Assistant Director of Southern Adventures

Assistant Director of Southern Adventures

Job ID: 292911
Location: Statesboro, Georgia
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as well as 106 nations.

With three vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah and the Liberty Campus in Hinesville - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment which encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned special accreditation from professional and academic associations that set standards in their fields.

Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.

Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally ranked for the caliber of its programs and services. Georgia Southern University has been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.

Location

Statesboro Campus - Statesboro, GA

Department Information

Campus Recreation and Intramural Programs

Job Summary

This Assistant Director of Southern Adventures is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, direction, and supervision of the Southern Adventure's outdoor recreation programs and adventure center. This role will coordinate and administer all aspects of the comprehensive Outdoor Adventures Program, including the outdoor rental center, 43 foot climbing wall, bouldering cave, outdoor leadership challenge course, adventure trips, educational clinics, bicycle maintenance shop, and the campus cycle rental program.

Responsibilities

• Oversee recruitment, training, and supervision of 20-30 student staff, including various roles such as graduate assistant(s), program assistant(s), trip leaders, challenge course facilitators, climbing wall and rental center attendants
• Manage and develop a comprehensive portfolio of outdoor adventure programs and services across all three university campuses
• Administer and monitor the annual operational budget for Southern Adventure, ensuring financial responsibility
• Manage all Southern Adventure facilities, including the outdoor rental center, climbing wall, bouldering cave, challenge course, and bicycle maintenance shop
• Foster leadership development throughout outdoor adventure programming and implement risk management standards
• Develop and execute strategic plans to drive growth, continuous improvement, safety, program quality, and participant satisfaction
• Coordinate facility/equipment audits, maintenance schedules, and equipment repair and replacement
• Conduct program reviews and assessments related to strategic initiatives, student learning outcomes, and participant satisfaction
• Implement marketing strategies for outdoor adventure programs and services
• Manage the purchase, maintenance, and inventory of rental center and program equipment
• Cultivate community and campus partnerships in support of the Southern Adventures Program
• Stay informed about industry trends in outdoor adventure and adapt programs, equipment, policies, and procedures accordingly
• Assist with departmental special events and serve on University and departmental work teams and committees

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, management, or related field

Required Experience

• Three (3) or more years of related work experience
• Wilderness First Responder certified or ability to attain within six (6) months of hire
• Experience leading adventure trips land and/or water-based trips

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications

• Master's Degree

Preferred Experience

• Experience within a University setting
• Membership and active participant in NIRSA and/or AORE
• CPR/AED and FA Instructor certified
• ACCT Challenge Course Level I, II, and/or Manager certification
• Climbing Wall Instructor certification
• Supervisory experience

Proposed Salary

$46,513 - $58,141

This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Two (2) Professional References

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills
• Conflict resolution skills

Apply Before Date

Open Until Filled

Application review may begin as early as December 3, 2025.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at [email protected] .

For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email [email protected] .

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at .

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University.

Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community.

Proof of valid driver's license upon hire and throughout employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.

Other Information

• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work generally performed in an office environment.
• Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours.
• Travel may be required.
• Work week may extends to evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• May be required to maneuver items weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• May be required to perform work in harsh conditions due to extreme temperature or inclement weather.

Background Check

• Position of Trust + Education

To apply, visit