Staffing Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Staffing Manager (SM) organizes and supports VOBSs field staffing systems including recruitment retention and the overall staff experience. Working closely with the Program Team (Program Directors Safety Manager and Director of Programs & Safety) this role plays a central part in shaping staffing strategy and guiding decisions related to field staff engagement and development.

A core focus of the role is aligning staffing operations with VOBSs organizational prioritiesstreamlining systems improving consistency and supporting staff across the full employment lifecycle from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and retention.

Reporting to the Director of Programs & Safety (DPS) the Staffing Manager convenes the VOBS Staffing Cohort (Program Directors Human Resources Manager and DPS) to coordinate and ensure values-aligned equitable practices across hiring and collaboration with the Human Resources Manager (HRM) the role helps uphold organization-wide policies and contributes to strategic decision-making.

This position holds direct responsibility for Ely Summer Staffing and the coordination of full-time equivalent (FTE) Field Staff. This role collaborates closely with Program Directors who manage initial and mid-season staffing for their programs. During the peak season (AprilOctober) the Staffing Manager serves on the Ely Summer Management Team (ESMT).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Staffing Systems

• Provide leadership and support for schoolwide staffing systems aligning with VOBS strategic priorities.
• Develops and implements a strategy for moving staff across bases identifying cross-training opportunities.
• In collaboration with DPS and HRM leads Field Staff Payscale development and processes across VOBS.
• Leads Field Staff evaluation and assessment.
• Develop and standardize staffing policies and practices in partnership with HR DPS and Program Leadership.
• Socialize and implement SOPs around seasonal field staff ensuring organizational consistency and fairness.
• Convene the Staffing Cohort; coach staffers and promote consistent values-aligned processes.
• Represent VOBS in national OBUSA staffing forums; bring back relevant trends and strategies.
• Partner with the Equity Inclusion & Diversity (EID) function to support staffing-related initiatives.
• Ensure accurate documentation of Field Staff training certifications and technical skill management competencies including driving clearance.

Field Staff Supervision & Performance

• Supervise FTE Field Staff in coordination with Program Directors and Managers.
• Oversee staff performance and professional development identify coaching and training needs.
• Communicate with staff about performance promotions and exits.

Seasonal Staffing (Ely Summer Focus)

• Manage Ely Summer staffing board and scheduling; ensure balance of skills experience and representation.
• Facilitates a process to assess staff interest/availability and culminates in offering work agreements to returning staff.
• Maintains knowledge of field staff performance by conducting field staff evaluations participating in pairing/de-pairing meetings and gathering assessments from supervisors.
• Coordinate staff housing assignments and maintain a supportive inclusive community presence.
• Oversee professional development for Ely Summer staff.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Recruits interviews and onboards Ely Summer field staff.
• Work with HR to manage documentation job descriptions and visa processes.
• Provide screening rubrics and guidance to HRM to assist in prescreening and interview processes.
• Maintain accurate and timely communication with candidates and returning staff.

Community & Site Leadership

• Participate as a core member of the Ely Summer Management Team; on-call during peak season.
• Support site-wide leadership needs including acting as Site Manager when required.
• Visit field courses to observe staff and provide feedback.
• Coordinate and participate in community meetings staff recognition events and training seasons.
• Support the Ely Winter Program (administration and field staff) from December - March.

HR Collaboration & Compliance

• Manage time entry processes for field staff approve field staff timesheets/enter payroll information as needed to support payroll processes.
• Work closely with the HRM in areas of performance management regulatory compliance and employee lifecycle to ensure best practices and consistent application of policy.
• Support and follow OBUSAs Record Retention Guidelines for field staff.

Safety Risk Management & Emergency Response

• Support implementation of the National Safety Standards.
• Support and follow VOBS Policies and Procedures as outlined in the Field Staff Manual.
• Participate in Emergency Response Plan (ERP) training and fulfill assigned roles.
• Activation of VOBS ERP may require staff to work extended hours during the incident sometimes in difficult or uncomfortable environments and occassionally under emotional duress.
• Support safety management by reporting concerns to HR or the Director of Programs & Safety.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Personnel and Human Resources strong understanding of recruitment hiring performance management and employee lifecycle.
• Psychology understanding human behavior and performance applicable to employee experience coaching and support.
• Customer and Personal Service essential for serving staff holistically and supporting positive staff experiences.
• Oral and Written Expression necessary for communicating policies coaching staff and developing documentation.
• Problem Sensitivity identifying when processes or relationships need adjustment to maintain or improve staff experience.
• Deductive Reasoning useful when creating policies resolving performance issues and standardizing procedures.
• Fluency of Ideas beneficial when designing new staffing structures or solving for gaps in the staffing pipeline.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Innovate for success by identifying and developing solutions often with limited resources.
• Collaboration & Teamwork Follow leadership guidance support priorities share feedback and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Administration and Management knowledge of principles involved in staffing structure development process standardization and coordination with HR and leadership; Google Suite proficiency.

SKILLS

• Active Listening critical for staff relationship management feedback processes and coaching conversations.
• Judgment and Decision Making applies to staffing assignments hiring/re-hiring practices and participation in leadership decisions.
• Critical Thinking needed for process development and organizational change management.
• Coordination collaborating across departments (HR programs leadership) and aligning field staffing efforts.
• Social Perceptiveness understanding and responding to employee needs and concerns.
• Prioritization & Time ManagementEffective scheduling prioritization and deadline-driven work that aligns with goals.
• Project Managementscope service and complete projects from start to finish on time.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 3 years experience in outdoor/experiential education youth development or similar educational field.
• Possess the following certifications: Water Safety or Swift Water Rescue Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR or able to obtain upon hire.
• Maintains a motor vehicle record within OBUSA policies and procedures; ability to drive a 15-passenger vehicle with trailer in all seasons.
• Demonstrated technical skills in several VOBS program environments which include canoeing rock climbing multi-day backpacking ropes courses kayaking and dogsledding/winter camping.
• Ability to live at the Homeplace basecamp during the summer season.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Ability to work a non-standard flexible schedule as training and program schedule demands including weekends and rotation of on-call responsibilities.
• Ability to travel to all VOBS program locations as needed.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Events may have excessive noise and /or require working in close proximity to others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds regularly and up to 70 pounds occasionally.
• Capability to sit or stand at a desk or computer for prolonged periods 60% or more of the time.
• Must be able to participate in all site and course activities and maintain ample energy strength and focus to aid students and instructors with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to go into the field as needed particularly during an incident if needed.
• Mental resilience sufficient to endure occasional physically and/or emotionally difficult situations including but not limited to: working with staff students or parents in emotionally charged circumstances.
• Ability to perform activities such as lifting crawling bending carrying and pulling with or without reasonable accommodations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time salaried exempt position. Salary range of $41000 - $53560.

This role has a pathway for advancement from Manager to Associate Program Director to Director with increasing compensation based on demonstrated skills and abilities.

Rustic on-site housing. This housing reflects the remote outdoor nature of our program environment and is simple in design. Accommodations may be shared with one or more staff members and housing assignments could shift seasonally based on operational needs. Facilities typically include access to a shared bathhouse and communal kitchen. Running water is not available in any of the staff housing. When living on base iit is expected you abide by our Community Standards and Guidelines (available upon request).

VOBS offers a competitive benefits package including employer sponsored health insurance a dental and vision plan GTL STD LTD ADD and a 403(b) retirement plan with 2% match. Paid time off including vacation sick holidays as well as access to an Employee Assistance Program and pro-deals.

In the interest of transparency and pay equity across our team a candidate with the minimum experience can expect to be offered in the lower half of the range.