Associate Director, Outdoor Adventures

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, offering more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 50,000 students. 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 vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice.

Primary locations for this role are the Kennesaw campus (1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144) and the Marietta campus (1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060).

About the Role

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Directs comprehensive assessment and evaluation efforts, analyzing participation trends, learning outcomes, training effectiveness, and program satisfaction to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement.
• 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.
• Oversees the development and delivery of instructional and leadership programs, including the Adventure Leadership Course and other staff-development and outdoor skill-building initiatives.
• Manages equipment planning and procurement processes, including research, purchasing, inventory assessment, and maintenance recommendations for Outdoor Adventures gear and resources.
• Ensures proper oversight of the department's vehicle fleet, including monitoring maintenance needs, operational readiness, and compliance with safety standards.
• 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.
• Oversees risk management and safety operations for the Outdoor Adventures unit, ensuring emergency preparedness, equipment safety compliance, and staff training and certification standards.
• Serves as a departmental first responder within emergency response programs, providing support to staff and patrons as needed.
• Maintains current knowledge of industry standards and professional certifications in outdoor recreation and adventure programming to ensure evidence-based practices and ongoing program advancement.
• Maintains confidential patron records in accordance with university requirements and professional best practices.
• Assists the Director of Campus Recreation Programs and Services with special projects requiring direct involvement and subject-matter expertise.
• Supports divisional priorities and initiatives beyond the department's scope, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification or equivalent, or must obtain within six (6) months.
• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in a recreation setting.
• Previous management and/or supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• 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.

Skills

• 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.
• 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).
• 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 customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette.

Other Information

This is a supervisory position with financial responsibilities. The role requires driving, occasional travel (1% - 24% of the time), and the use of a purchasing card (P-Card). A background check, including a credit report, DMV record, education verification, and drug screening, will be required.