Working Title: Coordinator of Adventure & TEAM Programs (UREC)

State Role Title: Program Administration Specialist I

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

 

College/Division: Health and Wellbeing

Department: 300034 - University Recreation (UREC)

 

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $47,000 - $48,500

 

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

 

Beginning Review Date: 07/23/2025

 

About JMU:

James Madison University is a publicly funded university with a beautiful campus and a supportive community that is committed to preparing students for the future. The university offers excellent comprehensive benefits which include paid vacation, sick, parental, and community service leave in addition to 19 paid holidays a year; affordable health insurance; retirement through the Virginia Retirement System. We also offer a work-life balance and integration program, Balanced Dukes, that is designed to support the overall wellbeing of our employees and a Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.

Visit our Prospective Employee site to learn more about what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

 

General Information:

University Recreation (UREC) is currently seeking applicants for the Coordinator of Adventure & TEAM Programs. UREC is a Health & Well-being department within the Student Affairs division. The mission of UREC is to promote and advance healthy lifestyles through educational programs, participation opportunities and supportive services. UREC’s qualified staff is committed to excellence and responsive to the developmental needs of their participants. UREC professional staff members are passionate about teaching and working with students as we strive for excellence in building a welcoming atmosphere for every participant, visitor and employee!

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

#1: ADVENTURE PROGRAM LEADERSHIP: Serves as one of two professional staff members leading a comprehensive and dynamic Adventure program that provides adventure-based experiential learning opportunities to meet the recreational, educational and leadership needs of the JMU Community. Provides leadership, oversight, implementation, and innovation for UREC's TEAM Challenge Course (custom, experiential high and low ropes teambuilding programs) and UREC’s Adventure Rental Program. Stays current with knowledge, certifications, and industry practices to operate the TEAM Challenge Course successfully while mitigating the risks. Ensures high standards within UREC Adventure Rentals as it relates to gear usage, organization, storage, maintenance, and sanitation practices. Collaborates to support adventure trips, MOAT, and adventure special events.

#2: STUDENT STAFF LEADERSHIP: Strategically hires, trains, supervises and evaluates over 30 TEAM Challenge Course and Adventure Rentals student staff in compliance with all applicable University guidelines. Leads regular staff meetings, in-service trainings, scheduling, and mentorship to ensure these student-operated program/service operate at a high level of excellence. Provides impactful mentorship and learning opportunities for the Graduate Assistant for Adventure & TEAM Programs. Approves TEAM and Adventure Rentals student staff payroll and manages student employee budgets.

#3: FACILITIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT: Accountable for the management/mitigation of risks inherent in the TEAM Challenge Course and Adventure Rentals program. Takes the initiative to collaborate with facilities staff to ensure a safe, attractive and clean environment in all TEAM Challenge Course and adventure rentals spaces and storage areas within the adventure center rentals areas. Prepares work orders for maintenance and repairs and develops proposals for new and upcoming equipment/space needs. Provides expertise in the establishment of consistent risk management protocols for all adventure programs and facilities in collaboration with the Assistant Director for Adventure and TEAM. Manage all appropriate documents including assumption of risk and medical information according to JMU policies and procedures. Serves as an active member of the Professional Staff Evening Facility and Program Supervision Team.

#4: EVALUATION and ASSESSMENT: Establishes and assesses learning outcomes for TEAM Challenge Course and Adventure Rentals Program annually, and conducts at least one assessment each year, utilizing data-driven insights to inform curriculum/program changes. Will conduct evaluations to measure customer service and gather data to measure usage rates and risk management issues. Conduct needs assessment and maintains participation reports to justify current programs and propose new offerings in all areas. Will develop and assess learning outcomes for all program participants and staff trainings.

#5: ADMINISTRATION & COLLABORATION: Provides updates to ensure the accuracy of TEAM and Adventure Rentals information on the website and related documents, leveraging technology to enhance program effectiveness. Maintains accurate records. Recommends purchases for TEAM and Adventure Rentals equipment and supplies. Collaborates with colleagues in UREC, Student Affairs, and other divisions as appropriate, and is an active member on committees, commissions and task forces as assigned. Engages in staff meetings and departmental events to support teammates and the department/university mission. Maintains personnel files and manages student employee payroll to within 5% of approved budget. Effectively utilize conferences and other professional development opportunities as tools for staying current in the field and broadening knowledge, skills and abilities in the role.

 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Experience in high/low ropes course management
• Experience with a static belay system, including static rescues/lowers from height
• Significant hours logged facilitating groups with teambuilding activities and low ropes course elements
• Customer service experience

Additional Considerations:

• Expertise in risk mitigation in a high/low ropes course setting
• Experience supervising, leading and mentoring
• Experience managing an adventure equipment rental program
• Strong organization skills and high attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively on a diverse team

 

Additional Posting Information:

Candidates are invited to submit a Challenge Course portfolio of hours logged facilitating groups with teambuilding activities and low ropes course elements.

 

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

 

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

 

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.