Alzar School + Gap is an independent semester school that has been a leader in experiential education for high school-age students, with beautiful, inspiring permanent campuses in the mountains of Idaho and in Patagonia, Chile. Alzar’s robust experiential education program allows students to elevate their leadership through meaningful, multi-week expeditions, weekend and after-school activities, and intentional courses. Faculty and students are passionate, engaged, and united by a commitment to the school’s foundations.

Alzar is currently seeking a Student Wellness, Experience, and Leadership Coordinator (SWELC), whose primary goal is to ensure that each semester provides students with a meaningful, productive, and powerful experience.

The SWELC supports student growth and development across multiple departments, leading the school’s health and wellness program, responding to student conduct situations, and preparing gear and food for expeditions, activities, and courses. The SWELC reports directly to the Director of Experiential Education and Risk Management and collaborates regularly with the Director of Student Success, Equity, and Belonging. The SWELC will likely teach one or more academic course sections.

Additionally, the SWELC helps foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all members of the community. They serve in the “administrator on call” role, supporting program staff during designated after-hours and weekend shifts.

Alzar is fortunate to operate in some of the most spectacular environments, including (but not limited to) the Wild & Scenic Main Salmon River, Boise and Payette National Forests, Patagonia National Park, the Rio Baker, and more.

This position is based out of our campus in Cascade, Idaho, and includes extended periods of time working in Patagonia, Chile. The SWELC is provided with housing on campus in Idaho and shared housing while in Chile. They are expected to live and work in Chile during the times when students are abroad. Each year, this is approximately from October 24 to December 16 and January 27 to March 23 (about eight weeks per semester).

This is a twelve-month, full-time, exempt salaried position, beginning July 1, 2026. A two-year initial contract will be offered to the selected candidate.

Alzar School employees motivate, inspire, and educate students both in and out of the classroom. They are passionate educators who are excited to share their knowledge of content areas, enthusiasm for the outdoors, and curiosity for cultural learning. We invite applicants from a variety of backgrounds to apply, and firmly believe that a diverse team enriches our staff community and deepens our connection with students. Some applicants may have strengths in certain areas and less experience in others, such as academic, outdoor, residential, leadership, or cultural programming. We look forward to the opportunity to review your application.

Duties and Responsibilities

The SWELC is responsible for ensuring a positive experience for students across all aspects of Alzar School’s programming, including academic, residential, and expeditionary components. This role requires close collaboration with the Director of Experiential Education and Risk Management, Director of Studies and Faculty, Director of Student Success, Equity and Belonging, and other members of the staff to ensure students are well-supported throughout their time at Alzar School.

General Leadership of Students and Families

• Foster positive connections between students, faculty/staff, and families

• Conduct an annual review of the Student and Family Handbook to ensure clarity and alignment with the school’s mission

• Plan and coordinate student leadership opportunities and feedback processes

• Brief Leaders of the Week/Weekend and provide verbal and written feedback on student leadership

• Conduct a series of pre-semester orientation webinars to educate students and families on key school practices and policies

• Teach or co-teach an academic class section, as appropriate and needed

• Lead or co-lead activities, clinics, and expeditions based on skillset and school needs

• Live on campus and participate actively in the intentional living community, including responding to emergent situations while on duty

• Support the student and family experience in exceptional circumstances, as directed by the Head of School

Faculty, Staff, and Governance Leadership
The SWELC is a key leader among faculty and staff and plays an important role in maintaining a strong and supportive school culture.

• Perform regular shifts as “Administrator on Call” (AOC) for the semester program, gap program, short courses, CRE, and during school breaks, being reachable and responsive to emergent needs (approximately four work weeks and four weekends per semester, plus an additional two to three weeks during summer)

• Participate in weekly General Staff Meetings to coordinate support for students and celebrate community successes

• Assist in the recruiting, hiring, and training of faculty and staff in collaboration with the Director of Studies, Director of Student Success, Equity and Belonging, and Director of Experiential Education and Risk Management

• Contribute to the written evaluations of semester teachers and staff, including CEAs; communicate performance strengths and areas for growth during designated check-ins

The SWELC at Alzar School should be a highly qualified educator, skilled in both classroom and outdoor settings. The selected candidate should possess and/or demonstrate as many of the following experiences as possible:

1. Relevant undergraduate or graduate degree

2. Recent classroom teaching experience

3. Experience leading youth in the outdoors and/or on international travel programs

4. Personal experience with both domestic and international travel

5. Advanced technical outdoor leadership skills, with the ability to lead in the following activity areas:

   • Whitewater rafting (up to Class IV)

   • Whitewater kayaking (up to Class IV)

   • Backpacking (5–6 days in remote locations)

6. Technical ability to maintain and repair outdoor equipment

7. Conversational Spanish proficiency (strongly preferred)

8. Additional medical and/or mental health training or certifications

9. Proficiency with computer software and digital tools, including but not limited to:
   a. Google Suite (Drive, Gmail, Docs, Calendar, etc.)
   b. Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge and MySchoolApp platforms