Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center Description

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Thompson Island Outward Bound

Thompson Island Outward Bound is a nonprofit educational institution based on its own private island, Thompson Island, in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area. Our 204-acre island is home to Outward Bound Summer Expeditions, the Choices program for the Boston public middle schools, Thompson Island Conference Center, Outward Bound Professional, and Customized Youth Courses for students from the fifth grade through college. Our organization works to support our mission-based programming and enterprise-based activities.

Outward Bound Educational Philosophy

For more than 60 years, Outward Bound has been delivering adventure and challenge-based courses to youth worldwide. Grounded in the educational philosophy of its founder, Kurt Hahn, the Outward Bound experience seeks to empower young people through hands-on experiences. Hahn believed “the aim of education is to inspire an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial and, above all, compassion.” Using the wilderness as a classroom, Outward Bound guides students through a journey of self-discovery. By combining learning-by-doing, adventure, challenge and fun within a diverse group of students, we set the stage for them to explore their possibilities as leaders, problem solvers, and responsible citizens of the world community.

Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center Mission Statement

Thompson Island Outward Bound is a not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose is to provide adventurous and challenging experiential learning programs that inspire character development, compassion, community service, environmental responsibility and academic achievement. Our organization principally serves early adolescents from all economic and social communities of greater metropolitan Boston, and the institutions and adults who support them.

Thompson Island Outward Bound's Non-discrimination Policy

Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center does not discriminate in its employment practices (hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, job training, fringe benefits, classification, referral or other aspects of employment) on the basis on ethnicity, age, race, culture, economic, social, religion, disabilities, gender or sexual orientation.

2008 BLUEPRINT of summer Outward Bound staff positions- Available Now!

The BLUEPRINT advertises all the staffing needs to run Thompson Island Outward Bound's spring, summer, and fall programs. CLICK ON THE IMAGE and take a look at the job opportunities and call Zach See today at 617-830-5143! or email Zach at zsee@thompsonisland.org

Postion: Staffing Director

Reports to: VP of Programs
          
Duration: Full time, year round                         Location: Boston, MA (Thompson Island)

Summary: The Staffing Director works with Vice President of Youth Programs (VP) and the Associate Program Directors to facilitate, manage and coordinate the staffing of ALL on-island and off-island courses inclusive of open enrollment courses, youth contracts short and extended, CHOICES in-school and expeditions for the Programs department. The Staffing Director assists in recruiting, hiring and training field staff, coordination of all employee issues and housing arrangements and participates in all community and employment related recruitment events to allow for adequate, safe staffing levels.

• Ensure all youth courses are staffed appropriately
• Develop & implement annual field staff recruitment plan (with VP of Programs and APDs)
• Develop and distribute recruiting materials (with VP of Marketing)
• Respond to all requests for employment and volunteer opportunities
• Administer the application and hiring process.
• Manage/supervise Staffing Coordinator
• Coordinate in conjunction with Program management ALL Staff Trainers and Training schedule
• Ensure that field staff attend appropriate trainings and track instructor skill development
• Develop strategies to promote staff retention (with program management team)
• Coordinate communications & maintain partnership with OB Urban Centers Staffing Group
• Manage payroll with fiscal responsibility
• Develop and manage annual budget for the department
• Make appropriate wage, rate and incentive recommendations based on industry standards
• Administer background checks and ensure maintenance of staff personnel files & databases
• Maintain annual center-wide program calendar to ensure courses are staffed appropriately
• Manage wilderness medicine courses
• Manage professional discount programs with equipment/clothing retailers
• Coordinate health benefits for program staff

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of industry standards on certifications in all appropriate outdoor venues
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport & work as an effective team member in a diverse community.
• Strong written, oral and electronic communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask in a high stress environment
• Competency with Excel spreadsheets, property management systems, computer databases, word processing and budgeting.
• 4 year undergraduate degree, preferable
• Crisis management expertise
• Adept at negotiation skills
• Willingness to except and promote core values and mission of the organization
• Strong understanding of Safety Framework as it applies to staffing
• Energetic, engaging, compassionate individual with a true sense of integrity
• Valid drivers license

To Apply:
Email your resume and cover letter to Jess Simmons, Associate Program Director, jsimmons@thompsonisland.org or to Jess Simmons, C/O TIOB, PO Box 127, Boston, MA 02127

Positions: Outward Bound Lead & Assistant Wilderness Instructors

Specific Location:
Thompson Island, Boston, MA and New Hampshire
Description:
Thompson Island Outward Bound (TIOB) is hiring qualified wilderness instructors to lead courses this summer season.  TIOB runs programs sailing and sea kayaking on the waters of Massachusetts Bay, as well as backpacking and canoeing in New Hampshire.  Our programs focus on four distinct youth populations:

• Connecting with Courage (12-13 year old girls)
• Passages (12-13 year old boys)
• Environmental Expeditions (14-17 year old boys and girls)
• Intercept (13-17 year old at-risk youth)

 Course elements include:

• 12-14 day Sail & High Ropes Course
• 14-22 day Canoe, Backpack & Rock Climbing
• 10 day backpack & Rock Climbing
• 12 day Sea Kayak & High Ropes Course

Check out our website "www.thompsonisland.org" for more information about programs and positions available.
Qualifications:

LEAD INSTRUCTOR

Responsibilities:

• Plan and lead Outward Bound expedition for youth.
• Maintain safety of the students in the field.
• Teach program specific curriculum.
• Mentor assistant instructors & interns.

Requirements:

• Understanding of Outward Bound philosophy and methodologies.
• Competence in a wide range of outdoor skills and challenge course activities.
• Knowledge of group dynamics and diversity issues.
• Experience working with urban youth.
• Certified Wilderness First Responder or higher and CPR.
• Strong desire to help teens develop in the outdoors.
• Minimum age of 21

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the delivery of Outward Bound courses for youth.
• Under supervision of Lead Instructor, teach program specific curriculum and maintain safety of students in the field.

Requirements:

• Wilderness expeditions and outdoor programming experience.
• Prior work with youth.
• Certified Wilderness First Aid or higher and CPR.
• Strong desire to help teens develop in the outdoors.  
• Minimum age of 21

 INTERNS
Responsibilities:

• Assist Course Director and instructor team with course prep
• Assist with student transportation to and from course
• Work with Course Director and logistics to provide support to courses in the field
• Monitor students at climbing elements and while on SOLO
• Shadow instructors in the field

Requirements:

• Prior work with youth.
• Certified Wilderness First Aid or higher and CPR.
• Strong desire to help teens develop in the outdoors. 
• Minimum age of 21

All applicants must be committed to safety and high quality program delivery.

Benefits:

• Outward Bound Training
• Competitive instructor salary (Lead Instructor is $85 - $125 per day; Assistant Instructor is $65-85 per day)
• Worker's compensation insurance, optional health benefits
• Equipment discounts
• Housing provided

Position Type:
- Seasonal
- Field-based

Application Closing Date:
April 1, 2008.  Applicants are reccomended to have their application materials submitted well in advance.

Availability/Job Start Date:
Training begins May 21, 2008.  Courses run June 19 – August 25, 2008.

To Apply:

• 1.Send resume and cover letter to the Staffing Department at staffing@thompsonisland.org
• 2.Download and complete the application and reference forms found on the Thompson Island Outward Bound Website www.thompsonisland.org under the “Field Positions” page of this Web site
• 3.Mail to:
   Staffing Coordinator
   PO Box 127
   Boston, MA 02127

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Thompson Island encourages a diverse workplace and does not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or sexual identity.

Position: Spring Facilitators

Description:
Thompson Island Outward Bound (TIOB) is hiring staff to facilitate its Spring 2008 Environmental Program.  The TIOB Environmental Program is a 4-day, overnight course for fifth graders from Massachusetts public schools.  The program combines hands on science curriculum with Outward Bound core values to enhance the student’s sense of environmental stewardship and citizenship.  Staff will manage groups of ~ 10 students, facilitate adventure games, problem-solving initiatives, and low and high challenge course elements, while concurrently working with National Park Service Education Rangers in delivering our environmental curriculum.  Curriculum includes the salt marsh ecosystem and restoration, invertebrate collection and ID, water quality testing, and island ecology and natural history.
The TIOB spring season runs from late March through May 31 (extended opportunities exist)

Qualifications:

• Wilderness First Aid and CPR 
• Teaching, counseling, or instructing experience
• Experience working outdoors
• Works effectively with diverse populations as a member of a large community
• Demonstrates sound judgment and the ability to manage a group effectively under stressful conditions

Responsibilities:

• Adhere to Thompson Island policies and procedures
• Assume responsibility for physical and emotional safety of all participants
• Foster excitement in students’ learning experience
• Plan activities according to the goals and needs of clients
• Facilitate large and small group initiatives
• Instruct students on high and low ropes challenge elements

Compensation:

• Housing on Thompson Island for the duration of the Spring season
• Per diem/seasonal salary, commensurate with experience
• Professional development opportunities and Outward Bound training
• Workers compensation insurance, optional health benefits
• Professional discounts on equipment

How to apply:

• Email resume & cover letter to:  Zach See, Director of Staffing (zsee@thompsonisland.org)

• Complete application (at www.thompsonisland.org) and mail, along with references, to:

Zach See

Director of Staffing
Thompson Island Outward Bound, PO Box 127, Boston, MA 02127

Position: Outward Bound Professional Program Coordinator

Reports to: Director of OBP Operations

Duration: Seasonal

Location: Thompson Island in Boston, MA

Our Mission: We create positive lasting change in the workplace by providing cutting-edge, customized programs that enhance the effectiveness of individuals, groups, and organizations. At the heart of these programs are the Outward Bound values of self-respect, care and compassion for others, and concern for the environment.

Summary: The Outward Bound Professional (OBP) Program Coordinator is responsible for the day to day management & support of OBP courses. Staffing, course planning, facilities reservation, medical screening, maintenance work and course related work are the primary tasks while some strategic and long term projects are also a priority. S/he reports to the Director of OBP Operations.

Primary Responsibilities

Secondary responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

Qualifications

Wilderness First Responder preferred, WFA minimum.

Compensation

Deadline

We will begin the interviewing process in January.

If interested, please respond ASAP.

All applications must be received by February 6, 2008

To Apply

Send resume and letter of interest to

Colin Clark,Director of OBP Operations

Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center, PO Box 127, Boston, MA 02127

Fax: (617) 328 – 3710

Email: cclark@thompsonisland.org

Admissions Associate

Position / Title: Short term (seasonal):  Admissions Associate

Supervisor
Director of Admissions – Open Enrollment Programs

Summary:
The Admissions Associate reports to the Director of Admissions – Open Enrollment Programs, and is part of the team responsible for the sales of Thompson Island Outward Bound’s Open Enrollment Summer Programs that includes Connecting With Courage, Passages, Environmental Expeditions, and Intercept.

Organization: Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to help its students develop respect for self, empathy for others, responsibility to community and stewardship of the environment.  Thompson Island Outward Bound delivers outdoor experiential learning programs to youth that are designed to have a positive and measurable impact on the lives of youth and the institutions and adults who serve them. Summer Expedition course areas include: Thompson Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area, Massachusetts Bay, the White Mountain of New Hampshire, and the Connecticut River.

Areas of Concentration
Extensive hands-on activity to coordinate student recruitment and enrollment for Thompson Island Outward Bound’s Open Enrollment Summer Programs.

Professional Responsibilities

• Coordinating the recruiting, processing and admitting of students for Thompson Island Outward Bound’s Summer Programs in an increasingly professional, efficient, and cost-effective manner
• Help build a network of Boston area youth agencies, educational organizations, and municipal departments to ensure awareness of TIOBEC programs and to help meet enrollment objectives
• Schedule and prepare presentations for Camp Fairs and Open Houses
• Work with the medical screener to prepare and approve students
• Manage financial aid files including review, follow-up, and award of
• Coordinate and develop reports and forms as required
• Assist with the identification of, and ongoing tracking of, marketing and demographic data
• Assist with the marketing of Thompson Island Outward Bound Summer Programs
• Act on behalf of Director of Admissions – Outward Bound Programs, when necessary
• Perform other duties and special projects as required

Works Closely
The Admissions Associate works closely with the Enrollment Coordinator, Medical Screeners and the Program/Course Directors for all Open Enrollment programs. 

Performance Review
Performance review is conducted after 3 months

Experience
1 - 2 years of Admissions office experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or 5 years of equivalent experience
• Outward Bound Medical Screening experience desired
• Interest in Outward Bound and the mission of TIOBEC
  

Skills

• Strong customer service skills, comfortable interacting with adults and children.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced sales environment.
• Proven organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently -- self-starter and self-finisher. 
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and Blackbaud database software.
• Ability to understand and communicate Outward Bound philosophy, Thompson Island Outward Bound’s mission and programs.
  

Compensation
Part time position with competitive salary.  Health and dental insurance available; paid holidays, sick days; Great working environment and team atmosphere. 

To Apply:
Please send your cover letter and resume to: jhislop@thompsonisland.org

Medical Screener

Position / Title
Short term (seasonal):  Medical Screener

Supervisor
Director of Admissions – Open Enrollment Programs

Summary:
The medical screener is responsible for medical and psychological screening of all students and staff.  The medical screener is responsible for screening students and adults, in a timely fashion, to determine their eligibility for participation on an Outward Bound course, by appropriately applying Outward Bound safety policies and medical screening guidelines.

Organization: Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to help its students develop respect for self, empathy for others, responsibility to community and stewardship of the environment.  Thompson Island Outward Bound delivers outdoor experiential learning programs to youth that are designed to have a positive and measurable impact on the lives of youth and the institutions and adults who serve them. Summer Expedition course areas include: Thompson Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area, Massachusetts Bay, the White Mountain of New Hampshire, and the Connecticut River.

Areas of Concentration
Extensive hands-on activity to review and medically screen students for enrollment in Thompson Island Outward Bound’s Open Enrollment Summer Programs, Outward Bound Professional, and Youth Group programs.

Professional Responsibilities

• Manage medical and psychological screening of all students and staff
• Works closely with Admissions staff, Outward Bound Professional staff, and Youth Groups staff
• Develops and coordinates workable systems with Admissions, OBP, and Youth Groups Sales personnel
• Understand applicant’s rights according to the ADA
• Working knowledge of course elements and geographic locations
• Understanding of medical and psychological issues and their impact in a wilderness setting
• Interpretation of medical data
• Attends season debriefing sessions with programs staff to explore problems and solutions

The Medical Screener works closely with the Director of Admissions, Admissions Associate, Enrollment Coordinator and the Program/Course Directors for all Open Enrollment programs. 

Performance Review
Performance review is conducted after 3 months

Experience
1 - 2 years of Admissions office and/or Medical screening experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or 5 years of equivalent work experience
• Outward Bound Medical Screening experience desired
• Interest in Outward Bound and the mission of TIOBEC
  

Skills

• Strong customer service skills, comfort in interacting with adults and children.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced sales office environment.
• Proven organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently -- self-starter and self-finisher. 
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and Blackbaud database software.
• Ability to understand and communicate Outward Bound philosophy, Thompson Island Outward Bound’s mission and programs.
  

Compensation
Part time position with competitive salary.  Health and dental insurance available, paid holidays, sick days, great working environment and team atmosphere. 

To Apply:
Please send your cover letter and resume to: jhislop@thompsonisland.org

Position: Outward Bound Professional Facilitators

Reports To: OBP Operations Director

Position Type: Per Diem Year-round

Location: Primarily Thompson Island and Boston Metro Region

Description: Our Mission is to create positive lasting change in the workplace by providing cutting-edge, customized programs that enhance the effectiveness of individuals, groups, and organizations. At the heart of these programs are the Outward Bound values of self-respect, care and compassion for others, and concern for the environment.

Outward Bound Professional Programs are facilitated by a team of highly accomplished professional trainers, educators, consultants, and business people. They are experts in making the connection between the Outward Bound experience and real world organizational challenges. Our facilitators specialize creating and delivering experiential learning programs that are challenging, safe, and memorable. We match our diverse staff to address the concerns of each client. Outward Bound Professional designs and delivers programs in three key areas:

• Cultural and Strategic Change
• Leadership Development
• Building High Performance Teams

If you are an experienced facilitator with experience in helping clients achieve organizational excellence, we’re interested in talking to you about joining our team!

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate experiential training and development programs
• Proactively manage risk during adventure-based programs
• Work as part of dedicated facilitation team
• Maintain current knowledge of business and adventure fields

Requirements:

• Extensive background in business, education, or related experience which enables him/her to greatly enhance a program
• Substantial facilitation experience with corporate clients in &/or outside of Outward Bound
• Able to deal with challenging and sophisticated adult populations
• Able to tailor activities and create new initiatives for specific client groups based on the field they are coming from
• Minimum medical training: Wilderness First Aid or Red Cross Basic. Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness Advanced First aid preferred.

Compensation: Per Diem rate based on experience, generous by Outward Bound standards. There are also professional development opportunities.

Applications are ongoing. To Apply Contact:

Colin Clark,

Director of OBP Operations

cclark@thompsonisland.org

617-328-3900 x172

Thompson Island Outward Bound Captain Training Program

Starting this spring and running over ten weeks, Outward Bound will train and pay for a few select candidates to attain their USCG Captain’s licenses. Trainees will be provided with a weekly stipend and housing and receive intensive skills instruction and exam prep in seamanship, navigation, teaching methodology, risk management and wilderness medicine

Successful graduates will be hired to conduct youth sailing expeditions aboard 30’ pulling boats for the 2008 summer season, promoting environmental awareness, social justice and character development. Ketch-rigged, without engine or shelter, pulling boats and similar vessels have provided a superb platform for Outward Bound’s values-based curriculum since 1941. If you are looking to develop your abilities as a mariner, nothing beats traditional small-boat voyaging. Ask William Bligh or Ernest Shackleton.

Work as an Outward Bound instructor is challenging and rewarding. Past Captain-trainees have described this program as rigorous, even life-changing. Preferred candidates will have a strong background in sailing, outdoor leadership and education. Also essential is a keen desire to work with youth in the context of the mission of Thompson Island Outward Bound.

Benefits of Program:

• Expedition style training to learn the process of presenting social justice curriculum in a wilderness environment
• 30 days sail training aboard the pulling boats with highly experienced Outward Bound Instructor/Captains
• Diversity training to learn the skills needed to work alongside other staff members and with urban youth
• Coast Guard licensing fees and study materials paid
• Weekly stipend
• Housing provided on the island for the duration of employment
• Professional purchase deals with major outdoor companies
• Limited Health Care Plan