The University of Denver’s vision is to be a “great private university dedicated to the public good.” Founded in 1864, DU is actively implementing its dynamic strategic plan, DU IMPACT 2025. Among the plan’s most significant goals are strengthening the 4-dimensional (4D) Experience for all students, including advancing intellectual growth, pursuing careers and lives of purpose, exploring character, and promoting well-being. 
 
At the Kennedy Mountain Campus, we build Pioneers for Life through excellence, character, and connection. We operate with an adventure mindset, creating and fostering a daring culture every day. Inspired by our location in the Rocky Mountain West, we always find a better way forward; we work with optimism, passion, grit, and integrity. We forge lasting relationships one interaction at a time, and our value to the University of Denver is the degree to which we offer connection points to a broad and diverse community. That's why we're always looking ahead, not just to the next adventure or what's next in outdoor programs. We're also looking at what's next for you and how we can help you build a career you're proud of. 

Position Summary 

Reporting to the Assistant Director DU Outdoors, the Outdoor Program Lead will be instrumental in growing and delivering programming that primarily takes place at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus. This includes Public-facing, revenue-generating programs like the Via Ferrata, Rock Guiding, and Youth Camp outdoor facilitation. As well as DU-Internal programs, such as First Ascent, outdoor skill development clinics, trips, student leadership training and challenge programs. 

This is a non-benefited position not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year.

Essential Functions 

Program Co-Management and Delivery 

• Collaborate with the AD of DU Outdoors, as well as the Field & Exp. Ed Manager to design, coordinate, and execute a variety of outdoor programs and activities for the DU Community, including skill development clinics, wilderness trips, team-building programs, and adventure retreats. 

• The Outdoor Program Lead will focus on events that take place at KMC Mountain Campus and will rarely need to attend Denver-based programming. 

• Develop engaging programming for diverse audiences, including families, alumni, and community members, while maximizing revenue-generating opportunities. 

• With an emphasis on Via Ferrata Management, Rock Climbing / Guiding Management 

• Ensure thorough documentation and safety compliance for all adventure programming, including accident reports and participant evaluations. 

• Address post-event feedback and implement improvements to enhance future experiences. 

People Management and Development 

• Supervise the day-to-day work of DU Outdoors (formerly known as “Outdoor Experience”) student staff to ensure high-quality program delivery and customer satisfaction. 

• Serve as an on-call resource for Via Ferrata programing, supporting staff and ensuring participant safety. 

KMC Outreach 

• Reach out and foster relationships with local, Ft. Collins-based companies and organizations to generate leads and build awareness of Via Ferrata and Rock Guiding programs. 

Risk Management and Safety 

• Collaborate with AD of DU Outdoors to document and create working guides for recreational amenities at KMC, including Roped Rock Climbing, Challenge Course, Via Ferrata, Bouldering, and viable access trails.  

• Identify risk issues and areas of improvement and provide viable and logical solutions. 

• Conduct regular audits and inspections to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with programming. 

• Ensure staff adherence to safety policies and procedures, providing ongoing training and support as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Excellent oral/written communication skills. 

• Ability to work with event scheduling, employee scheduling, and program registration software. 

• Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate the work of others. 

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 

• Strong Work Ethic.

• Good Interpersonal Skills. 

• Proactive. 

• Flexibility.

• Teamwork. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree in outdoor leadership, kinesiology, sports management, health education, recreation, student affairs, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Two (2)+ seasons working as a professional in an adventure industry setting.  

• Demonstrated competency in leading various outdoor skill development and field-based adventure programs. 

• Wilderness First Aid certification. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Two (2)+ years’ experience in adventure programming. 

• Management of overnight and extended adventure trips.

• Demonstrated competency in developing curriculum for skill development and field-based programs. 

Demonstrated ability in two of the following: 

• Wilderness First Responder 

• AMGA SPI training or certificate (or higher level of training) 

• Leave No Trace Master Educator 

• AIARE or Similar Course Lead 

• Experience instructing ski, snowboarding, and backcountry touring 

• Fly Fishing Instruction and/or guiding experience 

• Experience leading multiday rafting and/or kayaking trips 

• Experience instructing mountain biking 

• Demonstrated competency in developing skill development and field-based programs. 

Work Schedule 

In coordination with the AD, DU Outdoors, this position will be allocated an average of 25 - 30 hrs/week from May through October, on an annual basis. Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays regularly.  

Working Environment 

• Works in all weather conditions and varying facilities and environments. 

• Works regularly in the field, overnights, weekends, and holidays. 

• Noise level is moderate. 

• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens. 

Physical Activities 

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period. 

• Ability to speak with people in person and over the phone. 

• Physical ability to navigate outdoor terrain with and lift up to 70 lbs. 

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) May 15th, 2025.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Hourly Range

The hourly range for the position is $26.00 - $30.00.