ABOUT DEER HILL EXPEDITIONS

Deer Hill’s mission is to empower the individual to create authentic connection to self and community through wilderness and reciprocal  service learning experiences. Through Deer Hill’s unique blend of wilderness challenge and cross-cultural engagement with families in Diné (Navajo), Hopi, or Zuni communities, participants experience profound growth and self-discovery as well as wholesome fun and adventure. Deer Hill serves youth between the ages of 11-18 for our summer expeditions and participants of all ages for group programs. Deer Hill serves people from diverse backgrounds and locations across the world. Learn more at:  www.deerhillexpeditions.com 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Deer Hill Expeditions (DHE) is seeking a talented and experienced Director of Operations (DO) to join our team. The DO will co-create goals and tactical plans that bring the Deer Hill mission and vision to life. You'll prioritize the needs of our students and families, organization, employees, and stakeholders, fostering a culture of excellence. As a key leader, you'll play a vital role in driving our year-round operations with a focus on safety, efficiency, and effectiveness. This role requires a keen eye for quality and a deep understanding of the program and logistical systems that drive our success. You'll work closely with our Executive Director and other stakeholders to deliver exceptional programs that meet the needs of the communities we serve. The ideal candidate is attentive to details and deadlines, organized, self-motivated, and adaptable. This position requires clear communication skills, patience, and humor. The Director of Operations will work with their team to ensure the annual state licensure and accreditation processes are successful.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with our team to implement our strategic vision, ensuring alignment with our mission and values
• Role model the  DHE mission, values, and culture to employees, students, families, stakeholders, and general public
• Lead and inspire our Operations team, providing coaching, feedback, and support to help them thrive
• Foster a culture of collaboration, integrity, personal and professional development, inspiration, motivation, and fun
• Optimize resource allocation for operational efficiency and effectiveness, while prioritizing safety and excellence
• Grow and maintain positive relationships with Indigenous partners and federal land agency representatives
• Develop and track key performance measures to evaluate our progress and identify areas for growth
• In partnership with the Staff Manager, ensure compliance with state regulations and upholding our accreditation standards with the Association for Experiential Education and/or American Camp Association
• Serve as a core member of our Risk Management Committee to identify, analyze, and mitigate risks
• Manage administrative tasks, including timely communication with partners/stakeholders, acquiring essential permits, creating/managing/updating detailed logistical documents and organizational Wall Chart, and more 
• Co-develop (with the Staff Manager) and update staff manuals and educational curriculum to support the growth of students and employees
• Participate in annual field instructor trainings
• Optimize existing systems and develop/innovate new systems when needed

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position is approximately 80% administrative and 20% field/operations duties.
• 5-6 day work weeks when programs are in progress (March-Oct). Occasional periods of extended work days (10 days in a row); we do our best to offset these with  extended periods of time off during off season, shorter work weeks Oct-Feb, and remote work options Nov-Jan. 
• Manager on Duty 40-60 days per year, which includes on-call responsibilities when programs are in progress.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Passionate about the impacts and benefits of outdoor experiential education and culturally immersive experiences
• Outgoing, friendly, positive attitude that is centered around collaboration and teamwork
• Experience creating field instructor and student-centered curriculum
• Ability to multitask and perform job responsibilities well under pressure; distress tolerance is essential
• Highly organized and attentive to details and timelines
• A self-motivated, adaptable, natural problem solver
• Excellent and clear verbal and written communication skills via in-person, phone, text, video & email.
• Conflict resolution and peer mediation skills
• Unwavering commitment to the success of the program participants and employees
• Ability to give and receive positive and constructive feedback
• Demonstrated tolerance for adversity and challenge
• Must love people, nature, culture, wildness and challenge

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current WFR certification (required before Spring season starts)
• 10 + years of experience/expertise in wilderness experiential education (Outdoor Ed. degree preferred)
• Professional-level competency in wilderness risk management
• Prior experience and proven success as a supervisor/manager
• Skilled with Apple computers, Google Workspace, Google Sheets (advanced), Slack,  email correspondence.
• Reliable access to a cell phone and live within cell phone service

BENEFITS:

• Salary: $63-68K, DOE. Year round, Full time
• Up to 3% SIMPLE IRA matching contribution
• 20 days PTO per year + Christmas week off (paid)
• 32-hour work weeks Nov-Feb
• Structured remote work options Nov-Jan 
• Access to industry pro purchase plan
• Access to Deer Hill equipment and gear 
• Many (not all) meals available during program season
• Temporary housing MAY be available (please ask)

TO APPLY

Apply online at: deerhillexpeditions.com/index/employment You will be asked to upload a résumé and cover letter. 

For questions, please email our Executive Director, James Simmons:  james@deerhillexpeditions.com