Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Seeks Cross-Country Program Director

FasterSkierMarch 31, 2022
SVSEF athletes, 2021. (photo: courtesy SVSEF)

Reports to

Executive Director

Supervises

Head and Assistant Coaches

Department

Athletics – Cross Country
Founded in 1972, the SVSEF Cross Country Program has consistently been recognized as one of the best in the country; most recently as the 2021 USSA Cross Country Club of the Year, and in 2022, the Junior Girls brought home their third consecutive National Championship team title. From the youngest Devo kids to elite athletes at the Comp Team, Post-Grad and professional level, our program is 250 athletes strong and steeped in Nordic traditions driven by a strong sense of family, community, competition, and camaraderie. The SVSEF Cross Country Program Director is based full-time in the thriving community of Sun Valley, Idaho, where hundreds of kilometers of world-class trails serve as the primary training grounds for our cross country athletes of all ages and levels. The position requires strong program-wide leadership and management skills to perpetuate team spirit and unity across staff and athletes. The role also requires integral management of the day-to-day function of the cross country program. Our current Cross Country Program Director, Rick Kapala, will be assuming a new role with SVSEF as the Director of Sport Development. In this new role, Kapala will lead with a broader strategic lens for SVSEF, alongside event management and fundraising for the cross country community. Please see job description for further details and responsibilities.

General Responsibilities:

  • To provide service to the SVSEF membership and support the vision and mission of SVSEF by performing all job responsibilities to the highest professional standard, while supporting SVSEF’s core values.
  • To strive daily to improve SVSEF and its cross country programs by providing timely and constructive input to the SVSEF management team and fellow employees in the development and implementation of the annual operational plan.
  • To accept and adhere to each of the policies, rules, and requirements as outlined in the SVSEF Employee Handbook.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Current coaches’ certification by a National governing body. (United States Ski and Snowboard Association or similar).
  • Excellent supervisory and managerial skills.
  • Exceptional organizational skills.
  • Exceptional communication skills; verbal and written.
  • Superior work ethic.
  • Comprehensive understanding of sport technique and tactics.
  • Comprehensive understanding of equipment and preparation.
  • Competence in computer software including Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet and computer-based video analysis.
  • Proven leadership skills.

Additional Desirable Experience:

  • Competitive sports background.
  • Advanced sport specific education.
  • National, International, or otherwise appropriate coaching experience.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist SVSEF in achieving the vision and mission of the organization by providing leadership to the organization as a member of the SVSEF Management Team.
  • Recruit, train and retain world-class coaching staff with appropriate qualifications and skills for each level of programming.
  • Develop an athletic program that supports each participant in achieving their personal and athletic potential.
  • Promote the cross country program throughout the community while developing and implementing dovetailed and comprehensive programming from development through elite levels.
  • Create an environment of team spirit and unity that is mutually beneficial for staff and athletes.
  • Treat each staff member, athlete, and parent with fairness, consistency, and compassion.
  • Develop an open line of communication with Management Team, parents, and supporting staff.
  • Assist in the development of annual training and competition plans throughout the sport pipeline with the appropriate head coaches.
  • Support the planning, organization, and implementation of summer training camps appropriate for each level of athlete in the program.
  • Provide leadership to all sport constituents by communicating the SVSEF mission, vision, values, and goals throughout the community.
  • Develop educational programs for the community of cross country coaches, athletes, and parents.
  • Develop an event hosting strategy for bidding on, calendaring, and executing well-run competitive events.
  • Conduct annual program orientations for coaches, athletes and parents.
  • Create internal systems to supply participant rosters for programs, competitions, and camps in cooperation with administrative team.
  • Participate in appropriate Divisional, Regional, and National sport committees and meetings.
  • Schedule and conduct regular staff meetings to communicate organizational goals and SVSEF Management Team directives to cross country leadership staff.
  • Oversee and monitor staff activities to ensure compliance with SVSEF goals and standards and consistency with annual operational plan.
  • Prepare and deliver written and verbal staff evaluations for direct reports.
  • With direction from the Executive Director and Business Manager, create and manage the program’s annual budget.
  • With input from the Head and Assistant coaching staff, prepare annual goals and initiatives, and compare program performance against goals to evaluate effectiveness of the annual plan.
  • Facilitate communications and maintain contract requirements with BCRD, BLM, and relevant partner organizations.
  • Create systems to manage the cross country van fleet, its maintenance, and safe operations.
  • Create systems to properly maintain the Lake Creek Training Hut, and its surrounding outbuildings.
  • Support in the planning, management, and execution of SVSEF cross country events.

Physical Requirements
Requires a considerable amount of physical exertion coupled with periods of time that require sitting at a computer. Position requires on-hill and other outdoor activities that necessitate exposure to seasonal elements including snow, sun, wind, and extreme cold. May require lifting up to 50 lbs. Must attend SVSEF fundraising events, social events, and other functions when requested, and interface with sponsors, donors, coaches, athletes, parents, and media.


Applications Open

April 1, 2022

Applications Close

May 1, 2022

Position Start Date

July 1, 2022

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to info@svsef.org

SVSEF athletes, 2021. (photo: courtesy SVSEF)

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