SOS Outreach, founded and headquartered in Colorado’s Vail Valley, is a national youth development nonprofit utilizing outdoor experiential learning to inspire positive decision making in youth for healthy and successful lives. Working with youth aged 9 to 18, every SOS program incorporates the SOS core values of courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, compassion and humility. SOS mentors help students define and practice these core values as they provide a consistent adult presence for students who may not otherwise have a positive role model in their lives. The program targets youth with a wide variety of risk factors. SOS offers a multi-year, progressive curriculum beginning with a five-day introductory program, continuing with the four-year mentor-led curriculum and culminating when students return to SOS in a junior mentor capacity. Throughout the curriculum, SOS students focus on outdoor experiential learning, character development, service learning, values-based leadership training and community engagement.
The purpose of the Program Coordinator position is to manage and lead SOS Outreach’s introductory Learn to Ride/Ski programs out of Wheat Ridge, CO. The Program Coordinator is responsible for the planning, management, evaluation, media collection, and reporting of SOS on hill learning programs within Denver and traveling to mountain resorts. The position will manage partnerships with schools, youth agencies, and mountain resorts and will oversee part-time staff (e.g., on-hill staff, youth agency coordinators, etc.). This position may be tasked with supporting the organization at local events. In addition, this person will be a critical team member in supporting the Program Manager and mentor programs in Denver.
Program Management
Primary lead of the Learn to Ride program including: communications, logistics, scheduling, registrations, curriculum delivery, fee-for-service collection, and seasonal staff support & training
Primary lead in all communications with program stakeholders including schools, youth agencies, and students & families
Tracking for program-related data, including: student registrations, attendance, program evaluations (i.e., surveys), and fee-for-service collection using SOS’ Civicore database
Manage program gear – organize, pack, and distribute soft goods for on-hill programs
Assist during program days as necessary – requires weekend commitments
Assist Program Manager on Mentor Program days including evening trainings and workshops and weekend ride days and service projects when necessary
Program Facilitation
Assist Program Manager in the facilitation of workshops for the Mentor Program as needed. This includes managing and facilitating workshop curriculum and objectives, working with participants and volunteers and continued follow-up throughout the winter season to ensure workshop goals are met. – requires evening commitment
Volunteer Management
Recruit, manage, and background check volunteers for administrative and on-hill tasks - providing clear direction, expectations, and training on SOS program risk management and curriculum
Maintain on-going communications and active engagement of volunteers
Partner and Community Engagement
Under the direction of the Program Manager, assist in on-going management of relationships with ski schools, gear shops, and community partners
Conduct outreach to individuals and community partners for assistance with recruitment of youth, volunteers, and seasonal staff creating awareness for SOS programs in the community
Contribute to the overall management of the organization to successfully achieve the SOS Outreach mission. Maintain and develop knowledge of the community needs & resources and best practices in the youth development & outdoor education fields. Develop best practices to achieve strategic priorities, program efficiency, and successful time management. Represent SOS Outreach in the larger community. At times, support non-program functions that may include: fundraising, marketing, special events, and program design. Develop and maintain a diverse workforce – maximizing the potential of all workers by assuring a culture of competence and respect. Create a work climate that is inclusive, free of bias, and culturally sensitive.
A combined minimum of one year of experience in the following: program development, management, implementation; or administration; youth development & engagement; and/or outdoor education. Comparable experience in terms of time and background in similar fields and education/degrees will be considered.
The ideal candidate should be organized, a self-starter, a strong communicator, able to effectively manage varied tasks, and have strength in managing and supporting a diverse group of youth, families, and volunteers. The candidate should have experience and familiarity in youth program implementation and ability to manage staff/volunteers.
Preferred candidates should demonstrate some or all of the following:
Strong computer and time management skills – with proficiency with Google Suite, and online databases (e.g., Civicore)
Ability to communicate and organize effectively – both verbal and written
Experience in program implementation, management, and evaluation through a race equity lens
Knowledge of sports-based youth development, public education, and youth engagement
Experience, comfort, and passion in working with youth with a variety of risk factors
Experience in volunteer recruitment and management
Experience working cooperatively with community groups and stakeholders
Familiarity and excitement for outdoor adventure sports
Snowboarding/skiing proficiency and knowledge of mountain safety
Valid Driver’s License required – comfort and familiarity with mountain driving conditions a plus
Bilingual (Spanish) candidates encouraged to apply
This position requires the ability to: travel within the service area (including mountain regions); sit at a desk for extended periods of times using the computer, telephone, and e-mail systems; lift 50 pounds; lead meetings & speak in public; and familiarity & comfort with high alpine, winter environments.
The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position. Rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this job description.
This is a full-time, seasonal, salaried and exempt position based in the SOS office in Wheat Ridge, CO structured around a Monday-Friday work schedule - with many evening and weekend commitments (especially throughout the fall and winter seasons). Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays and vacation, retirement matching, pro deals, and a season pass to all Vail Resorts Inc. (VRI) mountains.
Please send a resume and cover letter to Alison Canavan (she/her), Front Range Program Manager, acanavan@sosoutreach.org. Please include “Front Range Program Coordinator” in the subject line. Please submit applications by July 8th, 2022.
For information, please visit our www.sosoutreach.org.
SOS Outreach follows an equal employment opportunity policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, pregnancy or marital status.