The American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA), the national office for the Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), has announced a search for a Director of Finance & Administration. This pivotal full-time, at-will, and exempt leadership role, reporting directly to the National CEO, is tasked with ensuring the financial stewardship, operational transparency, and long-term sustainability of the prominent 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. The position, based in Lakewood, Colorado, within the thriving Denver metropolitan area, offers a salary range of $100,000 to $130,000, commensurate with experience, and carries an application deadline of March 23, 2026.
Organizational Mission and Industry Impact
ASEA, operating as the administrative backbone for PSIA-AASI, stands at the forefront of elevating professional snowsports instruction across the United States. Its mission is deeply rooted in strengthening the skills of individual instructors, supporting member schools and resorts, and fostering growth within the broader snowsports industry. Through comprehensive education programs, nationally recognized credentials, impactful events, crucial scholarships, and strategic industry partnerships, ASEA serves thousands of individual members and hundreds of affiliated institutions. The organization’s work directly contributes to making skiing and snowboarding accessible, safe, and inspiring for millions of participants nationwide, playing a vital role in an industry that annually contributes billions to the U.S. economy and supports countless jobs.
The Director of Finance & Administration is envisioned as a central figure in safeguarding the financial health necessary to advance this mission. In a dynamic industry facing evolving participation trends, technological shifts, and environmental considerations, robust financial management is not merely an administrative function but a strategic imperative. The incumbent will be instrumental in translating sound financial practices into tangible value for members, ensuring that resources are optimally allocated to deliver high-quality educational programs, support instructor development, and maintain the integrity of national certification standards.
A Critical Role in a Growing National Nonprofit
This leadership position is designed for a hands-on finance professional capable of navigating both the day-to-day intricacies of accounting and the strategic foresight required for organizational growth and risk management. ASEA, with an annual revenue stream typically ranging from $3 million to $5 million, relies on diverse income sources including membership dues, event registrations, educational program fees, sponsorships, and foundation support. Managing these multiple revenue streams effectively, while adhering to the stringent compliance requirements of a nonprofit entity, will be a core challenge and opportunity for the new director.
"Our next Director of Finance & Administration will be a cornerstone of our strategic vision," stated a representative, inferring the CEO’s perspective on the role’s importance. "This individual will not only be a guardian of our financial integrity but also a key partner in charting our future course. Their ability to provide clear financial insights will directly inform our growth initiatives, allowing us to expand our reach, enhance our member services, and further solidify PSIA-AASI’s standing as the gold standard in snowsports education." This sentiment underscores the expectation that the director will be more than a numbers cruncher, serving as a strategic advisor to the CEO, staff leaders, regional partners, and the Board of Directors.
Strategic Responsibilities and Operational Oversight
The scope of responsibilities for the Director of Finance & Administration is comprehensive, encompassing five primary domains: Financial Leadership & Strategy, Accounting & Financial Operations, Team Leadership & Regional Partnership, Compliance & Governance, and Systems & Process Improvement, with additional oversight in HR & Administrative functions.
In Financial Leadership & Strategy, the director will be responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies that align with ASEA’s long-term goals. This includes overseeing annual budget development, conducting rigorous financial forecasting and analysis, and providing strategic recommendations to the CEO and Board. The ability to articulate complex financial information clearly to diverse stakeholders, from staff to board members and regional partners, is paramount. This strategic oversight extends to managing organizational reserves, assessing financial risks, and exploring new revenue opportunities that support mission expansion.
Accounting & Financial Operations forms the backbone of the role, requiring meticulous management of all accounting functions. This involves maintaining accurate financial records, processing payroll, managing accounts payable and receivable, and ensuring timely financial reporting. The director will be expected to prepare detailed financial statements, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, and to manage the annual audit process efficiently. Proficiency in GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) for nonprofits is essential to maintain the transparency and accountability expected of a public-serving organization.
Beyond direct financial duties, the director will engage in Team Leadership & Regional Partnership. This involves supervising a small finance and administration team of 2-3 staff members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment. Crucially, the role demands effective collaboration with ASEA’s regional partners, ensuring financial practices support their operational needs and contribute to a cohesive national strategy. This aspect highlights the importance of strong communication and interpersonal skills, as the organization’s success relies on a federated model of national standards and regional delivery.
Compliance & Governance is another critical area, reflecting the regulatory environment for nonprofits. The director will ensure ASEA’s strict adherence to federal, state, and local financial regulations, including IRS 990 filings and other statutory requirements. They will also play a key role in developing and enforcing robust internal controls and financial policies, safeguarding organizational assets and ensuring ethical financial practices. Engagement with the Board of Directors, particularly the Finance Committee, will be regular, providing financial updates and strategic counsel.
The mandate for Systems & Process Improvement underscores ASEA’s commitment to efficiency and modernization. The new director will be expected to identify and implement enhancements to financial systems, software, and workflows to improve accuracy, efficiency, and reporting capabilities. This includes leveraging technology to streamline processes, enhance data analytics, and provide more timely and insightful financial information to support decision-making across the organization.
Finally, the role includes HR & Administrative Oversight, encompassing payroll processing, benefits administration, and contributing to a positive organizational culture. While not a primary HR role, the financial implications of human resources and general administrative efficiency fall under this director’s purview, ensuring that all operational aspects run smoothly to support the core mission.
Candidate Profile: What ASEA Seeks
ASEA is searching for a highly qualified individual whose expertise aligns with the demands of a dynamic nonprofit environment. Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, coupled with a minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in finance leadership, with at least 3-5 years specifically within a nonprofit setting. Demonstrable experience with annual revenues of $3M-$5M or more, along with proficiency in nonprofit accounting principles (GAAP) and financial management software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage Intacct), is essential. Candidates must also possess a strong understanding of compliance regulations for 501(c)(6) organizations, excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills, and proven leadership abilities. The role demands exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) or a CPA designation, which would further enhance the candidate’s strategic capabilities and credibility. Experience with associations or membership organizations, particularly those with a national scope and regional chapter structures, is highly valued. Familiarity with the snowsports industry or outdoor recreation sector would also be a significant advantage, allowing for a quicker understanding of the organization’s unique operational context and challenges.
Core competencies identified for success in this role emphasize strategic thinking, financial acumen, leadership, communication, collaboration, and a strong commitment to mission impact. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver, detail-oriented, adaptable, and capable of fostering a positive team and organizational culture.
Working Conditions and Compensation Package
The position requires full-time, in-office presence at ASEA’s Lakewood, CO location. This ensures seamless collaboration with the CEO, other staff leaders, and the administrative team, fostering a cohesive work environment. The office setting is described as typical for a professional organization, emphasizing a collaborative and mission-driven atmosphere.
The compensation package for the Director of Finance & Administration is competitive, reflecting the critical nature of the role and market benchmarks for similar positions in the Denver metro area. In addition to the stated salary range of $100,000 to $130,000, ASEA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This includes robust health coverage, contributions to retirement plans, an annual wellness allowance designed to support employee well-being, and a flexible time-off policy, all aimed at attracting and retaining top talent dedicated to the organization’s mission.
The Hiring Process: A Structured Approach
The hiring process for this significant leadership role is designed to be thorough and transparent. Interested candidates are required to submit a comprehensive application package, including a resume, cover letter, and potentially other supporting documents, by the March 23, 2026, deadline. Following an initial review of applications, qualified candidates will proceed through multiple stages. These typically include initial screening interviews, followed by more in-depth interviews with the National CEO, key staff leaders, and potentially members of the Board of Directors or its Finance Committee. Assessment exercises, such as presentations or case studies, may also be incorporated to evaluate strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. The final stages will likely involve reference checks and a thorough background verification, culminating in an offer to the selected candidate.
Broader Implications for Snowsports Education
The successful appointment of a Director of Finance & Administration carries significant implications for the future of snowsports education. Strong financial leadership will enable ASEA/PSIA-AASI to weather economic fluctuations, invest in new technologies for instructor training, expand scholarship opportunities to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport, and strengthen its advocacy efforts for the entire snowsports industry. In an era where outdoor recreation continues to grow, yet faces challenges such as climate change impacts and access barriers, the financial health of organizations like ASEA is paramount to ensuring the continued development of professional standards, instructor quality, and ultimately, the safety and enjoyment of snowsports participants nationwide.
This strategic hire underscores ASEA’s commitment to long-term sustainability and its dedication to serving its members and the broader snowsports community. The new director will be instrumental in ensuring that the organization remains a beacon of excellence in education, certification, and industry leadership for years to come, effectively translating financial resources into meaningful impact across the slopes of America.