Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation & Experiential Education

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a prominent public research university located in Boca Raton, Florida. As one of the leading universities in the state, FAU is committed to providing extensive educational opportunities, research facilities, and community engagement initiatives. The Division of Student Affairs at FAU plays a vital role in enhancing student experiences by offering various programs and services that support student development outside the classroom. One such service is the Department of Campus Recreation that focuses on promoting wellness, physical activity, and experiential learning for the university's diverse student body. FAU prides itself on creating an inclusive and engaging community for its students, faculty, and staff, backed by excellent benefits and a strong commitment to employee growth and satisfaction. The university consistently aims to deliver unique recreational experiences that foster leadership, teamwork, and personal growth while empowering students and community members alike. The position of Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation & Experiential Education at FAU is centered within the Department of Campus Recreation in Boca Raton, Florida. This full-time role offers a salary range from $43,014 to $44,000 per year and operates on a standard Monday to Friday schedule from 8 am to 5 pm, with some required evenings and weekends. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures and Sport Programs, the Coordinator is responsible for the development, organization, and promotion of a comprehensive outdoor adventures program. This program includes challenge course activities, climbing wall operations, experiential education workshops, gear rental, and guided adventure trips. The Coordinator will oversee all aspects of these programs including direct management, customer relations, reservation and billing processes, and strategic planning of new initiatives tailored to students, departmental groups, non-profit organizations, and local community members. Additionally, this role involves supervising risk management policies, ensuring compliance with industry safety standards such as those set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The Coordinator will also manage the maintenance of outdoor recreation facilities including a 35-foot climbing tower, a bouldering wall, and challenge course elements while implementing preventative maintenance protocols to ensure safety and functionality. Staff development is a core function of the role; overseeing recruitment, training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of staff members including facilitators and assistant facilitators. The Coordinator facilitates ongoing technical and soft skill training sessions designed to enhance group facilitation, risk management, wilderness medicine knowledge, and ethical outdoor practices such as Leave-No-Trace principles. Additionally, the role demands cooperation with departmental marketing efforts to boost program visibility and participant engagement, fostering partnerships with student government and academic departments. Regular assessment of program trends and performance metrics is necessary to inform decision-making related to program offerings and resource allocation. FAU offers extensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, and options for state retirement plans like tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans. Employees benefit from paid time off, holidays, sick leave pools, paid volunteer service days, and educational scholarships for themselves and eligible family members. The university supports flexible work arrangements and promotes a culture of community engagement and professional advancement. This role at FAU offers an exciting opportunity for a passionate outdoor recreation professional to contribute to a vibrant university community while fostering experiential education and recreational wellness in a supportive and resource-rich environment.

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and two years of relevant experience
• Ability to work Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, with some nights and weekends
• Experience managing outdoor recreation programs and staff
• Knowledge of ACCT and ANSI standards
• Capability to perform risk assessments and maintain safety protocols
• Competence in maintaining inventory and preventative maintenance
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Valid background and employment screenings
• Willingness to undergo drug and alcohol testing