Lakewood, CO – 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 initiated a search for a Director of Finance & Administration. This pivotal full-time, at-will, and exempt leadership position, based in Lakewood, Colorado, is tasked with serving as the primary financial steward and operational partner for the organization, ensuring its long-term sustainability, transparency, and effectiveness in advancing professional snowsports education nationwide. With an application deadline of March 23, 2026, the search underscores ASEA’s commitment to robust financial governance and strategic operational management as it continues to serve its extensive membership and the broader snowsports industry.
The Director of Finance & Administration will report directly to the National CEO and oversee a small, dedicated Finance & Administration Team of two to three staff members. The role commands a competitive salary range of $100,000 to $130,000, commensurate with experience and market benchmarks, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, retirement contributions, an annual wellness allowance, and flexible time off. The position requires an in-office presence at the organization’s Lakewood, CO headquarters, emphasizing the collaborative and hands-on nature of this critical leadership function within the Denver metropolitan area.
The Role: A Strategic Imperative for Snowsports Education
At its core, this role is designed to lead all accounting, financial planning, compliance, and administrative operations for ASEA. The successful candidate will be instrumental in partnering closely with the CEO, various staff leaders, regional partners, and the Board of Directors. Their primary objective will be to provide clear, actionable financial insights that inform strategic decision-making, drive organizational growth, and ensure responsible resource allocation. As a 501(c)(6) member-focused nonprofit association, ASEA’s existence is predicated on serving individual instructors, member schools and resorts, and the broader snowsports industry. The Director’s work will directly support these stakeholders by strengthening the organization’s capacity to deliver high-quality education, impactful events, essential credentials, vital scholarships, and strategic industry partnerships.
Success in this position, particularly within the first 12 to 18 months, will be defined by the seamless alignment of sound financial management with mission impact. This means effectively translating financial resources into tangible value for ASEA’s tens of thousands of members and the communities they serve. The ideal candidate is envisioned as a hands-on finance leader capable of not only executing day-to-day accounting functions but also thinking strategically about systems optimization, reserve management, risk mitigation, and continuous operational improvement. This "right-sized" leadership role is tailored for a growing national nonprofit association with an annual revenue stream typically ranging from $3 million to $5 million, derived from diverse sources including membership dues, event registrations, educational program fees, sponsorships, and foundation support.
ASEA/PSIA-AASI: A Pillar of the Snowsports Industry
ASEA, through its operational arm PSIA-AASI, stands as the preeminent authority for snowsports instruction in the United States. Founded to elevate the profession of snowsports instruction, the organization is dedicated to strengthening the schools, instructors, and industry partners that make skiing and snowboarding accessible, safe, and inspiring across the country. With over 32,000 individual members and hundreds of member schools and resorts nationwide, PSIA-AASI plays a crucial role in setting industry standards, developing educational content, and certifying instructors across multiple disciplines, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark, and adaptive snowsports.
The work of ASEA/PSIA-AASI directly supports a multi-billion dollar snowsports industry, which annually sees millions of participants across more than 470 ski areas in the U.S. Certified instructors are fundamental to the industry’s health, ensuring safety, fostering skill development, and enhancing the overall guest experience, thereby driving participation and loyalty. Through education, professional credentials, national and regional events, scholarships facilitated by the PSIA-AASI Education Foundation, and innovation, ASEA provides the backbone for a skilled and passionate workforce that introduces countless individuals to the joys of snowsports. Joining ASEA, therefore, means contributing to a mission-driven organization where financial leadership directly enables member success, regional strength, and sustained industry growth. The Director of Finance & Administration plays a vital role in ensuring that every dollar is stewarded responsibly to maximize impact for the people and communities served.
Financial Landscape and Stewardship
Managing an annual revenue of $3 million to $5 million, derived from multiple streams, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for a nonprofit organization like ASEA. Membership dues form a significant base, providing recurring revenue that supports core operations and member benefits. Event registrations, particularly for national and regional clinics, academies, and certification events, contribute substantially, requiring meticulous financial planning and tracking. Educational programs, which include instructor development courses and training materials, represent another key revenue source tied directly to the organization’s mission. Furthermore, corporate sponsorships and grants from the PSIA-AASI Education Foundation provide crucial funding for special initiatives, scholarships, and long-term projects.
The Director will be responsible for navigating this complex financial landscape, ensuring compliance with 501(c)(6) regulations, and implementing best practices in nonprofit accounting. This includes overseeing annual audits, managing investments (including reserve funds), and developing long-range financial forecasts. The role requires a keen understanding of how financial health directly translates into program delivery, allowing the organization to invest in new educational resources, expand outreach, and maintain affordable access to certification for instructors. The CEO of ASEA/PSIA-AASI, while not explicitly quoted, would undoubtedly emphasize the strategic importance of this role in ensuring the organization’s capacity to continue serving its members effectively and adapting to the evolving demands of the snowsports industry. A robust financial foundation enables the organization to weather economic fluctuations, pursue ambitious initiatives, and secure its future as the leading authority in snowsports instruction.
The Search and Application Process
The search for the Director of Finance & Administration commenced with the formal posting of the position, inviting applications from qualified candidates until the specified deadline of March 23, 2026. This timeline allows for a comprehensive and thorough recruitment process, aiming to identify a leader who not only possesses the requisite financial acumen but also deeply understands and is committed to the mission of snowsports education. Following the application deadline, ASEA’s hiring committee will meticulously review submissions, with initial interviews likely to be conducted remotely before inviting shortlisted candidates for in-person discussions at the Lakewood office. The organization is expected to fill the position by late spring or early summer of 2026, ensuring a smooth transition and integration into the leadership team.
Desired Qualifications and Leadership Profile
Candidates for this role are expected to bring extensive experience to the table, typically over 10 years in senior financial leadership positions, with a significant portion of that experience ideally within a nonprofit or association environment. A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is a prerequisite, with a CPA license or an MBA strongly preferred, signifying a deep understanding of financial principles and strategic business management. Proficiency in modern financial systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is essential, as is a track record of implementing process improvements and leveraging technology to enhance financial operations.
Beyond technical qualifications, ASEA is seeking a leader who embodies core competencies vital for a collaborative and mission-driven environment. This includes exceptional strategic thinking, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, from the Board of Directors to non-financial staff and regional partners. The Director must demonstrate robust leadership and team development capabilities, fostering a positive and productive work environment for their direct reports. Furthermore, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, coupled with a passion for snowsports and the organization’s mission, will be highly valued. This position requires someone who is not only a financial expert but also a cultural fit, capable of contributing to a dynamic and supportive team atmosphere. The ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are also paramount.
Broader Implications for the Snowsports Community
The appointment of a strong Director of Finance & Administration carries significant implications beyond the internal operations of ASEA. For the snowsports community, it represents a crucial step in ensuring the long-term stability and growth of professional instruction. A financially robust ASEA can continue to invest in cutting-edge educational resources, develop new certification pathways, and expand its outreach to new demographics, thereby increasing participation in snowsports. This directly benefits ski areas by providing a consistent supply of highly trained instructors, enhancing safety standards, and improving the overall quality of instruction offered to the public.
Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability and Growth
The Director’s stewardship of ASEA’s financial resources directly impacts its ability to innovate and adapt. In an industry subject to environmental variables like snow scarcity and evolving economic conditions, a strong financial foundation allows the organization to pursue research, implement new technologies, and develop programs that address future challenges. This includes funding initiatives for climate resilience education, promoting accessibility in snowsports, and fostering leadership development within the instructor community. Without sound financial management, these strategic imperatives would be difficult, if not impossible, to pursue effectively.
Supporting the Future of Instruction
For individual instructors, the financial health of ASEA translates into stable membership fees, accessible educational programs, and the continued recognition and value of their professional certifications. It ensures that scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance to pursue their training and certification, thereby democratizing access to the profession. For member schools and resorts, it means a reliable partner in workforce development, with high-quality training and certification standards that uphold the integrity of snowsports instruction. The Director of Finance & Administration is therefore not just managing budgets; they are safeguarding the future of professional snowsports instruction and contributing to the enduring passion for skiing and snowboarding across generations.
This opportunity to combine sound financial management with purpose-driven work offers a unique chance for a dedicated finance professional to help shape the future of snowsports education nationwide, ensuring that the thrill and skill of skiing and snowboarding remain accessible and inspiring for all.