Director of Bradford Woods (Outdoor Education Leader)

Bradford Woods is a department within the Office of Student Life, serving as Indiana University's Outdoor Center. Located 30 minutes north of the Bloomington campus in Morgan County, Indiana, this 2,500-acre property features a 110-acre lake, and a variety of wooded trails and facilities. With over 400 unique programs annually, including retreats, environmental education, and events, Bradford Woods is a hub for transformative outdoor experiences. The center fosters an environment where all participants and staff feel respected, valued, and have a true sense of belonging.

The Director of Bradford Woods leads Indiana University's Outdoor Education Center, guiding its mission, vision, and core values while overseeing daily operations and long-term strategy. With onsite housing available, this role offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse in the Bradford Woods experience while managing the property, directing key departmentsincluding programming, fundraising, and maintenanceand ensuring a safe, inclusive, and transformative experience for all participants under the Outdoors for All mission.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice Provost for Student Life, Involvement, and Belonging, the Director provides direct supervision to key staff, including the Director of Operations, Program Director, and Enrollment Coordinator/Administrative Assistant. This role also builds partnerships with university departments, the Riley Children's Foundation, and other stakeholders while advancing strategic programming and fundraising efforts to secure Bradford Woods' sustainability.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Establishes and implements Bradford Woods mission, vision, and core values, ensuring alignment with Indiana University's objectives.
• Ensures a safe and secure environment for all guests, staff, and participants across programs and activities.
• Supervises daily operations across all departments, including programming, maintenance, food services, housekeeping, and administration, ensuring alignment with Bradford Woods' mission and core values.
• Oversees recruitment, training, and development of staff to maintain adequate staffing levels and operational effectiveness.
• Ensures operations comply with university policies, state and federal regulations, and legal mandates for public usage facilities; set and enforce operational policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with the fiscal officer to manage the operational budget, track financial performance, and develop long-term financial plans.
• Oversees grant writing, fundraising initiatives, and securing external funding to support programs and sustainability.
• Develops and leads a board of directors/advisory group to establish long-term goals and initiatives for Bradford Woods.
• Creates and implements strategic plans for property utilization and program development that align with Bradford Woods' mission and address operational and organizational needs.
• Monitors and evaluates program success, adjusting strategies to enhance the impact on students, faculty, and staff.
• Develops and executes fundraising strategies, including grant proposals, to ensure long-term sustainability; foster relationships with donors, stakeholders, and partners.
• Oversees the maintenance and development of Bradford Woods' 2,500+ acres of land, including 50+ buildings, a lake, and trails, ensuring sustainability and accessibility for future generations.
• Regularly assess performance across all areas of the center, ensuring operational goals are met and corrective actions are implemented when needed.
• Designs and implements hands-on experiential learning opportunities that integrate classroom knowledge with practical skills, fostering student growth and engagement.
• Builds proactive relationships with academic units to strengthen connections between Bradford Woods and Indiana University's Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses.
• Drives strategic initiatives that enhance academic, co-curricular, and student services, aligning with university goals to impact campus life.
• Advances the university's mission by overseeing transformative outdoor education experiences that foster growth, build community partnerships, and promote long-term sustainability.

General Responsibilities

• Provides highest level of operational leadership and coordination of assigned staff members to define outdoor education methodologies and standards; provides direction and guidance on high priority outdoor education projects/initiatives.
• Establishes short-term business plans and long-term operational objectives, including managing project timelines/deliverables and developing resource plans for multi-project/multi-phase outdoor education initiatives.
• Conducts various personnel actions including hiring, promotion, performance management, and dismissal.
• Manages high level assignments and allocation of outdoor education resources, including negotiating and coordinating initiatives that involve staff in other departments/areas/teams; may coordinate large-scale outdoor education projects with wide audiences in support of academic initiatives.
• Makes budgetary recommendations/proposals based on resource needs and ensures cost containment.
• Researches and stays current on new industry outdoor education standards, activities, team-building methods, and technologies; responsible for the implementation of new protocols/procedures to address business needs.
• Works collaboratively with other leaders across departments in recommending standards, best practices, and related policies/procedures.
• Prepares management reports and summaries for senior administration, executive, steering and advisory committees; acts as advisor to executive committees; serves on various university committees, communities of practice, and task forces related to outdoor education.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in such as Outdoor Recreation, Recreational Therapy, Environmental Education, Public/Nonprofit/Community Recreation, Nonprofit Management, or Business Management)

Preferred

• Master's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business (MBA), Outdoor Recreation, Recreational Therapy, Environmental Education, or related fields

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 4 years of leadership experience in a nonprofit or public-facing organization, including strategic planning, operations management, fundraising, program development, and staff leadership

Preferred

• 7 years of leadership experience with expertise in outdoor recreation, recreation therapy program management, and research or grant funding
• Proven experience in overseeing complex operations and managing multiple departments
• Knowledge of Indiana University systems, policies, and procedures

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Preferred

• Posses a valid driver's license with the ability to be insured by Indiana University.

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent collaboration and team building skills
• Effectively coaches and delivers constructive feedback
• Instills commitment to organizational goals
• Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision-making skills
• Effective conflict management skills
• Builds and manages effective teams

Preferred

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse teams and stakeholders
• Advanced financial and strategic planning skills, including budget development and fundraising
• Knowledge of risk management, safety protocols, and compliance with university and legal standards
• Experience in managing complex facilities, property stewardship, and long-term planning for large-scale operations
• Ability to cultivate and manage long-term relationships with donors, customers, and university contacts
• Experience in outdoor education, therapeutic recreation, environmental education, and event management
• Strong background in research and grant administration, with a proven record of accomplishment in securing funding
• Familiarity with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and ensuring inclusive programs

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires effective communication skills and proficiency in operating a computer, printer, scanner, and other office technology. The position involves a combination of office work and outdoor activities across a large property with varied terrain. Travel may occasionally be required for stakeholder meetings, professional engagements, and community outreach. The individual must perform the role's essential functions with or without accommodation.

Success in this position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, effectively organize tasks, communicate with diverse stakeholders, and produce professional written materials. The role demands a high level of mental focus and adaptability to meet program needs.

Additional Information

Temporary and long-term on-site housing is available

Position Start Date: May 1, 2025

To learn more about Bloomington, Indiana, click here

Work Location

Bradford Woods Outdoor Education Center

Indiana University

Martinsville, Indiana

Advertised Salary

$95,000- $107,000 annually depending upon education and experience.

Work Hours

Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work based on program needs.

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .

Job Classification

Career Level: Sr. Operational

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Educational Resources & Tech

Job Family: Outdoor Education

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.

Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University's Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .

Campus Safety and Security

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [redacted] or by visiting IUPD.

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