Student Outdoor Pursuits Program Manager
Role summary
The Outdoor Pursuit Program Manager is responsible for the daily operations and administration of the Outdoor Pursuits Program, including managing events and staff. This role involves significant administrative duties such as tracking rental equipment inventory, scheduling student employees, and conducting staff meetings and trainings. The manager will also assist the Assistant Director with policy development, activity organization, budgetary processes, and risk management. A key aspect of the role is overseeing risk management and policy enforcement in program areas, as well as direct participant interaction, including equipment rental and instruction. This is an hourly, non-exempt student position requiring enrollment in at least 6 credit hours and a commitment of at least 10 hours per week.
Position OverviewThe Outdoor Pursuit Program Manager is responsible for the daily operation of the Outdoor Pursuits Program and administration of the various program events and staff.
This position will have supervision from the Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits and will work closely with the Recreation Services Professional Staff. An Outdoor Pursuits Program Manager must maintain a complete knowledge of the Outdoor Pursuits Program. Job Description
45% - Administrative Duties
- Keep track of rental equipment inventory.
- Communicating with student staff.
- Scheduling student employees to work at the climbing wall and rental center.
- Conducting staff meetings and trainings.
- Represent Outdoor Pursuits to students, faculty, and community members.
- Conflict resolution of participant issues and suggestions.
30% - Assisting Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits
- Assist in completing monthly wall inspections.
- Assist in the development of policies and procedures.
- Organize activities for participants and student outreach.
- Acquisition of supplies and equipment.
- Budgetary processes.
- Recognize and assist in mitigating safety hazards which may cause injury including, but not limited to, the following: poor lighting, slippery floors, hazardous equipment, inclement weather, etc.
- Organizing activities for participants.
15% - Coverage in ODP areas needing assistance
- Oversee risk management and enforcement of all policies and regulations at the wall.
- Responsible for setup/preparation and breakdown/clean-up of Outdoor Pursuits and Climbing Wall.
- Conduct point-of-sale transactions for renting out equipment.
- Renting and checking-in outdoor equipment.
- Instruct participants on how to utilize outdoor equipment.
- Facilitate teambuilding programs.
- Assist with trips and programs as needed.
- Attending all staff meetings and trainings.
10% - Other duties as assigned
- Assist in all areas of Recreation Services as assigned.
- Utilization of University communication devices.
Required Qualifications
- Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at KU.
- CPR/First Aid certification (can be completed up to 30 days after hire date).
- Able to commit to at least 10 hours of work per week.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience of climbing and route setting and a knowledge of climbing equipment and outdoor equipment as shown in application materials.
- Previous experience working as KU Outdoor Pursuits Assistant/Specialist of at least 1 semester.
- CPR/AED certification (can be completed up to 30 days after hire date).
- Current belay certification at the KU Chalk Rock Climbing Wall.
- Work Study eligible.
Position RequirementsDuring the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).Employment Conditions(1) Student employees are
not
eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.To ensure consideration apply by the application review date 4/15/2026.Contact Information to ApplicantsKirsten King
- This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Resume.
- Cover letter detailing outdoor/outdoor pursuits experience.
kirstenking@ku.edu
785-864-0510
Advertised Salary Range$12.60 per hourAnticipated Start DateMonday May 18, 2026Apply to Job
