The Methow Valley Nordic Ski Educational Foundation (MVNSEF), based in the beautiful Methow Valley of North Central Washington state, seeks its next Executive Director to share the magic of Nordic skiing with our members and community. Our next Executive Director will help champion our mission to nurture athletes of all age groups and levels, lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, and ensure a strong, connected, and vibrant Nordic ski community in the Methow Valley.
About MVNSEF
The Methow Valley Ski Educational Foundation (MVNSEF) started as a small ski team in the late 1980s and was formally established in 1998 as a 501(c)(3). We have grown to include many programs, initiatives, and events. We serve over 300 youth, adults, and para-athletes through our cross-country skiing, biathlon, and after-school Ski Cubs programs. While we have supported several current and past Olympians, Paralympians, and National Team athletes in both cross-country skiing, para cross-country skiing, biathlon, and para biathlon, the heart of our mission is to build and maintain a vibrant Nordic ski community where all people have the opportunity to learn, challenge, and grow. We support several Nordic and biathlon winter ski races, including one of the Pacific Northwest’s Junior National Qualifying races, partner with Methow Trails on the Ski to the Sun Marathon, and host the annual Chasing the Sun biathlon race. In addition, we host the yearly and popular Ski Camp in mid-December, members clinic in January, and classes for adults alike.
We seek an Executive Director who:
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Share a passion for our mission. We foster a vibrant cross-country skiing and biathlon community in the Methow Valley, and create a team environment for youth and adults to thrive, grow, and be challenged. We believe that cross-country skiing is a life-long sport and provides a vehicle for personal growth, challenge, and joy at all stages in life.
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Believes in working collaboratively inside and outside the organization. The Executive Director is a crucial member of our organization, working closely with our staff, board of directors, members, community members, and more. We value a leader who intentionally fosters a cohesive team environment and works to build collaborative relationships in and out of the organization with members, donors, and partners.
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Understands the importance of fundraising and knows how to build and execute a fundraising plan. A critical role for the MVNSEF Executive Director will be developing and implementing a cohesive and sustainable fundraising strategy to ensure the organization’s long-term financial health, help keep our program costs as low as possible, and ensure our staff and organization are financially supported.
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Thinks strategically and acts tactically. We need a strong leader to guide the organization in refining its mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. Our next leader needs to see the nuance of the big picture while balancing day-to-day operations.
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Shares the joy and magic of Nordic skiing. We seek to share the wonder and joy of Nordic skiing with our Methow Valley community, and our next leader will share that joy with us and know how to articulate that joy with our community.
Job Duties
Strategic Guidance
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Oversees and guides the organization’s strategic direction in close partnership with the Board.
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Supports regular updates to the organization’s strategic plan (a draft strategic plan and priorities will be shared with candidates during the hiring process).
Fundraising, Outreach, and Events
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Builds and executes annual fundraising strategies to ensure the organization’s annual and long-term financial health.
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Builds key relationships between the organization, its members and its partners, including: youth and adult athletes, parents, donors, volunteers, business and organizational partners (Methow Trails, U.S. Forest Service, etc.).
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Works with staff to ensure accurate and timely record keeping of donors, including maintaining and updating the donor database and providing timely and meaningful donor appreciation, stewardship, and thank yous.
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Oversees the planning and execution of all events, in close collaboration with the Board, staff, and volunteers, including winter ski races, ski swap, summer/fall training, clinics, etc.
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Represents the organization at public events (fundraisers, races, ski camps, etc.).
Financial Management
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Works closely with the bookkeeper to manage the day-to-day finances, including tracking income and expenses.
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Leads the preparation of an annual budget, in close collaboration with the board and Finance Committee, to present to the board of directors for annual review and approval.
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Ensures the organization operates within the annual budget.
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Suggests improvements and efficiencies in our day-to-day and long-term financial systems and processes.
Communications
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Sets the direction, tone, and voice for clear communications to ensure all members and critical audiences understand the organization, its mission, vision, and key activities. Key communications channels can include but aren’t limited to, written communications, email, website, social media, etc.
Administration and Operations
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Serves as the overall organizational leader and manager.
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Directly supervise staff, including providing regular check-ins, mentorship, professional development, annual reviews, and managing personnel needs.
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Manages and oversees the hiring and recruitment process for all staff.
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Creates administrative and organizational systems and processes and partners with the Board to develop and adopt new or update existing organizational policies.
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Provides ongoing support for Board Members, including new Board Member orientations.
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Manages annual updating and submittal of our U.S. Forest Service operating permit.
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Works with the Board, staff, and coaches to set goals for the organization and role and actively works to achieve those goals.
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Attends monthly Board meetings and serves as staff liaison on Board committees, including Fundraising and Outreach, Finance, Executive/Governance, and Programming and Events.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
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Attention to detail and ability to work both independently and with others.
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Collaborative team player and decisive leader.
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A love and appreciation for the outdoors, cross-country skiing, and/or biathlon.
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Experience in nonprofit work, organizational development and leadership, or similar experience.
Compensation and Benefits
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$70,000 – $75,000 per year, depending on experience
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Full-time, exempt
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Paid vacation plus holidays
To Apply
View the job description, announcement, and application process at www.methowvalleynordic.org/ed-search. Please email boardpresident@mvnsef.org with any questions.
