Mt. Ashland: General Manager Search

Mt. Ashland’s General Manager is a strategic leader, who knows how to lead and manage a team. They are the face of Mt. Ashland and create the operational and cultural atmosphere on and off the mountain by productively engaging with the public and staff. The General Manager must have a strong vision for the mountain, set collaboratively with staff and the Board of Directors. The General Manager leads the Mt. Ashland team from the front to ensure that our guests are headed up the hill with smiles on their face day in and day out.  They will create the next generation of skiers and boarders by introducing them to snow sports through youth programs. This is not just a job, but a calling to be part of a unique community-oriented ski area with enthusiastic locals and visitors alike.

Mt. Ashland Ski Area is a beloved community asset located in Southern Oregon. Mt. Ashland is operated by a nonprofit corporation governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors under a U.S. Forest Service special-use permit.

Position Summary

The General Manager (“GM”) is the chief manager and operational leader of Mt. Ashland Ski Area, responsible for year-round leadership of Mt. Ashland’s personnel and operations. The GM provides strong leadership to ensure safe and sustainable operations; deliver excellent guest and employee experience; advance community relationships; and ensure future success through long-range planning for capital improvement and fundraising in partnership with the Board of Directors.

Reporting and Key Relationships

Reports to Board of Directors through the President of Board. Directly supervises the Director of Mountain Operations, Director of Guest Services, Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Director of Mountain Maintenance, Marketing Manager, and Finance & Administration Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Mt. Ashland department heads and personnel to efficiently and safely operate both winter and summer operations.

• Mentor, train and coach department heads to ensure redundancy and succession planning in upper-level management positions.

• Interface with the U.S. Forest Service District Office to satisfy special-use permit obligations and reporting requirements and obtain approval for capital improvement projects.

• Establish clear expectations, goals, and accountability across departments.

• Serve as senior incident leader for major weather and emergency events.

• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting; manage the operational budget to financial targets with disciplined cost control.

• Provide oversight for hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and seasonal workforce planning.

• Participate in all aspects of organization communications.

• Serve as a visible community ambassador, maintaining strong donor, sponsor, partner, and stakeholder relationships.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of management experience, preferably at a ski area or mountain resort, or closely related outdoor recreation operation.

• Demonstrated success managing complex operations with strong safety and risk outcomes.

• Proven budget ownership and financial acumen in weather-dependent business models.

• Strong leadership skills and ability to effectively manage seasonal workforce.

• Excellent communication skills, including ability to productively engage with a passionate community.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to work weekends, holidays, and storm/event cycles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Nonprofit corporation operational experience.

• Undergraduate degree in related field.

• Experience operating under a U.S. Forest Service special-use permit, NEPA coordination, or public land permitting contexts.

• Major gifts, sponsorship, grants, or capital campaign leadership experience.

• Knowledge of ski lift operations, infrastructure lifecycle planning, and mountain safety programs.

• Familiarity with Southern Oregon / Northern California regional markets.

Core Competencies

• Personnel management.

• Risk management.

• Financial planning and discipline.

• Calm, competent leadership in uncertainty.

• Community credibility and stakeholder trust-building.

• Capital project delivery that drives measurable mountain-wide ROI.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Combination of office and on-mountain work in variable winter conditions (cold, wind, snow, low visibility) and for extended periods during the winter months with no time off.

• Frequent on-site walking/standing; periodic exposure to mechanical areas, grooming/snow removal operations, and active guest environments.

• Ability to quickly respond to on-mountain events and emergencies.

• Selective travel time to regional or national educational or industry events

Position type and compensation

• Full-time, exempt (year-round).

• Compensation, bonus/incentive eligibility, and benefits commensurate with similarly situated nonprofit ski areas.

• Vehicle provided, Health Insurance, vacation and sick leave