AESOP Assistant Coordinator Position Description

Position Purpose

The position of Assistant AESOP Coordinator supports the planning, organization and execution of the Annual Entering Student Orientation Program (AESOP) under the guidance of the Head AESOP Coordinators. As part of first year orientation events, Coordinators work in partnership with the Office of Campus Life & First Year Experience to introduce first years to outdoor, campus and community opportunities in and throughout Maine with a focus on building relationships amongst Bates students and helping students establish a sense of place. We strive to support new students in their transitions to Bates, foster connection between first year students, and support connection to upperclass students.

Assistant Coordinators are hired at the end of the first semester of their sophomore year and remain Assistant Coordinators until the completion of AESOP before their junior year. Following the completion of their first AESOP cycle, they then assume the roles of Head AESOP Coordinators. The Assistant Coordinators are hired to bring new insight to the program, working collaboratively with the Head AESOP Coordinators to implement improvements. All Coordinators work collaboratively in all facets of AESOP, with Head Coordinators taking a more managerial role.

Key Accountabilities

Administrative

  • Meet with the Assistant Director of Outdoor Education & Programs at least monthly
  • Meet with additional faculty, staff, and students when needed
  • Document the Assistant Coordinator yearly process for future AESOP Assistant Coordinators
  • Collaborate with the AESOP Coordinators to implement changes from previous years
  • Collaborate with the AESOP Coordinators to support and infuse equity and inclusion initiatives within the AESOP program
  • Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Outdoor Education and the AESOP Coordinators to implement risk management practices
  • Collaborate with the AESOP Coordinators to develop student leadership within AESOP, especially for AESOP Leaders
  • Manage all AESOP gear inclusive of gear maintenance and creating a gear management inventory for AESOP

Hiring

  • Assist the Head Coordinators in advertising for and hiring for AESOP Leaders
  • Assist the Head Coordinators in conducting and planning the interview process for AESOP Leaders

Leadership Training

  • Assist the Head Coordinators in designing inclusive Leadership Week sessions to support leaders from a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences
  • Assist the Head Coordinators in facilitating and planning Leadership Week inclusive of Wilderness First Aid, Green Dot, Title IX, and Inclusivity trainings among others
  • Train and teach necessary Campcraft and Wilderness Tripping skills such as tent set-up, Leave No Trace (LNT), hygiene, water purification, map reading and compass skills, camp kitchen, knots, and more to AESOP Leaders
  • Prepare AESOP Leaders for group dynamics through ice breakers, field scenarios, intergroup dynamic scenarios, and risk-management.
  • Educate AESOP Leaders on Bates Outdoor Program Policies & Emergency Response Plan

AESOP Trips – Planning and Implementation

  • Assist the Head Coordinators in planning all AESOP Trips
    • Book campsites, book group activities, and confirm and organize these bookings
    • Register and acquire permits for groups traveling in areas with special land use designations
    • Order and distribute the necessary food items to accommodate all students on the trips
    • Coordinate van transportation and associated paperwork  
    • Review previous trip itineraries and create new trip itineraries
    • Organize maps to the campsites and trip trails
    • Assign each trip to one AESOP coordinator and establish expectations for leader communication

Position Requirements

Skills & Knowledge:
– Strong judgement and awareness for interpersonal dynamics. 

– Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships with clientele such as students, staff, faculty and community partners. 

– Excellent communication (written, verbal & listening) skills.

– Ability to effectively engage with diverse personalities and manage difficult situations.

– Proficiency in basic data management systems and assessment practices (e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel, Power Point, WordPress [website], Google docs, email and calendaring.). 

– Demonstrated awareness of, sensitivity and commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse and inclusive community with diplomacy and tact.		Experience: 
– Experience working in student leadership in the following areas: club/organizations, outdoor education, athletics, intercultural education, residence life, ARC, etc.
Note: No prior outdoor skills or experience is required for this position Experience working in collaborative and dynamic environments.

– Experience balancing and shifting tasks and priorities. 

-Demonstrated interest in supporting students from underrepresented groups, including students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, first-generation-to-college students, LGBTQ+ identified individuals, and low-income students.