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Who are we?

Thompson Island Outward Bound is a National and State Park located in the heart of the Boston Harbor Islands, With a 200-year legacy of serving children in Boston and a 48-year partnership with the Boston Public Schools (BPS), the Island is a beacon for experiential education, empowering young people through hands-on learning and skill building and outdoor adventure and exploration. We are a proud member of the network of 11 Outward Bound schools in the U.S., with a shared mission to change lives through challenge and discovery.

Education is at the forefront of our work. Funded by a combination of philanthropy and a robust private events business, our outdoor educational programs are offered at no cost to families.

 

What is our mission and how do we achieve it? 

Thompson Island Outward Bound’s core mission is to build stronger, more equitable school communities by delivering free experiential learning programs that boost academic success and foster personal growth. Our research-based programs blend STEM, social-emotional, and challenge-based learning, giving students a unique opportunity to build life skills alongside academic ones. 

 

Whom do we serve (students, clients, customers) 

We offer programs for Boston Public School middle school and high school students, fee-for-service programs for school and youth groups, and leadership development programs for professionals. We also fund our transformational programs by hosting private and corporate events and weddings. 

 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Instructors are responsible for the co-delivery of Youth Programs. A foundational understanding of Outward Bound philosophy and methodologies is critical to this position and to the overall success of course delivery. Candidates must display foundational technical, facilitation, group management skills, and show an understanding of the course area and structure. Successful candidates will be a minimum of 18 years of age and have facilitation and/or trip-leading experience.

 

A minimum of Wilderness First Aid (WFA) with CPR is preferred for this position. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Full commitment to safety, course outcomes, and student experience
  • Serve as a Youth Programs Facilitator
  • Actively participate in pre-course training and briefings, and post-course debriefs
  • Help ensure prompt execution of their course’s preparation and post-course paperwork and logistics
  • Help manage any in-field or program transitions
  • Be familiar with the student medical forms and other pertinent participant information
  • Maintain communication with the Course Director while courses are in the field
  • Provide written and verbal evaluation of co-instructors and Course Directors necessary for their Individual Development Plan (IDP) and improved delivery of future courses
  • Provide 24/7 support to co-instructors and students while on course
  • Deliver course curriculum and remain accountable to student and course outcomes
  • Enforce Leave No Trace and other pertinent wilderness ethics on Thompson Island and all other program areas
  • Perform additional duties and responsibilities at the direction of the Course Directors, the Program Managers, and/or the Director of Delivery and Program Operations.

 

ACCOUNTABILITIES 

Key Relations: 

  • Co-instructors
  • Interns
  • Course Directors
  • Program Managers
  • Director of Delivery and Program Operations
  • Logistics and Operations Manager
  • Safety Team

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Bachelor’s Degree or two years equivalent field experience preferred
  • Wilderness First Aid and CPR preferred (or the ability to obtain one during training)   
     
  • Relevant work experience in the following:
  • Working with participants age 12-18+
  • Managing challenging student behaviors
  • Working with diverse communities
  • Teaching and facilitation tailored to different learning styles
  • Teaching and facilitation tailored to different program sites (virtual or in-person)
  • Experience working on high ropes challenge courses a plus

 

WORK CONDITIONS 

  • Must commit to the full duration of each course they are instructing, including preparation, weekends, and overnights if the program requires it
  • Must respond to course delivery needs and/or behavioral/medical needs as prescribed in the TIOBEC (Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center) Manual
  • Expected ongoing coordination and collaboration with all Course Directors and co-instructors
  • Courses are dynamic and demand sound decision-making within the scope of TIOBEC methodology
  • Instructors must be able to manage their course with appropriate autonomy, as determined by the Course Director
  • Environmental fluctuations are typical of the New England coast, and can include hot, humid weather, and unseasonably cool, rainy, and windy coastal weather; must be comfortable working outside in either of these extremes for extended periods of time

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to be on feet and/or active an average of 8+ hours per day