Pepperdine Campus Recreation, within the Division of Student Affairs, seeks a dynamic team player to lead and manage all aspects of a comprehensive university outdoor recreation program. Reporting to the Director, the Coordinator for Outdoor Recreation will oversee daily operations, develop and lead outdoor trips, clinics, and classes—including backpacking, rock climbing, skiing, kayaking, camping, and hiking—while managing logistics, equipment, and trip preparation. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in environments that may include occasional ambiguity. This position also calls for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly, consistently, and effectively across a wide range of campus departments. The Coordinator will also assist in developing policies, evaluating performance, fostering team development, and promoting programs across campus and through various marketing channels.

Duties

• Supervise operations of a comprehensive outdoor recreation program including trips and excursions, outdoor equipment rentals, educational clinics and special events.
• Supervise operations of outdoor recreation including budget management, equipment and gear management, trip and event planning, student staff management, and program public relations and marketing.
• Assist with hiring, training, supervising, scheduling, developing and evaluating as many as eight student employees working in outdoor recreation.
• Provide onsite and offsite supervision for outdoor activities including day excursions, overnight trips, educational presentations and special events.
• Facilitate ongoing meetings with campus partners, student staff, department Coordinators and Director of Campus Recreation.
• Manage outdoor equipment, gear and supplies including maintenance of accurate inventory, and orders of new supplies and gear as needed.
• Oversee marketing and promotion of outdoor recreation trips, excursions, rentals, educational clinics and special events; marketing and promotion will include both internal and external platforms.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in a field relevant to the position (e.g., Recreation, Environmental Studies or related field).
• Two years (24 months) of experience in the promotion, design, development, and administration of outdoor recreational programs OR a Master's degree if earned prior to the start date (applicants will be required to provide official or unofficial transcripts at that time).
• Current Wilderness First Aid Certification/Licensure, from a nationally recognized professional organization, requiring continuing education and/or ongoing documentation of proficiency in specialty area required of position.
• Excellent mentoring skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse and wide range of students, professionals and community populations.
• Valid driver's license and/or ability to obtain valid driver's license.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, to think laterally and undertake initiatives.
• Good physical condition, capable of extensive physical exertion and possess the emotional stability and maturity to care for others over extended time periods and in adverse circumstances.
• Willing and able to work overnights, weekends, holidays and spend extended time in the field with student groups.
• Knowledgeable of industry standards to plan and lead outdoor programs with best practices in specific technical areas.
• Experience across multiple technical areas including but not limited to backpacking, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, four-season backcountry travel and expedition leadership.
• Proficiency in technical areas spanning all four seasons.
• Basic computer proficiency including familiarity with spreadsheets, word processing and Google suite.
• Personal faith in Jesus Christ and active member of a local church. 

Preferred:

• Master's degree.
• Certified Wilderness First Responder from NOLS.
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing an outdoor recreation program.
• Demonstrated experience in outdoor trip planning and leading.
• Familiarity with inspecting facilities for risk management or maintenance concerns and resolving problems independently prior to activity.
• Possession of a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or ability to obtain one, as required for operating 10+ passenger vans; position may involve driving for off-site trips approximately six times per academic year.
• Demonstrated experience in the training and supervision of student employees and volunteers to accomplish program operations.
• Availability to work flexible shifts, evenings and weekends depending on activities being offered.
• Ability to communicate proficiently both verbally and in writing.
• Familiarity with a broad range of outdoor equipment, gear and supplies and the ability to maintain equipment inventory including procurement and rental operations.
• Experience with successful special event management and/or coordination.
• Familiarity and comfort with equipment rental management software.
• Possess American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor certification or must obtain within the first year of employment.
• Experience conducting leadership development sessions and supervising staff.
• Ability to provide positive customer service. Familiarity with a range of outdoor recreational activities.
• Familiarity with outdoor recreation trip planning and leadership.
• Familiarity with the organization and management of outdoor recreation equipment rentals.
• Familiarity with NIRSA.
• Familiarity with Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education. Familiarity with rental equipment management software platforms.
• Familiarity with email/newsletter campaign software platforms such as Mailchimp and Canva.
• Familiarity with social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Restricted, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week, 10-month per year position.

Expected Pay Range: $25.00 - $26.00 per hour 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.