As the regional governing body for cross country skiing in the U.S., New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) provides the support structure necessary to bring cross country skiers to their highest potential at regional, national and international events. NENSA seeks a dynamic Competitive Program Director to oversee our year round competitive programming. This role requires strong, inspired leadership and a collaborative spirit to galvanize and to work with our nordic community. This position will work closely with community stakeholders including relevant committees, venues, event organizers, clubs, sponsors, Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association (EISA), U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and the NENSA staff team. The Competitive Program Director will further NENSA’s athlete and coach development pipeline and philosophy by creating resources and implementing development projects. This position oversees NENSA’s race data including the seeding, scoring, and ranking of all competitive events and series. The Competitive Program Director is an empowered position requiring energy, vision, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in advancing NENSA’s competitive programs.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Establish NENSA as a central resource for our community and a national leader in coach, athlete, and club development
- Develop and promote NENSA’s Athlete and Coaches Development pipeline, philosophy, and programs through resources and collaborative programming
- Provide leadership, education, instruction and guidance to coaches, event organizers, parents, athletes, and others
- Manage all aspects of NENSA’s competitive programs and events including the Eastern Cup Race Series (including coordinating with other organizing bodies such as EISA or U.S. Ski & Snowboard for combined Carnivals or SuperTours), Rollerski Series, and Zak/Marathon series. In collaboration with NENSA’s Youth & Introductory Program Director, provide oversight of U16 and Eastern High School Championships.
- Produce and manage a bid process for regional competitive events and series
- Work with relevant committees and organizations to develop seasonal calendars
- Work closely with local organizing committees to plan, promote, and support events
- Run or assist with registration pages and ensure good data collection and license validations
- Track and manage all competitive program and event data and race data (seeding, scoring, and ranking) and ensure compliance with USSS and FIS rules & policy
- Organize and lead the New England Junior National Team including athlete selection, selection and oversight of staff, and trip logistics, communication, and leadership.
- Organize and oversee coaches education and development:
- Develop a program for regional coach mentorship, development, and certification
- Organize annual NENSA Coaches Symposium, periodic webinars, L100/200 clinic opportunities, and other coach education opportunities
- Manage NENSA’s Elite and Development Team naming and communications
- Organize and manage NENSA’s Eastern REG and RDG Camps and serve as liaison for other national summer camps or training opportunities
- Manage all competitive program community communications via email, social media, and regular newsletters and maintain the competitive program section of the NENSA website
Additional key priorities include, but are not limited to:
- Work closely and collaboratively with NENSA staff and Board of Directors
- Serve as liaison to EISA
- Serve as NENSA liaison with local Organizing Committees and Technical Delegates at Eastern Cup events
- Engage professionally with potential and existing NENSA sponsors and contributors
- Maintain a clear understanding of NENSA’s competitive rules as well as USSS/FIS rules
- Work closely with NENSA Athlete Development, Coaches Education, and Masters Committees
- Serve on relevant U.S. Ski & Snowboard committees or other ad-hoc committees as necessary
- Maintain U.S. Ski & Snowboard L100 Coach Certification (which includes SafeSport certification and background checks) or higher
- Represent NENSA at relevant regional and national events
- Track and share relevant news, updates, and resources via the website. social media, and newsletters
- Other duties as assigned as part of the NENSA staff team
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or commensurate educational background
- Excellent written and verbal communication and strong interpersonal skills
- Familiarity with the New England cross country skiing community
- Competitive skiing background as athlete or coach
- Rollerski experience
- Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs
- Comfort working in both office and field settings
- Proficiency with office applications (Google/Microsoft)
- Ability to use platforms for web design, email marketing, and database management
- Savvy social media user with demonstrated ability to effectively use Facebook and Instagram. Videography skills preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work in fast paced, multidisciplinary team environment
- Must be eligible to work in the USA
- Valid driver’s license
- Passion for the sport of cross country skiing and a commitment to the ideals of the NENSA mission
Conditions: This is a remote position that requires the ability to work and communicate regularly and effectively from a home office. Frequent and extensive regional travel around the northeast is required. Some work takes place outdoors in varying and winter weather conditions. Must be able to work weekends and evenings aligning with NENSA and community needs.
The Competitive Program Director is a full time salaried position. Benefits include paid vacation, a health care stipend, a matching IRA contribution, professional development funding, and travel expenses. This position reports to the Executive Director. Start date is negotiable, but we seek to fill this role as soon as possible. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume, and three references no later than April 22, 2024 to Heidi Lange, Executive Director via email at heidi@nensa.net
