Director of Outdoor Adventure & Programs

About the role

The Director of Outdoor Adventure & Programs leads the strategy, operations, and delivery of all experiential outdoor and climbing wall programming at NYC Outward Bound Schools. This role calls for a systems-minded, strong people leader who excels at delegation, coaching, and balanced risk management. As a member of the organization’s leadership team, the Director contributes to strategic decisions and helps foster an equity-focused culture across the organization.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the development of multi-year strategy, operational plans, and budgets for outdoor adventure programming
• Oversee all outdoor adventure programming — in-city and at remote locations in NY State — ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, SEAD-aligned, equity-centered experiences
• Design new and innovative programmatic offerings, including new courses within and outside NYC, that center student leadership, intellectual risk-taking, and belonging
• Research and implement best practices in outdoor and experiential education in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and guiding principles
• Oversee climbing wall programming to ensure a safe, compliant, and student-empowering environment
• Continuously assess program implementation for adherence to safety standards; collaborate with the Director of Safety to uphold and evolve those standards
• Ensure staff understand and consistently follow all OBUSA and NYCOBS safety policies; proactively manage operational hazards, maintain culturally responsive safety briefings, and drive continuous improvement through timely incident reporting and analysis
• Oversee the NYCOBS on-call system and in-field emergency response operations, participating in on-call rotation as needed
• Partner closely with the School-Based Coaching team to align outdoor programming with in-school Crew and deeper learning frameworks — intentionally designing experiences that reinforce shared language, student development goals, and the transfer of growth from the wilderness back to the classroom

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, at least 5 in leadership or management roles overseeing teams with multiple reporting levels
• Deep understanding of experiential education and positive youth development, with a demonstrated ability to design programming that supports young people's social, emotional, and academic growth
• Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate professional development and training for adults
• Demonstrated experience managing six-figure budgets, including developing financial projections and tracking fiscal performance
• Experience with complex, multi-site program planning across diverse timelines and stakeholder groups
• Experience managing foundation grants and working toward sales or revenue targets preferred
• Digital proficiency, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
• Ability to obtain and maintain required outdoor adventure certifications upon hire (training provided)
• Current and valid U.S. driver’s license held for a minimum of 5 years; ability to drive in the city and to remote locations
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods (including overnight camping), in varied weather conditions, and to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Successful completion of a NYC Department of Education background check

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• HRA/FSA/Transit accounts
• Life insurance
• 403(b) with employer match after one year
• Generous PTO

Location

This is a hybrid position. Required on-site Monday and Wednesday at the organization’s headquarters in Long Island City (Queens). During peak program seasons — including training periods, events, and high-volume course delivery — this role requires significant additional on-site and field presence beyond the standard hybrid schedule. Travel to remote course locations, including overnight stays, is a regular part of the role.

Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter by July 15th, 2026. Candidates can expect to participate in the following steps as part of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ selection process:

• Resume Screen
• Introductory Phone Interview (conducted by the hiring manager or our HR team)
• Panel Interview and Performance Task
• Final Interview

Equal Opportunity Employer

NYC Outward Bound Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination against and harassment of any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, qualified individuals with a disability on the basis of the disability, or any other category which may be protected under applicable state or federal law.