Assistant Director, Outdoor Recreation

Syracuse University
Syracuse University

USD 62,400-62,400 / year

Posted on Aug 1, 2026
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Posting Details

Posting Details
Job # 042965
Department Code 40307-7500
Department Student Experience
Job Title Assistant Director, Outdoor Recreation
Location Syracuse, NY
Campus Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range $62,400
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S5
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours


8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)


Evening and weekend hours required. Hours may vary based on operational needs and season.
Job Type Full-time
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description
Syracuse University is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to serve as Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation within The Barnes Center at The Arch, an integrated wellness facility housing recreation, counseling, health care, and health promotion departments under one umbrella. Within this model, the Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation will play an active role in facilitating integrated wellness opportunities for students, utilizing a multi-faceted approach to wellness through ongoing program collaborations with counseling, health care and health promotion. The Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation directly oversees the management and supervision of all aspects of outdoor recreation, including adventure trips, indoor climbing wall, outdoor equipment rental, indoor and outdoor challenge courses, teambuilding, and the cross-country ski and snowshoe center. This position has personnel management responsibilities including the training, development and supervision of 1 full-time program manager and 60 student staff throughout all areas, as well as the various program assistants. This role combines strategic program development with hands-on management of facilities, student staff, and integrated programming that supports holistic wellness initiatives through outdoor recreation.
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in recreation, outdoor education, sport management, human development or another relevant field. Master’s degree preferred.
  • A minimum of three years of experience with balance of program development, field instruction, supervisory skills, facility management and administrative experience.
Skills and Knowledge
  • Demonstrated climbing wall or challenge course management experience including strategic planning, budget management, equipment purchasing and maintenance and risk management.
  • Professional experience developing and administering successful experiential curriculum, according to client learning outcomes.
  • Demonstrated success in training and supervision of full-time staff utilizing best practices for customer service.
  • Experience developing and administering collaborative programming with academic and student development organizations utilizing experiential methodology.
  • Demonstrated pursuit of personal professional development through participation in a national industry association or organization such as ACCT, AEE, AORE, CWA, etc.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, proficient computer skills, ability to use sound management principles, and work effectively with ethnically and culturally diverse constituencies.

Preferred Skills:
  • Wilderness or Remote First Aid / Wilderness First Responder Certification.
  • Current Challenge Course Level Il Certification in accordance with the standards as set by (ACCT), or equivalent.
Responsibilities
  • Oversee hiring, training, supervision, payroll and evaluation of 1 full-time Program Manager for Outdoor Recreation.
  • Oversee the development and management of 60 student employees, encompassing climbing wall attendants, supervisors, adventure trip leaders, challenge course facilitators, cross country ski and snowshoe center attendants, and special program staff.
  • Oversee development of leadership and training for student staff based on industry standards and best practices in the field of outdoor and experiential education.
  • Provide direct oversight for all challenge course and climbing wall operations in their entirety.
  • Oversee hiring, training, supervision, payroll and evaluation of 2 full-time Program Managers for Outdoor Recreation.
  • Oversee Program Manager supervision of 60 students working as climbing wall attendants, supervisors, adventure trip leaders, challenge course facilitators, cross country ski and snowshoe center attendants, and special event staff.
  • Oversee development of leadership and training for student staff based on industry standards and best practices in the field of outdoor and experiential education.
  • Oversee the supervision and evaluation of comprehensive outdoor programming, including climbing wall, outdoor equipment rental, challenge course, team building, adventure trips, cross country ski and snowshoe course, and various special program areas.
  • Assist Associate Director of Outdoor Recreation with managing contracts and program agreements.
  • Assist Program Manager with registration and staffing for programs.
  • Assist the Associate Director for Outdoor Recreation with ensuring the safe operations of outdoor recreation facilities including The Barnes Center at The Arch indoor climbing wall, indoor and outdoor challenge course, Outdoor Education Center, as well as the Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Center.
  • Collaborate with other departments and student organizations to offer creative and innovative programs and events.
  • Purchase and maintain outdoor recreation equipment.
  • Operate and provide direct supervision of climbing wall, challenge course, cross country ski and snowshoe center facilities and adventure trip programs as needed.
  • Develop, implement and evaluate comprehensive emergency procedures, risk management plans and assessment protocols for outdoor programs and facilities.
  • Ensure proper maintenance and compliance with applicable State and County regulations and industry standards.
  • Facilitate low and high challenge course and mobile initiatives programs as needed.
  • Teach skill clinics and First Aid / CPR classes as needed.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/113964
Job Posting Date 07/31/2026
Application Deadline
Full Consideration By
Job Category Staff
Message to Applicants

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you first find out about this position?
    • sujobopps.com (Syracuse University Online Employment website)
    • Syracuse University HR Recruiter
    • Virtual Career Fair (via NYS Department of Labor)
    • SUNY EOC (Equal Opportunity Center)
    • Women’s Opportunity Center
    • Jubilee Homes
    • Syracuse Northeast Community Center
    • Interfaith Works
    • JobPlus
    • Syracuse.com
    • Chronicle of Higher Education
    • HigherEdJobs.com
    • HERC (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
    • InsideHigherEd.com
    • Indeed.com
    • DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education website)
    • LinkedIn Job Posting
    • Facebook
    • Job Fair
    • Search Firm
    • Referred by an SU Employee
    • Other
  2. * If "other", please describe how you first found out about this position.

    (Open Ended Question)

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