Job Title: YCC Course Director
Outward Bound Canada is passionate about building and sustaining representation and diversity within the outdoor industry. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPoC, 2SLGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply, even if your experience doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role.Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart so tell us about your achievements and journey to date, and the things you learned along the way.
WHO WE ARE
Outward Bound Canada (OBC) is a national charity that equips youth with the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive through powerful, life-changing experiences in nature. Our programs combine outdoor adventure with intentional learning to build leadership, social and emotional intelligence, and a deep sense of responsibility to community and the environment.
We are committed to breaking down barriers to access and creating meaningful opportunities for youth who have been historically underrepresented in outdoor and leadership spaces. Equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to our work, and we actively strive to ensure the outdoor sector reflects the full diversity of Canada.
PROGRAM CONTEXT
The Youth Career Catalyst (YCC) program combines outdoor education with career and skills development for youth facing barriers to employment. Participants gain employability skills, industry certifications, and access to meaningful and supported work experiences, preparing them for sustainable employment.
This position supports program delivery across Ontario, Vancouver Island, and Alberta, providing leadership and support to the YCC delivery team, overseeing and managing program implementation and logistics, supporting and onboarding of contract staff and ensuring the highest quality experience for youth participants.
THE ROLE
The Course Director plays a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of safe, high-quality, and impactful grant programs. This role provides leadership across the full lifecycle of a course, from planning, through delivery, to wrap-up and evaluation, while supporting facilitators, coordinating logistics, and upholding OBC’s safety and educational standards.
Acting as the key link between Program Management and field staff, this position blends operational coordination, instructional leadership, and real-time problem solving in dynamic environments. The role is well suited to someone who thrives in complexity, demonstrates strong judgment, and is committed to mentorship, safety, and meaningful participant experiences.
WHAT WE OFFER
Location: Minden Ontario & hybrid, work from home and onsite during program delivery
Accomodation: Accommodations available during for contract duration
Salary: Per diem rate in accordance with OBC’s current instructor pay scale.
Benefits: Health Care Spending Account Fund & Employee Assistance Plan
Term: 3 month contract term May or June start, possibility of extension for the full summer and fall term
Supervisor: Grant Program Manager
Anticipated Start Date: May 15, 2026
Application Deadline: April 20, 2026
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Leadership & Delivery
- Oversee the full lifecycle of assigned courses, including planning, implementation, and wrap-up.
- Ensure programs are safe, meaningful, challenging, and aligned with OBC’s educational philosophy.
- Provide leadership during course delivery, including stepping into the Facilitator role as needed.
- Deliver and support YCC classroom instruction and supervision.
- Provide opening and closing course talks and maintain a visible leadership presence throughout programs.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Mentor and support instructional staff and support team members.
- Serve as the primary link between Program Management and Facilitators, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
- Lead and support staff training, including technical, educational, and risk management components.
- Support Facilitators in setting objectives, evaluating performance, and building capacity through ongoing feedback and coaching.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment grounded in trust, professionalism, and shared accountability.
Health, Safety & Risk Management
- Maintain oversight of all health and safety practices across programs.
- Ensure adherence to National Safety Policies and Standards, and support the development of Local Operating Procedures and new program plans.
- Provide leadership in emergency situations, including managing emergency calls, coordinating evacuations, and supporting field teams.
- Mentor staff in risk management decision-making, including evolving risks such as environmental conditions and infectious disease mitigation.
- Conduct student medical screening and ensure appropriate follow-up.
Operations & Logistics
- Coordinate course logistics in collaboration with the Grant Program Manager and logistics staff, including scheduling, transportation, food planning, and equipment.
- Support busy operational periods by assisting with site coordination, driving, packing, and general logistics as needed.
- Issue and maintain program equipment and ensure readiness prior to course start.
- Coordinate the flow of critical course information to instructional staff.
- Conduct reconnaissance for new course areas and support program development.
Program Oversight & Administration
- Ensure thorough completion of all course planning and readiness tasks prior to participant arrival.
- Oversee completion of all course documentation and end-of-course reporting.
- Maintain strong working relationships with program sites, external partners, and subcontractors.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and provide recommendations for improvement.
Educational Leadership
- Model OBC values through leadership, communication, and decision-making.
- Support meaningful and respectful integration of Indigenous perspectives and place-based learning.
- Ensure acknowledgement of traditional territories and support staff in delivering culturally respectful programming.
- Contribute to creating empowering, participant-centered experiences that support growth and development.
Adaptive Leadership
- Respond to changing conditions (e.g., weather, wildfires, health considerations, staffing shifts) with flexibility and sound judgment.
- Navigate non-routine, high-pressure situations with calm, solution-focused leadership.
- Contribute to overall program resilience and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
- 4 years of experience as a field instructor with Outward Bound or similar wilderness/experiential education programs.
- Demonstrated experience supervising or mentoring staff in outdoor or educational settings.
- Strong knowledge of and alignment with Outward Bound philosophy and pedagogy.
- Proven ability to manage complex logistics and adapt in dynamic environments.
- Experience working with youth, including those in challenging or high-support contexts.
- Competency in risk management practices and decision-making in the field.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative and team-oriented.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative in ambiguous situations.
Additional Assets:
- Management experience in wilderness or experiential programming
- Relevant certifications (e.g., ACMG, Paddle Canada, etc.)
- Experience developing systems or improving operational processes
- French language proficiency
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
- Current Wilderness First Responder (80 hrs)
- Valid driver’s license (clean record; minimum age requirements may apply)
- Eligible to work in Canada
- Vulnerable Sector Check (required prior to start date)
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and participate in on-call rotation
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment: Hybrid, working on-site (outside weather conditions); traveling to various locations.
Work Hours: This is a full-time term position. Work schedules are flexible and aligned with program delivery needs. Some evenings and weekends will be required as part of supporting programs and teams in the field.
Physical Demands: Involves physically demanding tasks
Safety: Complete WHMIS and/or other trainings required.
