Job Description

Co Director of Outdoor Education Long Term Substitute

Chadwick School - Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Salary Range $8,750.00 - $9,600.00 Salary/month Level Experienced Position Type Seasonal Job Shift Any Education Level 4 Year Degree Travel Percentage Up to 25% Category Education

Co Director of Outdoor Education Long Term Substitute

Position Title: Co-Director of Outdoor Education Reports to: Assistant Head of School Supervises: Outdoor Education Instructors & Logisticians Collaborates With: Co-Director of Outdoor Education, Division Directors, Director of Risk Management, Faculty, and Student Support Teams Supports: Instructors, Students, and Families

Position Summary

The Co-Director of Outdoor Education is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Chadwick's K–12 Outdoor Education program. Grades K–6 courses are delivered through partner organizations and faculty chaperones. Outdoor education courses for grades 7–12 courses are run in-house with our part-time Outdoor Education faculty.

This is a community-facing role that requires strong collaboration across the school and active engagement with students and families. The Co-Director shares responsibility for curriculum, program management, staff supervision, risk management, and budgeting.

This role requires attendance at 7-12th-grade overnight Outdoor Education courses, several 3-6th-grade overnight courses, several K-2 day trips, and the ability to be fully present in the field for extended periods.

Responsibilities

I. Curriculum & Program Development

• Design and evaluate Outdoor Education curriculum aligned with school mission, core values, and core competencies
• Design and evaluate our K-12 OE curriculum progression
• Provide curriculum resources to our instructors to support our K-12 OE curriculum progression
• Partner with faculty, advisors, and student support teams to prepare students and support reflection and growth
• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the program

II. Program Management

• Schedule annual calendar, logistics, and communication for all courses
• Design, anticipate, and manage risk for outdoor education programs
• Prepare and lead instructor staff preparation days and debrief days
• Maintain student participation records and program documentation
• Coordinate closely with division leadership, deans, and other departments on student needs and program planning
• Contribute to reports, communications, and program visibility

III. Field Course Leadership & Oversight

• Plan and manage Outdoor Education courses (grades 7–12), including logistics, staffing, itineraries, transportation, and permits
• Attend and support all overnight courses; provide leadership to instructors in the field and ensure program quality and consistency
• Be available on call for all field courses.
• Supervise instructors, design course documentation, review course documentation and oversee equipment and supplies
• Serve as a key point of support for instructors and parent communication during courses

IV. K–6 Program Partnerships

• Attend and observe several K-6 programs
• Ensure alignment with Chadwick's educational goals and risk standards
• Provide feedback to K-6 division heads about the curriculum progression and risk management standards

V. Program Evaluation & Growth

• Assess program effectiveness and implement improvements
• Gather and analyze feedback from students, staff, and families
• Support strategic planning
• Maintain accreditation standards

VI. Budget Management

• Develop and oversee the annual program budget
• Monitor expenses related to courses, staffing, equipment, and logistics

VII. Staff Supervision & Development

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise Outdoor Education staff
• Support professional development and foster a collaborative team culture

VIII. Risk Management

• Oversee program safety, compliance, and risk protocols
• Review student health, behavioral, and developmental information
• Maintain certifications, documentation, and emergency procedures
• Serve as on-call support during courses

IX. Community Engagement & Communication

• Serve as a visible and accessible leader of the Outdoor Education program on campus
• Build strong relationships with students, faculty, advisors, athletics, and school departments
• Communicate regularly with families through meetings, emails, and events
• Participate in school events, orientations, and community gatherings, including informal and social settings
• Be available for in-person meetings with students, families, and colleagues
• Support student participation and alternative programming when needed

Qualifications, Education, Experience and Skill Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 5+ years of experience instructing extended expedition courses in a school setting (5-20+ days in length)
• Experience in outdoor program leadership and administration
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification
• Experience working with middle and high school students
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead and work effectively both on campus and in remote field settings
• Valid driver's license and clear driving record
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Additional certifications (e.g., W-EMT, SPI, AMGA, ACA)
• Classroom teaching experience
• Attendance at Wilderness Risk Management Conferences, AEE Conferences, or other industry conferences
• Experience working at large institutional outdoor education programs like Outward Bound or NOLS

Compensation: $8,750 to $9,600 monthly salary based on years of experience, credentials and other qualifications.

Work Environment and Physical Requirement

• Required to lift and carry up to a maximum of 25 lbs., in a correct manner consistent with the appropriate training provided by the School.
• Occasionally required to use hand to handle or feel objects, touch and use tools, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, bend, stoop, twist, lift, reach, push, pull, grasp, balance, kneel, crouch, crawl, grasp, talk, hear, and walk during the course of employment.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and an ability to adjust focus.
• May use telephone, computer, copier, and other office equipment in the course of a day.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. This may include warm, hot, or cold temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Key Expectations

• Collaborate closely and effectively with the Co-Director and school leadership
• Be a positive, engaged, and visible member of the school community
• Communicate clearly, promptly, and professionally with all stakeholders
• Contribute to the life of the school beyond the Outdoor Education program

Additional Information

• Required attendance on overnight Outdoor Education courses
• On-call responsibilities during courses
• Work on campus when not in the field

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