ISACA
Director of Experiential Education & Risk Management(“DEERM”)
ISACA, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, 07390
Alzar School + Gap is an independent semester school that has been a leader in experiential education for high school‑age students, with beautiful, inspiring permanent campuses in the mountains of Idaho and in Patagonia, Chile. Additionally, the school has a growing gap program and auxiliary programs for other demographics.
Alzar’s robust experiential education program allows students to elevate their leadership through meaningful, multi‑week expeditions, weekend and after‑school activities, and intentional courses. Faculty and students are passionate, engaged, and united by a commitment to the school’s foundations.
Alzar seeks a Director of Experiential Education and Risk Management (DEERM), which is a dynamic leadership position at Alzar School. This position spans the organization, leading within the high school semester program, gap program, and short courses, and supporting Confluences River Expeditions. The role is foundational to helping students discover their leadership potential through outdoor experiences, cultural exchange opportunities, service learning activities, and more—including courses, clinics, and multi‑day expeditions.
Alzar is fortunate to operate in some of the most spectacular environments, including (but not limited to) the Wild & Scenic Main Salmon River, Boise and Payette National Forests, Patagonia National Park, the Rio Baker, and more. The DEERM position is based out of our campus in Cascade, Idaho, and involves extended periods of time in Patagonia, Chile. The position includes provided housing on campus in Idaho and shared housing in Chile.
This is a twelve‑month per year, full‑time, exempt salaried position. The position begins July 1, 2026, and the selected candidate will be offered an initial two‑year contract.
Alzar School employees motivate, inspire, and educate our students both in and out of the classroom. They are passionate educators who are excited to share their knowledge of content areas, enthusiasm for the outdoors, and curiosity for cultural learning. We invite applicants from a variety of backgrounds to apply and firmly believe that a diverse team enriches our staff community and connections with students. Some applicants may possess skills in certain areas and less experience in others—for example: academic, outdoor, residential, leadership, or cultural—amongst others. We look forward to the opportunity to review your application.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Director of Experiential Education and Risk Management empowers faculty, staff, guides, and instructors to provide positive learning experiences that occur outside the traditional academic classroom. General Leadership of Students and Families
Foster positive connections between students, faculty/staff, and families.
Conduct an annual review of the Student and Family Handbooks, ensuring that policies and procedures related to experiential education experiences are clearly communicated and aligned with the school’s mission.
Communicate with students and families about what to expect in experiential learning, to understand risks, and to answer questions related to gear, course areas, conditions, etc.
In unusual circumstances, fill in for needs that support the student and family experience as directed by the Head of School.
Faculty, Staff, and Governance Leadership
The DEERM is an important leader of the faculty and staff at Alzar School. They empower the school’s teachers, instructors, and guides to lead engaging experiential education opportunities. Directly supervise the school’s Student Wellness, Experiences, and Leadership Coordinator (SWELC), including: Supporting the hiring and onboarding process
Meeting weekly to set goals, review progress, and exchange feedback
Managing PTO requests, tracking shift changes via Google Calendar
Generating first semester and annual evaluations with feedback
Participating in the hiring process alongside the Head of School and leading onboarding
Train, coach, and mentor teachers, Community and Experiential Advisors (CEAs), gap instructors, short course instructors, and CRE guides in experiential learning environments.
Generate, review, and update weekly activity and weekend plans; communicate logistics to activity leaders.
Send weekly email updates to teachers and CEAs with logistics, plans, and updates from other departments.
Assist with written evaluations of faculty and staff, providing feedback on strengths and areas for growth.
Collaborate on hiring and training of faculty and staff in conjunction with the administrative team.
Co‑lead a Leadership Institute session on the Risk Management Program and required certifications.
Participate in weekly Department Directors’ meetings and contribute to cross‑departmental topics.
Report on program progress in biweekly meetings with the Head of School and weekly with the director team.
Present program updates to the Board of Directors twice annually, with prepared slides.
Lead annual expeditionary training for new and returning staff.
Serve as an in‑person resource and mentor to teaching faculty, particularly in Chile.
Perform regular shifts as “Administrator on Call” (AOC) for the semester program, gap program, short courses, and during breaks. This includes availability via phone and proximity to campus for approximately 4 workweeks and 4 weekends per semester, plus 2–3 additional summer weeks (depending on team size).
Serve in Chile as an on‑site administrator for approximately 8–10 weeks per year, at minimum.
Desired Qualifications
The DEERM at Alzar School should be a highly qualified educator, experienced in both classroom and outdoor settings. Candidates should demonstrate the following: Experience in successful leadership in educational settings.
Recent secondary‑level teaching experience.
Recent experience leading youth in the outdoors, with advanced technical proficiency in: Whitewater rafting (up to Class IV)
Whitewater kayaking (up to Class IV)
Backpacking (5–6 days in remote locations)
Extensive recent experience leading youth on international travel programs.
Personal experience with both domestic and international travel.
Relevant undergraduate or graduate degree.
Experience instructing, coaching, and mentoring outdoor instructors.
Experience teaching in classrooms and/or working in traditional school settings.
Experience managing budgets.
Experience leading risk management programs and training sessions.
Technical ability to maintain and repair outdoor equipment, and train others to do so.
Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of operational budgets.
Proficiency with a variety of software systems, including: a. Google Suite (Drive, Gmail, Docs, Calendar, etc.) b. Microsoft Office c. Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge and MySchoolApp platforms
Physical Requirements and Work Conditions
The DEERM must be prepared to work in variable outdoor environments and non‑traditional hours. This includes providing creative, real‑time solutions to challenges in both remote and residential settings. The DEERM can expect: Exposure to potentially hazardous conditions, including avalanche zones, rock and ice fall, wilderness medical emergencies, extreme temperatures, adverse weather, mountainous terrain, whitewater rivers, and open water crossings.
Extended time commitments during peak program periods, including multiple consecutive weeks of long hours during semester expedition blocks.
Participation in expeditions and international travel assignments, including extended stays away from home. The role requires seasonal residence and work in Patagonia, Chile, approximately from: October 24 to December 17
January 26 to March 23
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Director of Experiential Education and Risk Management empowers faculty, staff, guides, and instructors to provide positive learning experiences that occur outside the traditional academic classroom. General Leadership of Students and Families
Foster positive connections between students, faculty/staff, and families.
Conduct an annual review of the Student and Family Handbooks, ensuring that policies and procedures related to experiential education experiences are clearly communicated and aligned with the school’s mission.
Communicate with students and families about what to expect in experiential learning, to understand risks, and to answer questions related to gear, course areas, conditions, etc.
In unusual circumstances, fill in for needs that support the student and family experience as directed by the Head of School.
Faculty, Staff, and Governance Leadership
The DEERM is an important leader of the faculty and staff at Alzar School. They empower the school’s teachers, instructors, and guides to lead engaging experiential education opportunities. Directly supervise the school’s Student Wellness, Experiences, and Leadership Coordinator (SWELC), including: Supporting the hiring and onboarding process
Meeting weekly to set goals, review progress, and exchange feedback
Managing PTO requests, tracking shift changes via Google Calendar
Generating first semester and annual evaluations with feedback
Participating in the hiring process alongside the Head of School and leading onboarding
Train, coach, and mentor teachers, Community and Experiential Advisors (CEAs), gap instructors, short course instructors, and CRE guides in experiential learning environments.
Generate, review, and update weekly activity and weekend plans; communicate logistics to activity leaders.
Send weekly email updates to teachers and CEAs with logistics, plans, and updates from other departments.
Assist with written evaluations of faculty and staff, providing feedback on strengths and areas for growth.
Collaborate on hiring and training of faculty and staff in conjunction with the administrative team.
Co‑lead a Leadership Institute session on the Risk Management Program and required certifications.
Participate in weekly Department Directors’ meetings and contribute to cross‑departmental topics.
Report on program progress in biweekly meetings with the Head of School and weekly with the director team.
Present program updates to the Board of Directors twice annually, with prepared slides.
Lead annual expeditionary training for new and returning staff.
Serve as an in‑person resource and mentor to teaching faculty, particularly in Chile.
Perform regular shifts as “Administrator on Call” (AOC) for the semester program, gap program, short courses, and during breaks. This includes availability via phone and proximity to campus for approximately 4 workweeks and 4 weekends per semester, plus 2–3 additional summer weeks (depending on team size).
Serve in Chile as an on‑site administrator for approximately 8–10 weeks per year, at minimum.
Desired Qualifications
The DEERM at Alzar School should be a highly qualified educator, experienced in both classroom and outdoor settings. Candidates should demonstrate the following: Experience in successful leadership in educational settings.
Recent secondary‑level teaching experience.
Recent experience leading youth in the outdoors, with advanced technical proficiency in: Whitewater rafting (up to Class IV)
Whitewater kayaking (up to Class IV)
Backpacking (5–6 days in remote locations)
Extensive recent experience leading youth on international travel programs.
Personal experience with both domestic and international travel.
Relevant undergraduate or graduate degree.
Experience instructing, coaching, and mentoring outdoor instructors.
Experience teaching in classrooms and/or working in traditional school settings.
Experience managing budgets.
Experience leading risk management programs and training sessions.
Technical ability to maintain and repair outdoor equipment, and train others to do so.
Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of operational budgets.
Proficiency with a variety of software systems, including: a. Google Suite (Drive, Gmail, Docs, Calendar, etc.) b. Microsoft Office c. Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge and MySchoolApp platforms
Physical Requirements and Work Conditions
The DEERM must be prepared to work in variable outdoor environments and non‑traditional hours. This includes providing creative, real‑time solutions to challenges in both remote and residential settings. The DEERM can expect: Exposure to potentially hazardous conditions, including avalanche zones, rock and ice fall, wilderness medical emergencies, extreme temperatures, adverse weather, mountainous terrain, whitewater rivers, and open water crossings.
Extended time commitments during peak program periods, including multiple consecutive weeks of long hours during semester expedition blocks.
Participation in expeditions and international travel assignments, including extended stays away from home. The role requires seasonal residence and work in Patagonia, Chile, approximately from: October 24 to December 17
January 26 to March 23
#J-18808-Ljbffr