Executive Director

Common Ground Outdoor Adventures; Logan (UT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Common Ground Outdoor Adventures is looking for a dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization in Logan, Utah. This individual will provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership to empower individuals with disabilities through outdoor recreation.

The role demands an inspiring leader, capable of raising funds, managing programs, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates should have 5-7 years of leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit or adaptive sports sectors.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience required.
• Proven success in fundraising and financial management.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and direction for all programs and operations.
• Lead fundraising efforts and build community partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Communication

Organizational Management

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Common Ground Outdoor Adventures (CGOA) is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead one of Utah’s premier adaptive outdoor recreation organizations. Serving 3,000 individuals with disabilities annually through 400 activities, the organization operates out of Logan, Utah with a second facility slope-side at Beaver Mountain Ski Area. The Executive Director will provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership to advance the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through outdoor recreation. This role requires a leader capable of inspiring staff, engaging stakeholders, raising ~$550,000 annually through grants, donations, and an annual special event, and ensuring program excellence, sustainability, and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Provide overall leadership, vision, and direction for all programs and operations.
• Partner with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement strategic plans.
• Ensure alignment of programs with mission, values, and long-term organizational goals fostering a culture of inclusion, safety, and excellence.

Fundraising & External Relations

• Serve as the primary ambassador for the organization.
• Lead fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, grants, and special events. Responsible for raising ~$550,000 annually.
• Build partnerships with community organizations, agencies, and stakeholders.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage organizational budgets.
• Ensure financial sustainability through diversified revenue streams.
• Oversee fiscal accountability, reporting, and compliance.

Administration & Governance

• Maintain strong relationships with the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and risk management standards.
• Oversee organizational policies, procedures, and operational systems.
• Maintain relationships with land use agencies and key partners.

Program Oversight

• Oversee all adaptive sports and recreational programming.
• Ensure high-quality program delivery, safety standards, and continuous improvement.
• Support program innovation and expansion to meet community needs.
• Monitor program outcomes and impact.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate senior leadership and program staff.
• Promote professional development and strong internal communication.
• Build a high-performing, mission-driven organizational culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience, including staff supervision, fundraising, and organizational management.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and financial management.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, development, donor relations, outdoor recreation, adaptive sports, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of disability services and adaptive programming preferred.
• Experience with risk management and safety protocols in outdoor recreation environments.