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Peace Corps

Director of Experiential Education & Risk Management

Peace Corps, New York, New York, United States

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Director of Experiential Education & Risk Management Unless posted on USAJobs.gov, the positions and organizations linked to here are in no way affiliated with or sanctioned by the Peace Corps or the United States government. The views, positions, and priorities expressed by the posting organizations are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Peace Corps or the Government of the United States.

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. Faculty and students are passionate, engaged, and united by a commitment to the school’s foundations.

Duties Alzar seeks a Director of Experiential Education & 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 position 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 DEERM is provided housing on campus in Idaho and shared housing in Chile. This is a twelve‑month per year, full‑time, exempt salaried position. This position starts July 1, 2026 and we will offer the selected candidate a two‑year initial 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! Please see the full job posting online at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xPr02n4_o9GUZUc8pRiscbokATYbMiYJ/view?usp=drive_link

Qualifications Outdoor Skills and Competencies Alzar spends a significant portion of its time in the wilderness and front‑country for adventure programming. The DEERM is expected to be a competent outdoor leader with the skills to respond to various situations and must possess:

An advanced knowledge of contemporary outdoor programming methods and practices, as well as practices for experiential education (to include cultural exchange and service learning components).

Technical and educational skill competency in the three outdoor skill areas offered at Alzar School: whitewater kayaking, rafting, backpacking.

The physical ability to perform strenuous outdoor recreational activities in remote and rugged mountains or water‑based environments, including carrying a heavy pack, walking on uneven ground / off trail, swimming in lakes, rivers (including in whitewater rapids), and ocean.

Current outdoor leadership, medical, and professional certifications to include as many of the following as possible (with required certifications indicated with an asterisk):

Swiftwater Rescue Technician*

Wilderness First Responder*

Adult CPR/BLS for the Professional Rescuer*

Leave No Trace Educator*

Commercial Drivers License* (this can be earned in the first months of employment)

Traits and Qualities The DEERM must find joy and energy in working with students. This individual is excited by the prospect of working in the rural, mountain community of Cascade, Idaho, but who is also excited to travel to Chile when the school is operating there. This individual will provide support and training for passionate outdoor educators, help manage complicated logistics, and coordinate efforts to mitigate risk associated with our programming, and must have the ability to:

Self‑manage, as well as lead and manage people.

Prioritize, plan and organize.

Work as part of a team.

Delegate responsibilities, delegate tasks and monitor practice to see that they are being carried out.

Seek advice and support when necessary.

Demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities.

Use effective communication skills, in both verbal conversations and written exchanges.

Work under pressure and to deadlines.

Qualifications, Experience, & Special Knowledge The DEERM for Alzar School should be a highly qualified educator, in both the classroom and outdoor settings. They shall possess and/or demonstrate:

Experience of successful leadership in education

Recent secondary teaching experience

Recent experience leading youth in the outdoors, specifically candidates should possess advanced technical skills and be able to lead in the following activity areas: Whitewater rafting (up to class IV), Whitewater kayaking (up to class IV), Backpacking (5‑6 days in remote locations)

Recent extensive experience leading youth on international travel programs

Personal domestic and international travel experience

Relevant degree (undergraduate or graduate level)

Experience instructing, coaching, and mentoring outdoor instructors

Classroom experience and/or experience working in traditional school settings

Experience managing budgets

Experience leading risk management programs and training

Technical ability to repair and maintain equipment, and to teach others to do so.

Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.

Knowledge of operational budgets.

Proficiency with a variety of computer software and programming languages including (but not limited to):

Google suite of apps: Drive, Gmail, Docs, Calendar, etc.

Microsoft Office

Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge and MySchoolApp platforms

Please see the full job posting online at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xPr02n4_o9GUZUc8pRiscbokATYbMiYJ/view?usp=drive_link Application instructions Before responding to this announcement, please review the RPCV Career Link Terms of Use [PDF]. The Peace Corps is not able to confirm the legitimacy of every position posted to the jobs board and we ask everyone to use caution when contacting and/or sharing information with any organization while seeking employment. If you believe an announcement has violated the Peace Corps Terms of Use, please contact [email protected].

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