The American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA), operating as the national office for the Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), has initiated a critical search for a Director of Finance & Administration. This pivotal full-time, at-will, and exempt leadership position, based in Lakewood, Colorado, is designed to ensure the long-term financial sustainability, transparency, and operational effectiveness of an organization vital to professional snowsports education nationwide. Applications for this role, offering a competitive salary between $100,000 and $130,000 commensurate with experience, are open until March 23, 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening the organization’s strategic capabilities.
Organizational Backbone: PSIA-AASI’s Role in Snowsports
PSIA-AASI stands as the preeminent educational organization for snowsports instructors in the United States, representing over 32,000 professional ski and snowboard instructors across 37 states. Established with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) in 1961 and later incorporating the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) in 1987, the merged entity in 1997 has consistently championed excellence in snowsports instruction. The organization’s mission extends beyond mere certification, encompassing the elevation of the entire snowsports profession by providing education, credentials, events, scholarships, and fostering innovation. This commitment directly supports thousands of individual members, hundreds of member schools and resorts, and the broader snowsports ecosystem, which contributes billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy, particularly in states like Colorado.
The ASEA, as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association, serves as the operational engine for PSIA-AASI. Its structure as a member-focused organization means its financial practices must directly support its stakeholders: individual instructors, member schools, resorts, and the wider industry. The financial health and strategic management of ASEA are therefore paramount to its capacity to deliver high-quality educational programs, impactful events, robust credentialing, essential scholarships, and vital industry partnerships.
The Director of Finance & Administration: A Linchpin Role
The newly sought Director of Finance & Administration is envisioned as the primary financial steward and operational partner, reporting directly to the National CEO. This role is far more than a traditional accounting position; it is a strategic leadership post requiring both hands-on execution of day-to-day financial operations and high-level strategic thinking. The successful candidate will lead all accounting functions, financial planning, compliance, and administrative operations. Crucially, they will partner closely with the CEO, senior staff leaders, regional partners, and the Board of Directors to provide clear financial insights that inform organizational strategy, facilitate growth, and ensure responsible resource allocation.
The organization, with an approximate annual revenue ranging from $3 million to $5 million, operates with multiple revenue streams including membership dues, event registrations, educational program fees, corporate sponsorships, and foundation support through the PSIA-AASI Education Foundation. This financial complexity necessitates a leader capable of managing diverse income sources while maintaining rigorous fiscal discipline and transparency. The success of this director will be measured by their ability to align sound financial management with mission impact, effectively translating financial resources into tangible value for members and the communities they serve.
Key Responsibilities and Strategic Imperatives
The scope of responsibilities for the Director of Finance & Administration is broad, encompassing several critical areas that underscore the strategic nature of the role:
- Financial Leadership & Strategy: This includes developing and implementing financial strategies that support the organization’s long-term goals, providing strategic financial analysis to the CEO and Board, and leading the annual budgeting and forecasting processes. The director will also be instrumental in financial modeling for new programs and initiatives, ensuring their viability and alignment with organizational objectives.
- Accounting & Financial Operations: This core function involves overseeing all general ledger operations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management. It also includes managing the annual audit process, preparing comprehensive financial statements, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all financial data. The ability to manage robust accounting systems, such as QuickBooks Enterprise and potentially NetSuite, is essential for maintaining efficient and accurate financial records.
- Team Leadership & Regional Partnership: The director will supervise a small but vital Finance & Administration team of 2-3 staff members, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth. Beyond internal team management, the role requires effective collaboration with PSIA-AASI’s regional divisions and member schools, providing financial guidance and support to ensure consistent and compliant practices across the national network.
- Compliance & Governance: As a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, adherence to federal, state, and local regulations is paramount. The director will be responsible for ensuring all financial practices comply with IRS regulations, state charitable solicitation laws, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This also extends to managing risk, maintaining appropriate insurance coverage, and supporting the Board of Directors in fulfilling their fiduciary duties.
- Systems & Process Improvement: A forward-thinking approach to technology and process optimization is crucial. The director will be tasked with evaluating and enhancing financial systems, implementing automation where appropriate, and developing policies and procedures that improve efficiency, internal controls, and data reporting capabilities. This includes leveraging CRM and AMS systems to integrate financial data seamlessly.
- HR & Administrative Oversight: While primarily a finance role, the director will also provide oversight for HR functions, including benefits administration, payroll processing, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. This administrative component underscores the comprehensive nature of the position, requiring a leader capable of managing diverse operational facets.
An Ideal Candidate Profile: Beyond Numbers
The successful candidate will possess a blend of specific qualifications and core competencies that extend beyond technical accounting skills. Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, coupled with at least 8-10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role. Significant experience within a nonprofit organization, particularly a 501(c)(6) membership association, is highly valued, given the unique financial reporting and compliance requirements of such entities. Demonstrated experience with QuickBooks Enterprise and strong proficiency in Excel are non-negotiable.
Preferred qualifications include a CPA license or an MBA, indicating a deep understanding of financial principles and strategic business management. Experience with a larger ERP system like NetSuite would be advantageous, reflecting a capacity to scale financial operations. Furthermore, familiarity with nonprofit accounting standards (FASB ASC 958), endowment management, and experience managing government grants or contracts would enhance the candidate’s suitability.
Core competencies for this role emphasize strategic thinking, a commitment to accuracy and ethical conduct, strong communication skills to convey complex financial information to diverse audiences, and proven leadership abilities. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative team player, proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement, and dedicated to the mission of PSIA-AASI.
Compensation and Work Environment
The salary range of $100,000 to $130,000 is competitive within the nonprofit sector for a role of this scope and responsibility, benchmarked against similar national associations. Beyond monetary compensation, ASEA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being. This includes health coverage, retirement contributions, an annual wellness allowance, and flexible time off, reflecting a commitment to a supportive and rewarding work environment. The position is in-office required, located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb within the vibrant Denver metropolitan area. This location offers excellent access to a skilled talent pool and is strategically positioned near Colorado’s world-renowned ski resorts, aligning with the organization’s mission and culture.
Hiring Timeline and Strategic Implications
The application window closes on March 23, 2026, indicating a focused and timely recruitment process. The hiring process will involve an initial application review, followed by virtual interviews, a skills assessment, in-person interviews, and a comprehensive reference and background check. The organization aims to onboard a new Director who can immediately contribute to the financial oversight and strategic direction, with a clear focus on achieving specific metrics within the first 12-18 months, such as optimizing financial reporting, enhancing internal controls, and contributing to strategic planning cycles.
This strategic hire carries significant implications for PSIA-AASI and the broader snowsports industry. By securing a visionary and capable Director of Finance & Administration, ASEA strengthens its capacity to innovate in snowsports education, expand its reach, and provide unparalleled support to its members. In an industry constantly evolving with new technologies, environmental considerations, and participation trends, robust financial stewardship is not merely an administrative function but a strategic imperative. The new director will play a pivotal role in ensuring that PSIA-AASI remains a financially resilient and operationally agile leader, capable of shaping the future of professional snowsports instruction and continuing its legacy of excellence for generations to come.