Assistant Director of Outdoor Education

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION

PALI INSTITUTE (ACTON)

About the Company 

Pali is a leading outdoor experience company in Southern California, operating two properties offering summer camp, outdoor education, and conference programs. Founded in 1990, Pali Adventures, our flagship summer camp, has earned a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional, innovative experiences. Pali Institute, our program focused on outdoor education, serves over 30,000 students a year in their journey to learn more about and interact with nature.

Our property feature cabins, meeting areas, classrooms, outdoor adventure spaces, and a dining hall, providing a versatile backdrop for a variety of programs. At Pali, we believe in bringing people together in meaningful ways, and our operators are dedicated to building a world-class property that positively impacts every camper, student, or guest.

About the Role 

Pali is expanding its Pali Institute outdoor education programming to a second location in Acton, CA, anticipating serving over 20,000 students in the Southern California region a year. Reporting to the Director of Pali Institute based in Running Springs, CA, this role will serve at the senior-most on-site leader for Pali Institute at the Acton location, starting in September.

Key Responsibilities 

Program Development & Leadership

• Collaborate with the Pali Institute team to design, plan, and implement engaging and age-appropriate outdoor education for youth.
• Develop program schedules, activities, and learning objectives for 2-3 day immersive experiences.
• Oversee a team of instructors and counselors, responsible for delivering curriculum and caring for campers, including overnight responsibilities
• Lead groups of students in the field as needed, modeling exceptional teaching and facilitation techniques.
• Continuously evaluate program effectiveness and gather feedback from participants, staff, and partner schools/organizations to drive improvement.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive community culture for both staff and participants.
• Manage escalations regarding behavior or complaints with parents, teachers, and students.
• Execute other management duties as assigned.

Staff Management & Training

• Interview and develop a team of seasonal outdoor educators and support staff.
• Develop and lead staff training covering safety protocols, curriculum delivery, group management, and emergency procedures.
• Provide ongoing supervision, mentorship, and performance feedback to program staff.
• Schedule staff and manage day-to-day team logistics to ensure adequate coverage and support.

Operations & Logistics

• Oversee the day-to-day operational needs of the program.
• Manage the program budget, track expenses, and assist with financial reporting.
• Maintain a detailed inventory of all program equipment and supplies.
• Coordinate with vendors, partner schools, and community organizations to ensure smooth program delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-3 years of leadership experience in an outdoor education, summer camp, or adventure programming setting.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, staff training, and program management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Passion for working with youth and a deep commitment to the mission of outdoor education.
• Experience working in a start-up, new program, or high growth environment.
• Experience with budget management and administrative tasks.
• Skills in specialized outdoor activities (e.g., rock climbing, canoeing, wilderness survival).
• Experience working with diverse youth populations.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

• Compensation will be based on experience starting at 70k-80k per year.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Medical, dental and vision insurance

Prior to the start of employment, the successful candidate must pass a background check and drug screening that will be conducted, after acceptance of a formal offer of employment.