Outdoor Leadership Graduate Assistant

About the Job

Colorado Christian University (CCU) is looking for a Graduate Assistant (GA) to assist the director of the Outdoor Leadership Program (OLP) with delivering the OLP mission to develop students who will facilitate outdoor experiences to grow people in Christ-likeness, for the sake of others, to the glory of God. The candidate will assist Outdoor Leadership faculty in the management and operations of the Outdoor Leadership program.

Candidates should have a strong desire to integrate their faith and leading others in the wilderness for Kingdom purposes. The OLP GA will provide training and discipleship of undergraduate OLP students while enhancing their own growth, development, and experience in a faith-based outdoor ministry.

Ideal candidates will be well organized, with strong communication proficiencies. The ability to manage and develop student employees is essential. Strong candidates will work well in a team environment, be self-directed, and able to manage multiple projects and assignments at one time.

About CCU

Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.

Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914. CCU’s motto is--grace and truth. This motto comes from John 1.14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV)

CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth.

Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings.

CCU embraces an educational model that was present at the foundation of many of the great western and American universities. It is made up of three pillars—competence, character and Christ-centered faith. Secular universities have abandoned two of those pillars. We think this is a major oversight that eventually undermines education. Furthermore, we believe this classical educational model is both life-giving and greatly needed in our time.

A leader in higher education, CCU has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had ten consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its two colleges--the College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 9,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.

What is most appealing about working at CCU?

1. Faith-friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?
2. Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God’s Word.
3. Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
4. Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.

We're looking for candidates who have:

1. Bachelor’s degree and acceptance into a CCU graduate program is required.
2. Experience leading or teaching at least three of the following skills: Rock and/or Ice climbing, whitewater boating, backpacking, backcountry skiing, canyoneering, fly fishing, mountaineering, avalanche education.
3. Valid driver’s license and good motor vehicle record.
4. CPR and Wilderness First Aid certification (Wilderness First Responder preferred) or can obtain prior to employment.
5. Additional wilderness certifications preferred.
6. Desire to enter the outdoor industry highly desired.

Key Job Duties

1. Contribute to CCU’s mission: Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. In this role, the OLP Graduate Assistant contributes to the mission by supporting the Outdoor Leadership Program faculty through rigorous and demanding experiential learning opportunities in character formation, leadership development, authentic community, skills acquisition, and spiritual development for students.
2. Assist OLP director in program development, procuring permits, record keeping and management of OLP files and forms.
3. Implement and manage summer wilderness experience (called Boundless) for incoming freshman including training and supervising student leaders.
4. Assist instructing OLP courses with full-time and affiliate faculty.
5. Assist in hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating OLP student workers including weekly one-on-one meetings.
6. Oversee and manage gear room including rental program.
7. Contribute to marketing and outreach efforts to promote the OLP.
8. Sponsor student led clubs like Climbing Club or Adventure Project.
9. Complete other duties and projects as assigned.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, you will be required to work in challenging environmental conditions outdoors including severe cold, heat, rain, snow, etc. and engage in physically demanding activities. The employee must occasionally lift heavy objects. Additionally, the employee may be required to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

Graduate Assistant Program Details

The Graduate Assistant position is a minimum of a two year commitment and coincides with the entrance into and completion of a graduate program at CCU. Students may take 2-3 years to complete their academic program, depending on the program selected. Graduate Assistants are expected to complete a minimum of two years of service, and to stay in their role through the end of the fiscal year (June 30) in which they complete their graduate program.

The Graduate Assistant must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and be accepted and enrolled in one of CCU’s graduate programs. A complete listing of degree opportunities and admissions requirements is posted at http://www.ccu.edu/ccu/grad/. The standard workweek is 25 hours per week and will not exceed an average of 29 hours per week during the year.

Compensation includes a monthly stipend of $15.16 per hour and tuition waiver for completion of a master's degree through Colorado Christian University's College of Adult and Graduate Studies. The recipient is responsible for student fees each semester. Any selected graduate assistant is required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have results sent to CCU for review.

Application Deadline: Position will remain open until filled.