Assistant Director- Williams Outing Club

Williams College Williamstown, MA Full-time Education

Posted on April 18, 2024

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Assistant Director- Williams Outing Club

Location: Williams Campus,Williamstown
Job ID: 302659
Full/Part Time: Part Time

Opening Details

With over 100 years of history, the Williams Outing Club (WOC) is the largest, and one of the oldest, student organizations on campus. Our mission is to “support outdoor activities at Williams and to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, regardless of level of experience.” We strive to create an inclusive outdoor community that values a diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

WOC organizes trips and outings throughout the year on weekends and weekdays, and orchestrates three signature events during the year:

WOOLF, an outdoor orientation program that sends ~55% of all incoming students on an outdoor trip at the start of their college career.
Mountain Day, a cherished Williams tradition in which classes are canceled on a surprise Friday in October and students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to spend time outdoors in the spirit of friendship and community.
Winter Carnival, the third Friday in February, is a day off for students to have a much needed break from their studies while cheering on the college's ski teams, participating in outdoor games and activities, and coming together to enjoy fireworks in the evening.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of the Williams Outing Club is a 10-month, regular appointment with primary responsibility for mentoring and training students in a variety of areas, including: indoor and outdoor rock climbing, basic outdoor leadership/hiking/backpacking, and staffing of the equipment room. The Assistant Director leads and teaches a variety of outdoor-skills physical education classes, and is responsible for the day to day operations of the Equipment Room and Bouldering Barn, with a second top-rope climbing wall expected to come online in late 2025. Finally, the Assistant Director works collaboratively with the Director to support both weekly outings and large-scale events, including: WOOLF, Mountain Day, Winter Study, and Winter Carnival.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and one year of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Previous experience in training and mentorship of new outdoor leaders
Previous experience in multi-day outdoor trip leading (applicants are encouraged to submit a trip log along with their application materials)
Wilderness First Responder certification (and CPR), or higher - currently valid, or other first aid experience/training and be able to obtain WFR within 3-6 months of hire
A working knowledge of adventure education theories and philosophies, such as: ‘Challenge by Choice' and ‘Full Value Contract'
Previous experience with rock climbing and/or white water kayaking, ideally in an institutional setting (applicants with these skills are encouraged to submit a climbing or paddling log along with their application materials)
- Some combination of the paddling or climbing experience/training/certifications described below is preferred:
  - Climbing: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (or equivalent), including rock climbing lead experience at an intermediate level or higher. Intermediate (or higher) level ice climbing skill preferred but not required.
    - AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor training/certification would also be relevant
  - Paddling: Demonstrated ability to manage students in whitewater up to class III or beyond (ACA level IV certification preferred). Personal experience and ability paddling in water up to grade IV+. Experience and/or training in swift water rescue techniques.
A strong commitment to liberal arts education and developing outdoor programs that support and contribute to the education of the whole person
Awareness of and commitment to creating an inclusive outdoor community that values a diversity of backgrounds and experiences
Excellent communication skills - both verbal and written
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to develop and implement systems
Comfort with a variety of office technologies, including Google suite
Master's degree in outdoor education, leadership, recreation, parks and recreation, or similar preferred

Application review will begin on March 12, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Pay range is from $52,000 to $59,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Job band 2-F. Please visit https://staff-careers.williams.edu/ to apply - all applications will be reviewed by the search committee.

Nestled in the valley between the Taconic Crest, the Green Mountains, and the Mt. Greylock massif, Williamstown is a true New England “mountain town.” Tucked into the northwestern most corner of Massachusetts, and just five miles from the Appalachian Trail, Williams College was ranked #22 on Outside Magazine's list of the Top 40 Schools to “Hit the Books and the Backcountry.” In addition to miles and miles of hiking trails, the town also offers superlative road and gravel biking, whitewater paddling on the nearby Deerfield River, downhill skiing at Jiminy Peak and nordic skiing at Prospect Mountain. Several climbing areas are just an hour away, including Farley, Chapel Ledge, and Hanging Mountain. Williamstown is also a short drive from bigger mountains and adventures, including 2.5 hours from the Adirondack High Peaks, 2 hours from the world famous ‘Gunks,' and just minutes away from the southern Green Mountains of Vermont.

Conditions of Employment

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.

To apply, visit https://staff-careers.williams.edu/psp/cangate/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=302659&PostingSeq=1

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Assistant Director- Williams Outing Club

Williams College

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