With over 100 years of history, the Williams Outing Club (WOC) is the largest, and one of the oldest, student organizations at Williams College. Our mission is to “support outdoor activities at Williams and to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, regardless of level of experience.” We strive to create an inclusive outdoor community that values a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. WOC organizes trips and outings throughout the year on weekends and weekdays, and orchestrates three signature events during the year:

• WOOLF, an outdoor orientation program that sends ~60% of all incoming students on an outdoor trip at the start of their college career.
• Mountain Day, the cherished Williams tradition in which classes are canceled on a surprise Friday in October and students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to spend time outdoors in the spirit of friendship and community.
• Winter Carnival, the third Friday in February, is a day off for students to have a much needed break from their studies while cheering on the college’s ski teams, participating in outdoor games and activities, and coming together to enjoy fireworks in the evening.

The Assistant Director of the Williams Outing Club is a regular, 10-month position with primary responsibility for instruction of student leaders and employees in the areas of: indoor climbing at the Bouldering Barn and climbing wall, staffing of the Equipment Room, rock climbing and/or whitewater kayaking outings, and a wide range of Physical Education classes. The Assistant Director is also primarily responsible for management of WOC’s indoor rock climbing wall/Bouldering Barn, and the outdoor equipment room. Finally, the Assistant Director works collaboratively with the Director to support both weekly outings and large-scale events, including: WOOLF, Mountain Day, Winter Study, and Winter Carnival.

• Current, valid, Wilderness First Responder certification (and CPR), or higher - or be able to obtain before date of hire
• Previous experience in multi-day outdoor trip leading and leadership training
• Previous experience with rock climbing and/or white water kayaking, preferably in an institutional setting
• Some combination of the paddling or climbing experience/training/certifications described below is preferred:
  • Climbing: AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (or equivalent), including rock climbing lead experience at an intermediate level or higher. Intermediate (or higher) level ice climbing skill preferred but not required.
    • AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor training/certification would also be relevant
  • Paddling: Demonstrated ability to manage students in whitewater up to class III or beyond (ACA level IV certification preferred). Personal experience and ability paddling in water up to grade IV . Experience and/or training in swift water rescue techniques.
• A working knowledge of adventure education theories and philosophies, including, for example ‘Challenge by Choice’ and ‘Full Value Contract’
• Excellent communication skills - both verbal and written
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to develop and implement systems
• Comfort with a variety of office technologies, including Google suite
• A strong commitment to liberal arts education and developing outdoor programs that support and contribute to the education of the whole person
• Awareness of and commitment to creating an inclusive outdoor community that values a diversity of backgrounds and experiences
• Master’s degree in outdoor education, leadership, recreation, parks and recreation, or similar preferred

Application review will begin on March 12, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Pay range is from $52,000 to $59,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Job band 2-F.

Nestled in the valley between the Taconic Crest, the Green Mountains, and the Mt. Greylock massif, Williamstown is a true New England “mountain town.” Tucked into the northwestern most corner of Massachusetts, and just five miles from the Appalachian Trail, Williams College was ranked #22 on Outside Magazine’s list of the Top 40 Schools to “Hit the Books and the Backcountry.” In addition to miles and miles of hiking trails, the town also offers superlative road and gravel biking, whitewater paddling on the nearby Deerfield River, downhill skiing at Jiminy Peak and nordic skiing at Prospect Mountain. Several climbing areas are just an hour away, including Farley, Chapel Ledge, and Hanging Mountain. Williamstown is also a short drive from bigger mountains and adventures, including 2.5 hours from the Adirondack High Peaks, 2 hours from the world famous ‘Gunks,’ and just minutes away from the southern Green Mountains of Vermont.

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.