School Overview

Inspire. Innovate. Belong.

At Dawson, we believe that exceptional education is built on the strength, expertise, and dedication of our faculty. We seek committed, creative, and engaged educators who embrace collaboration, maintain high expectations for themselves and their students, and foster meaningful relationships with colleagues and families.

As a student-centered, college-preparatory school for grades K-12, Dawson provides a dynamic environment where faculty are empowered to innovate, personalize learning, and inspire students to reach their full potential. Our faculty are not just teachers but mentors and lifelong learners who bring curiosity, empathy, and professionalism to every interaction. They engage in ongoing professional development, apply best practices in education, and contribute to a school culture that values belonging, inquiry, and growth.

Dawson Mission Statement

Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world.

Why Join Dawson?

• Innovative Teaching Environment: We foster creativity through hands-on learning and encourage the integration of technology to enhance student experiences.

• Professional Growth: We invest in our educators through workshops, conferences, and collaborative learning opportunities.

• Community Engagement: Become part of a supportive, relationship-driven environment. 

• Work-Life Balance: We prioritize well-being with reasonable class sizes and a collaborative culture.

At Dawson, you will...

• Shape the region’s strongest college-preparatory program through academic excellence and experiential learning.

• Collaborate with talented colleagues in a supportive and respectful environment.

• Engage in meaningful professional development to refine your craft and advance your career.

• Challenge and support students in a learning community that values curiosity, resilience, and purpose.

• Be part of a school that recognizes and invests in the well-being of its educators through competitive compensation and benefits, along with a culture that nurtures both personal and professional fulfillment.

What You’ll Love About Us

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer contribution.

• Healthcare: medical, dental, and vision plans with HSA/FSA options, plus free telehealth services.

• Wellness: access to an employee assistance program, on-site gym, outdoor swimming pool, and certified athletic trainer. Enjoy free, chef-prepared lunches and a walkable, secure campus.

• Life Insurance and Voluntary Benefits: group life insurance with additional voluntary coverage options.

• Time-off: flexible sick time and paid time off.

• Career and Personal Development: support and encouragement for continuous learning and growth, ensuring faculty and staff remain knowledgeable, skilled, and effective in their roles.

• Sustainability: free parking with access to EV charging stations and ECO Pass for RTD.

• Strong Faculty/Staff  Culture and Sense of Belonging: welcoming, positive, supportive, and engaged colleagues.

Position Overview

Dawson School is seeking a passionate and experienced Director of Experiential Education to join our dynamic team. This is an exempt, 12-month, year-round position.

The Director of Experiential Education (ExEd) provides strategic leadership and K-12 coordination for all experiential education initiatives, the school's Challenge Course, and other school programs. The Director is responsible for developing a comprehensive, competency-based K-12 curriculum for ExEd programming. This individual is instrumental in fostering faculty growth, designing professional development, and integrating experiential learning opportunities across all grade levels and divisions to enhance student learning and engagement. The Director is a member of the school's Leadership Team and the Committee for Teaching and Learning (CTL).

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Coordination

• Direct and coordinate the K-12 Winterim Program, managing all logistical and curricular aspects.

• Direct and coordinate all K-12 Outdoor Education programs, including class trips and overnight excursions.

• Oversee the operation, safety, and programming of the school's Challenge Course.

• In collaboration with the Committee for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Division Directors, and the Head of School, design and coordinate the annual beginning-of-year Faculty Retreat.

• Design and lead an annual overnight Student Council leadership trip during the summer.

Curriculum & Program Development

• Design, build out, and implement a comprehensive, vertically-aligned K-12 scope and sequence for Experiential Education.

• Develop a robust, K-12 Competency-Based Learning (CBL) curriculum and assessment model for all ExEd programs.

• Coordinate and design a school-wide "Presentation of Learning" event to showcase Winterim student work and competencies (April 2027).

• Manage logistics such as equipment packing and repair, food planning and packing, trip administration, medical and emotional oversight, and parent communication.

• Design and implement annual, grade-level class retreats.

• Actively seek and build out new Experiential Education opportunities, both within the classroom and across grade levels.

Faculty Development & Collaboration

• Develop faculty skills within the context of experiential education by providing clear feedback, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship.

• Design and deliver professional development opportunities for faculty with an ExEd focus.

• Foster and facilitate department team collaboration for interdisciplinary and interdivisional curriculum development.

• Collaborate one-on-one with classroom teachers to co-design and integrate experiential learning methodologies into their existing curriculum.

Administrative, Budget, and Staff Management

• Oversee and approve risk management policies and procedures.

• Participate in regular scenarios to test and improve reactions in emergencies.

• Work productively with parents, administrators, and colleagues when student academic or behavioral concerns arise.

• Lead full-faculty, divisional, and departmental meetings, as well as other meetings as needed.

• Arrange permits for class trips.

• Make recommendations regarding equipment needs, staff training, and purchase equipment as authorized.

• Manage data reporting for the trip database, leader progress, and certification status.

• Stay abreast of current industry best practices, assessments, and implementation of trends

• Budgetary Oversight: Preparing and managing the experiential education budgets.

• Hire, train, and supervise the part-time Challenge Course manager.

• Assume additional duties as deemed by the Head of School.

Working Conditions

The position requires the ability to stand, walk, stoop, climb, reach, bend, lift, carry, and move equipment and supplies, as well as perform routine inspections and minor maintenance. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position safely, with or without reasonable accommodation..

In addition, the position requires:

• Ability to work effectively in an environment with multiple distractions, changing priorities, and occasional interruptions.

• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors and in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on faculty team-building activities, student programming, and school events. Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours may be required.

• Ability to work beyond the regularly scheduled week when necessary to support activities or operational needs.

• Ability to respond calmly, appropriately, and effectively in emergency and high-stress situations.

• Ability to follow established safety procedures, recognize potential hazards, and take appropriate action to protect the safety of students, faculty, staff, and other participants.

• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, school leadership, and other members of the Dawson community.

Professional  Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Education, Recreation Management, Experiential Education, Education, or a related field from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.

• At least three years of experience in outdoor education, experiential learning, team-building programs, or a related field, including multi-day wilderness trip leadership experience. Experience in a school or youth-serving environment is preferred.

• Demonstrated leadership experience, including the ability to lead, support, and develop staff.

• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to inspire, manage, and develop staff; coordinate collaborative projects; build strong relationships; and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Current CPR/AED and Wilderness First Responder certifications.

• Valid Colorado driver’s license and ability to meet Dawson School’s requirements for operating school vehicles.

• Ability to complete all required school, safety, and compliance training and maintain required certifications throughout employment.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and school leadership.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated commitment to safety, risk management, and responsible decision-making, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Strong problem-solving and crisis management skills, with sound judgment and the ability to remain calm and respond effectively to emergencies and unexpected situations

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, protecting student privacy, and exercising professionalism in all aspects of the role.

• Demonstrated flexibility, accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming school community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing, coordinating, or facilitating team-building and experiential learning programs for faculty and staff.

• Experience working with K–12 students or in a school, camp, outdoor education, or other youth-serving environment.

• Experience coordinating programs, tracking and maintaining equipment, documenting maintenance, and managing safety records.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

Job Opening: October 26, 2026

Salary range: $70,000 - $94,000

Employment Status: Full-time, Year-Round, Exempt

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through the Dawson School website at www.dawsonschool.org.

1. Click on ABOUT at the top of the homepage.

2. Select Careers.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the page under Our Current Job Openings and select the Director of Experiential Education posting.

Please note that only online applications will be accepted.  No phone calls, please.

Dawson School Diversity Statement

Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.

Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues - respect, compassion, courage, and integrity – into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions.

Applicant Acknowledgment and Certification

By submitting my application, I acknowledge and certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the employer to verify any information it deems relevant to my employment application, including my employment history, educational background, credit history, and record of criminal convictions.

I understand that my former employers, educational institutions, and personal references may release information about me in response to inquiries from the employer. I further understand that any offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory reference checks and the successful completion of a criminal history check.

I acknowledge that providing false, misleading, or incomplete information, or omitting material facts in my application or during the interview process, may result in denial of employment or termination if already employed.

I also understand that I must provide unexpired documentation establishing my legal authorization to work in the United States within three business days of my employment start date.

If employed, I understand that my employment will be on an at-will basis, meaning it is not guaranteed for any specific duration and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.

The School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal consideration to all applicants and employees based solely on job-related qualifications, in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.