This job description is intended to be a broad description of duties. You will be asked to carry out all responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Specific information on duties and policies can be found with your supervisor or in the Employee Reference Guide. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
The Director of Snowsports School provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the Ernie Blake Snowsports School at Taos Ski Valley. This includes oversight of ski and snowboard instruction programs for adults and children. This leader is responsible for ensuring the Ernie Blake Snowsports School continues to be recognized as an industry leader by delivering best-in-class instruction, innovative programming, and exceptional guest experiences.
This position is responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, maintaining high standards of instructional quality and safety, developing staff, and ensuring the financial success of the Snowsports School. The Director will foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement while supporting Taos Ski Valley’s mission, vision, and values.
This role is expected to continuously elevate the Ernie Blake Snowsports School through strong leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to setting the standard for excellence in the ski industry.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
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Lead all operational, strategic, and sales functions of the Adult and Children’s Snowsports School
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Recruit, hire, onboard, train, mentor, and retain Snowsports leadership, instructors, and support staff
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Build and maintain an inspiring, professional, and high-performing work environment that promotes employee engagement, accountability, retention, and continuous improvement
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Provide feedback, evaluations, coaching, and mentorship to managers, ensuring the embodiment of Taos Ski Valley’s Leadership Behaviors
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Maintain high standards of instructional quality and ongoing staff development
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Establish, maintain, and continuously improve service standards across all Snowsports programs and guest touchpoints to ensure exceptional guest experience across all Snowsports offerings
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Oversee Snowsports experience strategy and program mix to drive guest retention, participation, and revenue growth
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Drive personalized guest experiences with higher-end offerings
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Develop and implement video instruction into lesson offerings
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Drive program innovation and identify opportunities for growth, efficiency, and enhanced guest satisfaction
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Work with the Technical Director to create and implement an overall training strategy and goals for instructors
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Oversee all Snowsports School programming, including, but not limited to, adult group lessons, children’s group lessons, private lessons, guiding services, ski weeks, specialty programs, adaptive programs, school groups, and local programs
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Oversee specialty ski races and events related to Snowsports programming
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Oversee Snowsports Sales Team
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Oversee Children’s ski/snowboard rental operations and collaborate with Taos Sports rental department for compliance and higher level trainings when appropriate
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Work directly with managers and supervisors to manage daily operational planning, including staffing, scheduling, lesson capacity, and resource allocation
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Develop and manage annual operating budgets, labor plans, and revenue goals
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Monitor and analyze business performance, including revenue, labor costs, productivity, pricing, and program participation
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Maintain a visible and approachable presence with guests, instructors, and staff to support strong relationships and operational excellence
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Resolve escalated guest and employee concerns professionally and effectively
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Partner with Marketing, Central Reservations, Rentals, Lift Operations, Grooming, Ticketing, Ski Patrol, and other departments to support seamless guest experiences
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Ensure compliance with company policies, safety practices, and legal guidelines, applying leadership behaviors to uphold the highest standards
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Lead off-season planning, including hiring, training, product development, budgeting, strategic planning, and summer programming as applicable
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Maintain awareness of industry trends, best practices, and emerging innovations to ensure Taos remains a leader in Snowsports instruction
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Approve managers’ work hours and time-off requests
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Reliable attendance on all scheduled workdays
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Other duties as assigned
Personal Skills:
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Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop teams
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills
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Strong personal character and commitment to Taos Ski Valley, Inc.’s Vision, Purpose, and Values
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Provides a guest experience that exceeds the guest’s expectations
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Ability to accept criticism and opportunities gracefully and humbly for growth
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Ability to stay positive, focused, and constructive when faced with setbacks, challenges, and while working in an ever-changing environment
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Strong business acumen and ability to think strategically while executing operationally
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Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and adaptability
Qualifications/Knowledge:
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Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business, Hospitality, Recreation, Education, or related field
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PSIA-AASI Level III certification or equivalent strongly preferred
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Trainer Accreditation or Examiner Status preferred
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7+ years of experience in Snowsports, Ski School, or mountain operations leadership
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3+ years of management experience leading large teams preferred
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Experience in developing strategic and business plans
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Strong knowledge of ski and snowboard instruction methodologies
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Strong financial leadership experience managing budgets, labor, and operational performance
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Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and scheduling/reservation systems
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Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evenings
Work Environment:
Taos Ski Valley, Inc. is often a fast-paced work environment, especially during Holidays and Peak days. TSVI is in a high-altitude alpine environment. Position may require travel on uneven, snow-packed, or icy terrain and may be exposed to wet, cold, and/or humid conditions. Must be able to work in close quarters and with other staff.
Physical Demands of Position Include:
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Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to sit and work on a computer for extended periods
- Ability to ski and/or snowboard at an advanced level and safely navigate mountain terrain
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
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Ability to work outdoors in winter mountain conditions for extended periods
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Ability to bend, climb, stoop, kneel, and navigate uneven terrain
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Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, radio, and email
Background Check:
Positions dealing with children, of safety-sensitive and/or confidential nature, require driving or positions that handle cash may require a background check and MVR check. Employment is contingent upon a favorable background check and MVR check.
