DAPER’s Shared Purpose and Behaviors Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation’s (DAPER) shared purpose is to bring the MIT community together in educational activities that promote wellness, a diverse and inclusive environment, leadership, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence through competition, physical activity and recreation. We are committed to the pursuit of excellence by creating an environment that develops community, provides education, inspires leadership, and promotes wellness through the following shared behaviors: DAPER develops community by embracing the uniqueness of each person, working cooperatively, and providing courtesy, respect, and gratitude in all direction.
Background and Mission of the Physical Education & Wellness Program Physical Education and Wellness (PE&W) is the instructional arm of DAPER; introducing students to a variety of activities to further develop healthy lifestyles. The program offers 6 quarters of activity, including over 20 different courses that reach an average of 1000 students each six weeks. Undergraduates are required to complete 4 courses as part of the MIT general institute requirements. Physical Education & Wellness provides students with the knowledge and skills to lead healthy, active lifestyles, as well as, experience the benefits of social interaction through student-centered instructional physical activity.
Position Description:
- The Outdoor Education Coordinator will be expected to assist with program coordination, development, documentation, evaluation and participation in the current Physical Education & Wellness Outdoor Education courses.
- Quarterly registration management for all Extreme PE courses- 5 times per academic year
- Primary lead for Backpacking courses- 6 trips per academic year
o Strong focus on the development of the Backpacking courses including publicity, planning, pre- and post-logistics, equipment inventory, pre-trip meeting, assisting and teaching lessons and completing associated administrative functions.
- This position may also include working with other areas of the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation.
Primary Responsibilities – Backpacking Lead
Leadership
- Ability to teach/train others in the following lessons for beginner level backpacking: planning a trip, leave no trace principles, hiking protocol, how to pack a backpack, appropriate dress, fitness preparation, map and compass skills, how to start a fire, navigation, and pitch a tent.
- Provide mentorship to Outdoor Education team
- Maintain, clean, organize, inventory and repair of outdoor equipment
- Research and recommend purchases of appropriate supplies and equipment, as needed
- Propose and reconcile budget for each trip
- Represent Physical Education and Wellness at public relations events
- Liaison for Physical Education & Wellness program with vendors and MIT Outing Club (MITOC)
- Co-Lead and participate in all scheduled meetings with the Outdoor team
- Review and evaluate new trip proposals
- Assist in developing an outdoor resource library
MIT Physical Education and Wellness Program
Outdoor Education Coordinator (7/2026)
Excellence | Education | Leadership | Community | Wellness
Administrative
- Manage student registration; follow up with both registered and waitlisted students to ensure each course is filled (approximately 6-10 hours per week prior to registration, during registration, trip preparation and closing
- Assist with pre- and post-trip logistics and administrative tasks – reservations, payment, scheduling meetings, etc.
- Review student submissions (allergy, injuries, cabins) prior to the pre-trip meeting to ensure follow up during pre-trip meetings
- Complete and submit post course reports in a timely manner
- Create, send, compile all Extreme PE documentation for each course to be distributed to the vendors
- Update outdoor education manual documenting all aspects to manage Extreme PE; annually
- Administrative duties will include typing, editing, proofing of correspondence and memos; maintaining calendars/scheduling appointments; duplicating and distributing material; data entry; coordinating meetings, and producing reports.
- Performs other related duties as required, including work performed at lower levels: office coverage, class substitute, day 1 check ins and facility/event management, if schedule allows.
- Knowledge of MIT Physical Education & Wellness policies and procedures
Trip Management
- Lead/Co-lead Pre-trip meetings; updating presentations, printing materials for students, sending reminders
- Prepare outdoor team for pre- trip presentation, fitness sessions and trip organization
- Organize gear for each trip weekend
- For Urban Backpacking, prepare weekend menu and grocery list; shop as needed
- Manage, respond to and follow all risk management/emergency procedures
o Scout, inspect and prepare course locations/sites, hikes
- Gather student feedback in person and by facilitating online questionnaire
- Lead, engage and motivate students participating in the courses
- Able to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for participants and manage group dynamics
- Submit incident/accident report forms with appropriate documentation in timely manner, if applicable
Programming
- Lead/co-lead with the Program Manager the planning and execution of each Backpacking trip including pre and post trip logistics.
- Lead/co-lead pre-trip meetings with other Backpacking Specialists
- Conduct course assessment and compile recommendations from all OES; share feedback with Program Manager
- Keep up to date on outdoor trends and practices
- Maintain all certifications and training
- Adhere to all MIT policies and procedures and industry best practices on and off campus
Other Extreme PE: SCUBA, Parkour, Kayak, etc.
- Manage all aspects of student quarterly registration; follow up with both registered and waitlisted students to ensure each course is filled
- Assist with communication between students and vendors
MIT Physical Education and Wellness Program
Outdoor Education Coordinator (7/2026)
Excellence | Education | Leadership | Community | Wellness
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Outdoor Education or similar
- Valid US Driver’s license and vehicle
- Active Wilderness First Aid certification
- Current CPR/AED certification
- Previous experience in outdoor education and leadership
- Experience teaching outdoor skills; such as: trip planning, leave no trace principles, hiking protocols, backpack packing and gear, fitness preparation, map and compass skills, navigation, building a fire and safety and pitching a tent
- Direct experience and awareness of safety concerns and risk management
- Demands high attention to detail and documentation
- Consistently operate with loyalty, integrity, cooperation, and flexibility
- Self- directed and able to work with a team as needed
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Teams and Excel) and Google Forms
- Ability to learn new software programs and troubleshooting as needed
- Successful completion of MIT background check
- Completion of MIT van training upon being hired
- Completion of MIT Physical Education and Wellness onboarding upon being hired
Preferred Qualifications:
- Teaching in higher education: outdoor skills to college students, writing learning objectives, using a course management system, grading and assessment
- Previous experience with backpacking, rock-climbing, SCUBA and/or kayaking
- Familiarity with backpacking in White Mountains, NH and Blue Hills, MA in all seasons
- Background in leading trips/clinics/courses for college students
- Active Wilderness First Responder certification
- Familiarity with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and MIT Outing Club (MITOC) organizations.
- Experience facilitating low and high ROPES initiatives
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Experience working in a customer service-oriented environment
- Awareness of, and appreciation for, individual uniqueness and diversity
- Commitment to student development, leadership and team development
Proposed trips for 2026/2027- Dates TBD
- 3 New Hampshire Trips (White Mountains)
- 3 Urban Backpacking Trips (Blue Hills)
Administrative Requirements per trip
- 1- hour leader meeting for trip planning
- 2- hour pre-trip meeting with students (co-leading presentation, as needed)
- 1–2-hour gear prep (week of trip)
- 1- hour fitness session lead (training session required prior to leading)
MIT Physical Education and Wellness Program
Outdoor Education Coordinator (7/2026)
Excellence | Education | Leadership | Community | Wellness
Trip Requirements- 6 trips per academic year
- Urban Backpacking (Blue Hills)
o Time required: Friday at 1p (pack car/gear prep) to Sunday at 6p (processing gear included- inventory/clean)
o Group leaves campus Friday by 4p and returns Sunday by 4p
o 2 Specialists (1- driving personal car with gear/2- taking group on train/bus/trail walk)
o Up to 12 participants
o Serves as Backpacking Specialist and trip guide
o Teach lessons related to Backpacking basics- see list under Duties & Responsibilities
- NH Backpacking (White Mountains)
o Pick up van prior to departure date
o Time required: Saturday by 7:30a to Monday by 7p (rental return and processing gear included)
Student pick up Saturday by 8a on campus and return Monday by 6p
o Single Specialist driving up to 11 participants in a 12- passenger van
o Serve as liaison for Physical Education & Wellness with AMC trip guides
Administrative work is typically completed Monday-Friday; Course leadership/Instruction is usually in the evenings and weekends. Specific schedules will be created in advance.
Compensation:
- Trip payment is on a per weekend basis; based on experience, certifications and education
- An hourly administrative rate will be provided for pre-trip preparation, registration, meetings & trainings
o 6-12 hours per week during pre/post registration periods and trip preparation
o Must be available to work in person at least 1-2 days per week during trip season
o Schedule will be based on trip dates and coordinator availability
Key Contact:
Supervisor: Michele McCauley, Program Manager, Physical Education and Wellness (mdm25@mit.edu )
How to Apply: If you are interested in this position or have any questions, please email key contact directly or peandwellnessemployment@mit.edu. Resumes and letters of interest are being accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed as they are received. First round of resumes will be reviewed by July 20, 2026.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
