Outdoor Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Us
Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia . We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision . Come Take Flight at KSU!
Location
(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
Job Summary
Responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Outdoor Adventures unit within the Department of University Recreation. Oversee program design, assessment, staffing, budgeting, and risk management for all outdoor adventure programs, including Outdoor Trips, Climbing Gym(s), Bike Shop, Challenge Course, Experiential programs, online Outdoor Adventures programs, and Outdoor Adventures special events. Ensures all Outdoor Adventures programming, equipment, and instructional practices align with university standards, divisional initiatives, and industry best practices.
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provides strategic leadership and direction for the Outdoor Adventures unit, including supervision of professional staff, graduate assistants, part-time staff, interns, and student employees, while fostering a culture of ongoing training, mentorship, performance management, and professional development
2. Leads long-range planning and strategic development for all Outdoor Adventures programs and initiatives, including staffing models, program design, facility and space planning, equipment lifecycle management, and multi-year operational recommendations
3. Oversees financial planning and stewardship for the Outdoor Adventures unit, including budget development, expenditure monitoring, revenue and cost analysis, and contributions to policy development and program evaluation
4. Directs comprehensive assessment and evaluation efforts, analyzing participation trends, learning outcomes, training effectiveness, and program satisfaction to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement
5. Provides operational oversight for all Outdoor Adventures programs within the Department of University Recreation, ensuring effective program design, diverse scheduling, and alignment with departmental and university standards
6. Oversees the development and delivery of instructional and leadership programs, including the Adventure Leadership Course and other staff-development and outdoor skill-building initiatives.
7. Manages equipment planning and procurement processes, including research, purchasing, inventory assessment, and maintenance recommendations for Outdoor Adventures gear and resources
8. Ensures proper oversight of the department's vehicle fleet, including monitoring maintenance needs, operational readiness, and compliance with safety standards
9. Interprets and applies University, Division, and Department policies, as well as Outdoor Adventures industry best practices, ensuring compliance, clear communication, and consistency across all unit programs
10. Oversees risk management and safety operations for the Outdoor Adventures unit, ensuring emergency preparedness, equipment safety compliance, and staff training and certification standards
11. Serves as a departmental first responder within emergency response programs, providing support to staff and patrons as needed
12. Maintains current knowledge of industry standards and professional certifications in outdoor recreation and adventure programming to ensure evidence-based practices and ongoing program advancement
13. Maintains confidential patron records in accordance with university requirements and professional best practices
14. Assists the Director of Campus Recreation Programs and Services with special projects requiring direct involvement and subject-matter expertise
15. Support divisional priorities and initiatives beyond the department's scope, as assigned
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
Other Required Qualifications
CPR/AED/First Aid Certification or equivalent, or must obtain within six (6) months
Required Experience
Seven (7) years of relevant experience in a recreation setting
Previous management and/or supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education
Preferred Experience
Two (2) years of supervisory experience
Experience administering outdoor adventure programs within higher education
Experience teaching, training, and providing feedback to staff on outdoor program industry best practices
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES
Able to adapt effectively to changes in policies, procedures, work assignments, priorities, and organizational culture
Able to plan, coordinate, and execute large-scale, detail-oriented projects, including events, equipment purchases cycles, and outdoor adventure space renovations or maintenance.
Able to develop and maintain professional contacts and resources that support program effectiveness and operational excellence.
Ability to contribute to and uphold the mission, vision, and values of the University and the Department in a position of trust.
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time, meeting assigned deadlines
KNOWLEDGE
Strong commitment to teamwork, customer service, ethical leadership, and talent development.
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through, with professional phone and email communication etiquette.
Expertise in outdoor adventures program design, training strategies, and equipment, including evidence-based programming practices.
Knowledge of industry standards and best practice guidelines related to outdoor adventures programming, equipment safety, and risk management.
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
SKILLS
Strong time management and organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously and meet assigned deadlines
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.
Other Information
This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position requires a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time
Background Check

• Credit Report
• Standard Enhanced
• Education
• DMV
• 9 Panel Lab Drug Test

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility
All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.
https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf