Athletic Director

Organization: Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF)

Location: Kirkwood Mountain Resort (On-Site; Not Remote or Hybrid)

Seasonal Employment Period: September 1 – May 28 (Salaried, Seasonal)

Salary Range: $55,000 – $60,000 DOE

Reports To: Executive Director

Works In Unison With: Program Administrator  (for operational and scheduling tasks)

Travel Requirement: Up to 50%

Direct Reports: Up to 14 Coaching Staff Members

Organization Overview: The Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF) is a certified California 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fostering athletic excellence, character development, and a lifelong love of skiing and snowboarding. Located at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, KSEF provides a dynamic and collaborative environment, working closely with athletes, families, community partners, and stakeholders.

Position Summary: As the Athletic Director for the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF), you will lead our on-mountain program, ensuring our athletes receive top-tier training and race preparation. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Program Administrator, you will oversee on-mountain operations, coach scheduling, and safety compliance. You will also collaborate with Kirkwood Mountain Resort leadership teams (General Manager, Mountain Manager, and Safety) to uphold Vail Resorts standards. This role demands strong leadership, high-level decision-making, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards for athlete development and coaching excellence.

Key Responsibilities

On-Mountain Leadership & Operations

• Oversee all on-mountain activities, including course setting, daily training logistics, and event coordination.

• Ensure on-mountain safety protocols are observed in compliance with Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Vail Resorts regulations.

• Maintain close collaboration with the Resort’s General Manager, Mountain Manager, and • Safety teams for seamless integration of KSEF programs.

Coaching Staff Oversight

• Directly supervise a team of up to 14 coaches, providing guidance, support, and professional development.

• Establish a data-driven standardized training program that reflects USSS and USASA best practices.

• Monitor and ensure that all coaches maintain up-to-date certifications, encouraging continual skill advancement.

• Foster a positive, inclusive environment where coaches feel heard, supported, and motivated to deliver top-quality instruction.

Scheduling & Coordination

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Program Administrator to schedule all on-mountain training, coach assignments, and event staffing.

• Coordinate coach travel for competitions and away events, ensuring adequate coverage on-mountain and off-site.

• Maintain close alignment with the Program Administrator (and/or Executive Director) on operational plans, event calendars, and training schedules.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Champion USSS and USASA safety standards at all times, verifying that training setups, course designs, and athlete-to-coach ratios meet guidelines.

• Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments, implementing corrective measures as needed.

• Document and report any incidents promptly, following established KSEF and resort protocols.

Program Quality & Athlete Development

• Serve as the primary on-mountain leader, ensuring athletes receive the best coaching, skill progression, and race readiness.

• Work with coaches to evaluate athlete performance data, adjusting training regimens for optimal results.

• Uphold and enhance KSEF’s reputation for competitive excellence and athlete well-being.

Staff Development & Engagement

• Conduct regular coach meetings to gather feedback, share updates, and cultivate a collaborative team culture.

• Encourage professional growth through mentorship, skill workshops, and certification opportunities.

• Recognize and address individual and team challenges, fostering a supportive environment where coaches can thrive.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Executive Director to align on overall program objectives, budgeting, and strategic planning.

• Partner with the Program Administrator to track program metrics, coach performance, and ongoing operational needs.

• Serve as an ambassador for KSEF’s mission, engaging with athletes, parents, and community partners to promote a positive, inclusive sports culture.

Qualifications

Minimum Certification Requirement

• USSS Level 300 or an equivalent certification from an internationally recognized race community body of equal merit.

Experience & Education

• Demonstrated experience in athletic program management, preferably within competitive skiing or snowboard programs.

• Prior leadership role overseeing coaching teams and on-mountain operations.

• Familiarity with USSS and USASA rules, standards, and safety guidelines.

Compliance & Safety Focus

• Commitment to Vail Resorts and Kirkwood Mountain Resort safety standards.

• Track record of risk assessment and incident reporting, with attention to detail and transparency.

Other Requirements

• Full on-site presence at Kirkwood Mountain Resort during the operational season (September 1 – May 28); travel up to 50% for events and competitions.

• Salaried (Seasonal) position; availability for extended or weekend hours in line with competition schedules.

• Passion for athlete development, winter sports, and maintaining the highest standards of coaching excellence.

Why Join KSEF as an Athletic Director?

Lead Our On-Mountain Program: Direct and shape the curriculum, daily training, and overall racing experience for aspiring athletes.

Design and implement KSEF’s LTAD, including Design and Development of the Athlete Dossier/Binder.

Collaboration & Impact: Work alongside a dedicated leadership team—the Executive Director, Program Administrator, and resort partners—to support the growth of KSEF.

Professional Development: Hone your leadership and coaching oversight skills in a supportive, high-energy environment.

Competitive Edge: Contribute to a tradition of excellence, helping athletes and coaches achieve personal and competitive milestones.

Application Details

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience and your interest in joining KSEF to Board@kirkwoodskiteam.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Application Review: Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for employees, volunteers, and the community. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.