Durango Nordic Ski Club Seeks Executive Director

Fasterskier; Durango (CO); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

SIMPLE IRA match

Paid Time Off

Durango Nordic and Purgatory Resortski

Job summary

Durango Nordic Ski Club is seeking an Executive Director to guide strategy and daily operations from a hybrid-based office in or near Durango, CO. The role collaborates with a dedicated Board to supervise staff, cultivate donors, and steward finances while advancing the club’s mission across Nordic skiing and outdoor recreation.

Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of leadership in nonprofits, with demonstrated donor cultivation, strategic planning, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Nonprofit Leadership, or equivalent experience.
• At least five years of leadership and management experience, ideally in nonprofits.
• Experience building and nurturing donor relationships and leading fundraising efforts.
• Proficient project management skills from planning to execution.
• Strong communication and financial management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct DNSC’s operations and programs, sustaining and growing existing programs.
• Lead fundraising initiatives and develop revenue streams to support DNSC’s mission.
• Oversee staff, volunteers, and contractors; coach and conduct annual reviews.
• Manage budgets and financial reporting; ensure fiscal integrity.
• Build partnerships and engage the community to raise DNSC’s profile.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Communication

Strategic thinking

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

QuickBooks

CRM systems

e‑commerce platforms

Job description

Durango Nordic Ski Club Is Searching for Its Next Trailblazing Leader

Durango Nordic Ski Club islooking for an Executive Director who can glide between big-picture strategy and daily operations with ease. This role leads the strategic direction of the organization alongside a committed and involved Board of Directors. Key responsibilities include supervising staff, fundraising, financial management, and building strong community connections — all in service of fulfilling our organization’s mission. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

The position is three-quarter time: approximately full-time from mid-October through mid-April, and half-time from mid-April through mid-October with the potential to transition to full-time depending on resources and strategic priorities. This is a hybrid position based in or near Durango, CO. In the winter, the Executive Director will need to travel frequently to the Durango Nordic Center for events, races, programs, and meetings. The schedule is flexible with some weekend and evening work required.

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Who We Are

The Durango Nordic Ski Club is a 501(c) organization that provides opportunities for Nordic skiing and other human-powered outdoor recreation to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in Southwest Colorado while serving as a steward of our home in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. We operate a full-service Nordic Center 30 miles north of Durango, Colorado, with 25 km of groomed cross-country trails and 8 km of snowshoeing trails as well as lessons, rentals, clinics, and events. We also offer programs for youth and adults, from beginners to elite racers.

Job Responsibilities and Objectives

Organization Mission and Strategy

• Work with the board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community outreach.
• Direct DNSC’s operations and programs, sustaining and growing existing programs while identifying new opportunities to serve as a valuable community outdoor recreation hub
• Foster a positive culture and welcoming sense of community environment among the board, staff, donors, volunteers, key stakeholders, and visitors to the Durango Nordic Center.
• Be responsible for
• Implementation of DNSC’s programs to fulfill our mission.
• strategic planning and periodic review to ensure that DNSC can successfully fulfill its mission into the future.
• enhancement of DNSC’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with key stakeholders.

Board Engagement

• Responsible for leading DNSC in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board.
• Communicate effectively with the Board and provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to make informed decisions.
• Plan Board and committee meetings, working closely with the Board President to ensure effective governance and strategic alignment.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Fundraising and Financial Management

• Undertake fundraising and develop other avenues for revenue necessary to support DNSC’s mission.
• Manage existing sponsorship programs, including renewals, and partner recognition and appreciation.
• Identify and develop new sponsorship opportunities that complement existing programs and support long-term strategy and growth.
• Research and prepare grants to support the club’s ongoing needs and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain the fiscal integrity of DNSC; submit a proposed annual budget to the Board, which accurately reflects the financial condition of the organization.
• Operate within the approved budget by making prudent and sound financial decisions, and maintain the organization’s positive financial position.

Operations

• Foster a positive culture and sense of community among the board, staff, volunteers, key stakeholders, and visitors to the Durango Nordic Center.
• Oversee and allocate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are in line with the mission.
• Supervise employees, including, goal setting, coaching, and annual reviews.
• Hire and retain qualified staff, coaches, and instructors and cultivate volunteers.
• Sign all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.
• Develop administrative policies and procedures as needed,
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations required for non-profits

Communications

• Oversee the Marketing & Outreach Coordinator to develop and execute marketing strategy, including media outreach/press releases, social media, newsletters, and partnerships with regional media outlets.
• Prepare the club’s annual report.
• Serve as DNSC’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s stakeholders, the media, and the general public.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary of $58,000 – $64,000 annually
• SIMPLE IRA match
• Paid Time Off
• Durango Nordic and Purgatory Resort ski passes

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Nonprofit Leadership, or equivalent experience.
• Passion for Nordic skiing and outdoor recreation more broadly.
• At least five years of leadership and management experience, ideally within nonprofits or program-driven organizations.
• Experience building and nurturing donor relationships, with the ability to shape fundraising strategy and lead annual fundraising efforts.
• Proficient project management skills — from planning and delegating to program development and getting things across the finish line.
• Mission-driven, self-directed, and energized by curiosity, integrity, and creative problem-solving.
• Excellent communicator, both in writing and in building relationships across diverse groups.
• Confident with financial management, including creating and managing budgets.
• Comfortable with (or willing to learn) tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, QuickBooks, CRM and e-commerce systems, and social media platforms.
• Willingness and ability to travel during the winter season.