relevant management experience, including training, development and management of staff,

• Ability to demonstrate emotional regulation, good judgement and balanced decision-making in stressful situations.

• Serve as role model for students, staff and community, able to manage a range of student behaviors in a positive and professional manner.

• Ability to build and maintain a positive group culture.

• Flexible, adaptable and open to change.

• Wilderness First Responder & CPR certification required

• Intermediate computer skills, working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook).

• Spanish proficiency preferred

WORK CONDITIONS

• Expected ongoing coordination and collaboration with all CDs and Program Managers

• Courses are dynamic, and demand sound decision making within the scope of CSIOBS methodology

• CDs must be able to manage their course(s) with appropriate autonomy

• Environmental fluctuations are typical of the New England coast, and can including hot, humid weather, and unseasonably cool, rainy, and windy coastal weather; must be comfortable working outside in either of these extremes for extended periods of time

• Must be available for course support 24 hours a day for duration of course

• Must respond to course delivery needs and/or behavioral/medical needs This position requires a criminal background check

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be currently vaccinated against COVID-19 up to CDC guidance

• Positions reporting hours to the island are asked to assist loading/unloading cargo from the boat as able. This involves lifting and walking with parcels upwards of 50lbs on and off moving docks and up and down ramps

• Must be able to be on feet an average of 3+ hours per day

• Able to work though inclement weather conditions that include heat, rain, snow, or cold.
  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. Employer sponsored health insurance with the option to select between three comprehensive plans. Opt-in premier dental and vision plans. 401(k) retirement plan with competitive match. Generous paid time off including, vacation, holidays, personal days, parental and sick leave. Flexible scheduling, pursuant to position. Temporary housing and meals provided on Cathleen Stone Island for positions that necessitate.

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.