The American Snowsports Education Association (ASEA), the national office for the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), has announced a critical leadership opening for a Director of Finance & Administration, a pivotal role designed to ensure the organization’s long-term financial health, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. With applications due by March 23, 2026, the position, based in Lakewood, Colorado, offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 to $130,000 and is instrumental in advancing professional snowsports education nationwide.
This full-time, at-will, and exempt role will report directly to the National CEO and will oversee a small but crucial Finance & Administration Team of two to three staff members. The Director of Finance & Administration is envisioned as the primary financial steward and operational partner, tasked with upholding the organization’s commitment to transparency and effectiveness in its mission. PSIA-AASI, a prominent member-focused association operating as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, serves thousands of individual instructors, hundreds of member schools and resorts, and the broader snowsports industry across the United States. Its core mission revolves around elevating the profession of snowsports instruction, providing high-quality education, credentials, events, scholarships, and fostering innovation within the sector.
Strategic Financial Stewardship for a Dynamic Industry
The new Director will be at the helm of all accounting, financial planning, compliance, and administrative operations. This encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, from executing daily financial tasks to engaging in high-level strategic thinking concerning financial systems, reserve management, risk mitigation, and continuous operational improvements. The role demands a hands-on finance leader capable of navigating the complexities of a national nonprofit association with an approximate annual revenue of $3 million to $5 million, derived from diverse streams including membership dues, event registrations, educational programs, sponsorships, and support from its Education Foundation.
A spokesperson for ASEA highlighted the significance of this appointment, stating, "This individual will be crucial in translating financial resources into tangible value for our members and the communities they serve. Their expertise will directly strengthen our capacity to deliver world-class educational programs, impactful events, industry-recognized credentials, vital scholarships, and robust industry partnerships." The emphasis is clearly on aligning robust financial management with mission impact, ensuring every dollar is stewarded responsibly to maximize positive outcomes for the snowsports community.
The Landscape of PSIA-AASI and its Impact
PSIA-AASI stands as the foremost educational organization for snowsports instructors in the United States. Through its certification programs, it establishes the national standards for ski and snowboard instruction, ensuring a consistent level of professionalism and quality across hundreds of resorts. Its work directly influences the safety, enjoyment, and accessibility of skiing and snowboarding for millions of participants annually. The association’s role extends beyond individual instructor development to supporting member schools and resorts, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that drives industry growth.
The national office, ASEA, serves as the central hub for these operations, coordinating efforts across various regions and disciplines. The 501(c)(6) classification signifies that PSIA-AASI is a business league, primarily focused on promoting the common business interests of its members—in this case, snowsports instructors and schools. This structure often involves advocacy, professional development, and standard-setting, all of which require meticulous financial oversight to ensure compliance and effective resource allocation. The Denver metro location in Lakewood, Colorado, places the national office strategically within a state renowned for its snowsports industry, offering convenient access to major resorts and a talent pool familiar with the outdoor recreation sector.
Key Responsibilities and Strategic Objectives
The comprehensive scope of this leadership position outlines several critical areas of focus for the incoming Director. Under Financial Leadership & Strategy, the Director will lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning, providing clear, actionable financial insights to the CEO, staff leaders, regional partners, and the Board of Directors. This includes developing and implementing financial strategies that support the organization’s strategic plan and growth initiatives, assessing financial risks, and proposing mitigation strategies to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Accounting & Financial Operations will encompass managing all aspects of accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, and financial reporting. This involves overseeing month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements, and managing cash flow, investments, and banking relationships. The role will also be responsible for maintaining strong internal controls and implementing best practices in financial management.
In terms of Team Leadership & Regional Partnership, the Director will directly supervise and mentor the finance and administration team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment. They will serve as the primary financial liaison to regional leadership, providing support, training, and guidance on financial policies and procedures, ensuring consistency across the national organization and its regional entities.
Compliance & Governance is another cornerstone, requiring the Director to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations, including IRS 501(c)(6) requirements and annual audits. This includes managing tax filings, grant compliance, and maintaining accurate financial records for internal and external audits. The Director will also support the Board of Directors and relevant committees with financial reports and insights.
Systems & Process Improvement will task the Director with identifying opportunities to enhance financial systems, processes, and reporting capabilities. This includes evaluating and implementing new financial software, tools, or procedures to improve efficiency, accuracy, and data integrity. A focus on leveraging technology to streamline operations and provide better financial intelligence is expected.
Finally, HR & Administrative Oversight involves collaborating with relevant stakeholders on HR-related financial matters such as benefits administration, payroll compliance, and compensation analysis. The Director will also oversee general administrative functions that support the efficient operation of the national office.
Desired Profile and Impact on the Snowsports Community
The organization is seeking a candidate with a robust set of qualifications. Required experience includes a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, coupled with at least 7-10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting leadership, ideally within a nonprofit or association environment. Proven experience with nonprofit accounting principles (e.g., fund accounting), financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning is essential. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate strong leadership and team management skills, excellent communication abilities, and proficiency in financial software and ERP systems.
Preferred qualifications include a CPA or MBA, experience with organizations of similar size and complexity ($3-$5M annual revenue), and familiarity with the snowsports or outdoor recreation industry. Core competencies sought include strategic thinking, financial acumen, ethical conduct, problem-solving, attention to detail, and a commitment to mission-driven work.
The success of this Director will be measured by several key outcomes within the first 12-18 months. These include establishing a reputation as a trusted financial advisor to the CEO and Board, optimizing financial reporting and analytics, enhancing budget accuracy and forecasting, strengthening internal controls, and fostering a collaborative and supportive team culture. Ultimately, this individual’s efforts will directly contribute to PSIA-AASI’s ability to deliver on its promise of excellence in snowsports education, ensuring that instructors across the nation have the resources and support needed to inspire the next generation of skiers and snowboarders.
This recruitment represents a significant investment by ASEA in its future, signaling a commitment to robust financial governance and strategic growth. The person stepping into this role will not only manage the financial health of a vital organization but also play a direct part in shaping the future of snowsports instruction and participation nationwide. The application deadline of March 23, 2026, provides a clear timeline for interested and qualified finance professionals to consider this impactful opportunity to combine financial expertise with a passion for the snowsports industry.