ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOutdoor Program JobsOutdoor Program Director JobsOutdoor Program Director Jobs in Boston, MA

Outdoor Program Director information

See Boston, MA salary details

$32K

$85K

$148.8K

How much do outdoor program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor program director in Boston, MA is $84,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,600.00 and $100,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by an Outdoor Program Director, and how can they be addressed?

Outdoor Program Directors often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, risk management, and coordinating logistics for diverse groups. To address these, successful directors develop strong contingency plans, maintain up-to-date safety certifications, and foster clear communication with both staff and participants. Building a flexible, well-trained team and staying informed about best practices in outdoor education are also key strategies. These approaches help ensure programs run smoothly and safely, even when unexpected situations arise.

What is the difference between Outdoor Program Director vs Outdoor Education Coordinator?

AspectOutdoor Program DirectorOutdoor Education Coordinator
CertificationsWilderness First Responder, CPR, relevant outdoor certificationsWilderness First Responder, CPR, outdoor education certifications
Work EnvironmentLeading outdoor programs, managing staff, overseeing activitiesPlanning and delivering outdoor educational programs, supporting participants
Employer & IndustryRecreational organizations, camps, outdoor adventure companiesSchools, educational nonprofits, outdoor learning centers

The Outdoor Program Director typically manages outdoor activities and staff, focusing on program logistics and safety. The Outdoor Education Coordinator concentrates on delivering educational content and supporting participants' learning experiences. Both roles require outdoor certifications and work in outdoor or educational settings, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Outdoor Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outdoor Program Director, you need strong leadership, program management, and risk assessment skills, typically supported by a degree in recreation, outdoor education, or a related field. Proficiency with safety protocols, outdoor activity equipment, and certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR is commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for engaging participants and managing diverse teams. These skills ensure safe, impactful, and successful outdoor experiences while effectively handling the dynamic nature of outdoor programming.

What does an Outdoor Program Director do?

An Outdoor Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing outdoor recreation programs and activities, such as camps, adventure trips, and educational workshops. They manage staff, ensure safety protocols are followed, and develop engaging programs to meet participant needs. Additionally, they often handle budgeting, marketing, and partnership-building to grow their programs and reach more participants.
What are the most commonly searched types of Outdoor Program jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Outdoor Program jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Program Director jobs in Boston, MA? For Outdoor Program Director jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Program Director jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Program Director jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Outdoor Program Director jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Outdoor Program Director job openings:
Outdoor Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Program Director job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,952 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Program Manager

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School

Boston, MA • On-site

$59K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
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's 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.
What is the opportunity?
The Program Manager role is responsible for co-managing and coaching a team of facilitators, and course supervisors to deliver high quality STEM and Outward Bound character development programming for Boston Public Middle Schoolers. This role takes on the partnership management of a portfolio of Connections partner schools.
This role is also responsible for managing all aspects of planning, delivery, and day to day operations their assigned program.
Start Date
Aug 3, 2026
What will you do?
Program Management
  • Oversee the direct partnership management for a portfolio of Year-Round Connections schools including coordination between CSIOBS and assigned school teachers and leaders.
  • Develops, maintains and communicates program operations and schedules.
  • Ensures programs are delivered safely and in a high-quality manner quality as evidenced by surveys, observations and data.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with community and school partners.
  • Support the distribution, collection, and processing of student enrollment paperwork.
  • Ensure that school-based programs are operating in accordance with Boston Public School policies.
  • Collaborate with the Admin team to analyze survey results and implement subsequent changes based on results.
  • Assist Program Director in developing and reconciling an annual budget.
  • Ensures all aspects of quality and safety of program delivery in both educational and work components of the program.
  • Ensures that all course and incident data are entered into the appropriate databases (OBUSA, Salesforce).
  • Ensures employees are appropriately supervised, oriented, and engaged.
  • Ensures that work hours for direct reports are recorded and submitted.
  • Collaborates with Family Engagement manager on student outreach and recruitment.

Personnel Management
  • Lead, manage, and coach a team of Course Directors and Instructors to support students through academic and Social Emotional Learning.
  • Develop Instructors as strong facilitators and leaders through their Outward Bound experience.
  • Model leadership that reflects Outward Bound's culture and values and create spaces that empower Instructors and Course Directors.
  • Conduct regular observation and coaching sessions with Instructors to assess, strengthen, and grow their skill set.
  • Collaborate with the Admin team to plan, develop, and facilitate regular trainings and professional development opportunities.
  • Complete performance reviews and individual development plans (IDP).

General Workplace Responsibilities
  • Attend and participate in CSIOBS Staff Meetings and other site activities/events.
  • Course direct, facilitate, site manage (if certified), and/or belay monitor as needed or requested by a supervisor.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 years of commensurate experience.
  • Knowledge and field experience with urban school-based programs and/or Outward Bound.
  • At least two years of experience supervising employees.
  • At least three years of program management experience.
  • Passion for social justice, environmental stewardship, climate change responsiveness, natural resource and facilities management, and the outdoors.
  • Supervisory experience in a youth employment program, required
  • Fluency (writing and speaking) in Spanish is a plus.
  • Familiarity with computer-based systems like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Google Drive. Experience with Customer Relations Management databases (i.e. Salesforce) a plus.

Work Conditions
  • While the position will work primarily on the island, expect to spend some time working remotely or at our partner schools.
  • Environmental fluctuations are typical of the New England coast, and can include 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.

Physical Requirements
  • All 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 50 lbs on and off moving docks and up/down ramps
  • Must be able to be on feet an average of 5+ hours per day.
  • Must be comfortable on board a variety of boats and working around the water.
  • Must have the mental and physical stamina to maintain a high quality of job performance while working in a dynamic fast-paced environment, often performing hours exceeding typical workday.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range
$59,000 - $63,000
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. Employer sponsored health insurance with the option to select between three comprehensive plans. Premier dental and vision plan. 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. Work that engages a diverse and dynamic community of educators and other professionals, with the shared vision of shaping a better future for Boston's youth. A quality work life in Boston's vibrant Seaport district with frequent access to the natural wonders and positive impacts of Cathleen Stone Island.
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.
Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and racial justice, we believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization with raised consciousness to impact how we work with students, as well as how we work together as a team. We hope you will join us as we continue to build a justice-centered organization that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.
Salary Description
$59,000 - $63,000

Apply