Career Center

The Outdoor Academy of the Southern Appalachians (OA), a unique academic, experiential, interdisciplinary, boarding semester program for primarily tenth- and eleventh-grade students, is seeking an experienced and innovative Director.

Our semester school, located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, opened in 1995 under the direction of the Eagle's Nest Foundation, a nonprofit chartered in 1950.  Arising from over 95 years of experiential learning at Eagle's Nest Camp and Hante Adventures, our college preparatory school focuses on community and leadership skill building in a wilderness setting as well as environmental and outdoor education, natural and cultural history, arts, and music of the Southern Appalachians.  In fulfillment of Eagle's Nest Foundation's mission, the OA community promotes personal responsibility, self-knowledge, the betterment of human character, and a deep connection to the natural world.

The Outdoor Academy accepts tenth-graders as well as select ninth-and eleventh-graders, from accredited schools, both public and private (over 300 schools have sent students).  Enrollment is based on the applicant's academic record, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to hard work.  We seek students who are highly motivated and committed to academic growth and excellence.  Our students desire a unique experience of living and learning in a community-centered environment within the rich natural world of the Southern Appalachians.  Each fall and spring semester lasts 17 weeks.  Since 1995, we have served over 1,000 students.  Maximum enrollment is currently 30 students per semester.

Reporting to the Eagle's Nest Foundation Executive Director, the OA Director will have day-to-day responsibility for the management, marketing, and finances of the school.  Position responsibilities include implementing the established experiential and integrated academic curriculum; recruiting students and feeder schools; fundraising; dynamically representing the school to the public and to the educational community; recruiting and developing faculty; developing the alumni network; and instructing, as time permits.  Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in secondary school administration and teaching, boarding environment supervision, experiential and outdoor education including risk management, community building and team playing, a visionary approach to "whole education", and an innovative spirit of service.  Job qualifications include a minimum of a MA or MS degree and ability to live on campus and lead outdoor programming.

Salary for this position is commensurate with experience and range will be shared before first interviews.  Benefits include housing and meals on campus, contributory health and dental insurance and retirement.  Applications are being accepted immediately with questionnaires and interviews to follow.  Position begins late June, 2023. Please contact:

Noni Waite-Kucera
Executive Director
oadsearch@enf.org

Please submit via email: Cover Letter, Resume, and Educational Philosophy Statement
For more information, please visit www.enf.org

Eagle’s Nest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on or tolerate harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, military status, veteran status or any other condition under applicable federal, state or local law.

About The Outdoor Academy

Eagle’s Nest Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, is home to Eagle’s Nest Camp (a residential, co-ed summer camp for children ages 6-17), Hante Adventures (an off-site adventure program for teens), and The Outdoor Academy (a residential semester school for high-performing 10th grade students). Our mission, “Experiential education for young people, promoting the natural world and the betterment of human character”, is fulfilled year-round through our programs, employees, volunteers, donors, and Board of Trustees. The Outdoor Academy is an accredited residential semester school for high achieving sophomores and select freshman and juniors. Focused on intellect, environment, community, and craft, OA delivers rigorous high school academics infused with experiential education in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our small community of students will also spend a quarter of their semester developing technical and wilderness leadership skills on backpacking, climbing, and paddling adventures all over the Southeast.

Connections working at The Outdoor Academy