NOLS is a leading educational institution that provides outdoor leadership and wilderness education to students across the globe. Our mission is to create confident and competent leaders who can navigate complex environments and make positive contributions to society. As a Talent Development Specialist, you will be an integral part of our Field Faculty Development team, responsible for managing the recruitment of field faculty and managing the NOLS US-based Instructor-In-Training (IIT) program.

We are seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to join our expeditions Talent Development team as a Talent Development Specialist. In this role, you will manage all aspects of our US-based Instructor-In-Training program, ensuring development and training align with NOLS standards for field faculty. You will work closely with our talent development team and across departments to develop and execute logistics for recruitment and training.

If you are an organized and strategic thinker with a passion for equity and inclusion, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team and make a positive impact on our organization and the world.

Key Logistical Information:

• Full-time for 9 months, flexible. With option for field time for the rest of the year.

• Location: Remote (Lander, WY for April and May)

• Benefits: This position is eligible for Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending account, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time off, 403(b), 403(b) contribution, and more.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does a Talent Development Specialist do?

You will be involved in the following activities:

• Coordinate logistics and program progression for the NOLS IIT program.

• Provide mentoring and coaching to participants in the IIT program regarding support, performance, and career development. 

• Hire and supervise paid mentors for IITs

• Coordinate with the Field Staffing Office seasonal plan writer to allocate and assign appropriate expedition opportunities to provide a quality IIT experience. 

• Represent NOLS and engage with recruiting at outside events like Color the Crag, AORE, LGBTQ Outdoor Summit, etc.

• Provide input to the Field Faculty Development Department, Education Department, and Field Staffing Office on how best to actionably implement NOLS equity and inclusion goals.

• Provide leadership and active recruitment strategy development to the Instructor Course (IC) recruitment process, 

• Facilitate conversations in NOLS location programs including IC briefings, IIT briefings, and post-IC student interviews. 

• Support the IC student selection process when needed.

What makes a great Talent Development Specialist at NOLS? 

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. We are looking for candidates with the skills listed below. We expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• Professional experience that demonstrates commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; 

• Mentorship and coaching skills; 

• Vision and communication, ability to promote positive cultural and organizational change; 

• Efficiency in tasks (and multi-tasking); 

• Flexibility; 

• Attention to detail; 

• Experience with or the ability to learn methods of working with spreadsheet data and tools.

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• Interview and select the 2024 IIT cohort

• Organize logistics and prepare curriculum progression for IIT program

• Facilitate a 15-week in-person IIT program based in Lander WY

• Support IIT cohort through mentorship and coaching throughout the summer 

Who are we and what can we offer you?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help people step forward boldly as a leader.

We believe that anyone can be a leader; it is our role to provide the environment and training to help people discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and in remote wilderness areas around the world. We are an organization with heart, expertise, and wildness, and these qualities help us support powerful, authentic experiences.

NOLS really is a great place to work:

• We have locations in seven U.S. states, and six countries; and courses in all 50 U.S. states and over 10 countries.

• We have fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands

• We offer discounts on NOLS Courses for you and your family

• All employees can benefit of free Outdoor Equipment "Rental" at our various locations

• Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits package. 

• Wellness Time: Accrued leave that may be used for many HR-approved reasons throughout the season.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access to counselors that are available 24/7 to assist employees with work-life balance concerns.

Next steps

All you need to do is start the process by clicking on the yellow button on the top right.

You’ll answer some questions that are related to your day-to-day job. After the job closes, your answers will go through our sift process: all answers will be anonymized, randomized and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. If you are shortlisted, we’ll invite you to the next step, which includes an interview. 

Additional Information

NOLS can currently employ remote employees who have legal working rights in the United States, we can support remote employees in the following states/provinces: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.

Pre-Employment Check

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

• NOLS participates in E-verify for U.S. employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.

• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with human resources and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Reasonable Accommodation

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe, and learning environment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.