The Moran Company Seeks CEO for National Ski Patrol

April 1, 2021 – The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, was recently enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for the non-profit National Ski Patrol (NSP), a leading authority on winter mountain safety, in Lakewood, CO. Leading the assignment is senior search consultant Bruce Scott. The CEO of the NSP will lead all operational aspects of the organization. “The CEO is the primary face and voice of the National Ski Patrol and acts as the brand ambassador and a snow sports and outdoor recreation industry leader,” said the search firm. “With primary responsibility for revenue goals, the CEO leads NSP in membership programs, fundraising and sponsorships.”

Principal duties for the role involve working closely within the snow sports and outdoor recreation industry as a leader and advocate for the NSP and its mission, said the search firm. The CEO is responsible for increasing the number and the quality of NSP industry partners and sponsors. He or she is also charged with supporting membership recruiting and retention. The position also calls for developing and leading creative fundraising efforts.

NSP’s CEO must execute initiatives and strategic directives as provided by the board of directors and ensure continuing progress toward accomplishing the goals and objectives of the strategic plan. It is critical that this leader also enhance the brand value of the NSP within the membership, industry and public. Managing the operations of the NSP and of the Lakewood, CO office is also an integral aspect of the job.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this position will have demonstrated leadership excellence as an executive in a membership association, said The Moran Company. Excellent relationship management skills (volunteers, employees, vendors, industry partners and sponsors) is also critical. The leader must also have: the ability to build rapport with the board of directors and support many committees and task forces in the volunteer leadership structure; the ability to lead in strategic and operational planning, oversee implementation of the strategic plan. and inspire staff, board, and stakeholders to work toward that future; and exceptional communications skills – verbal, written, public speaking and presentation.

Candidates are required to have a related college degree. An advanced degree, such as an MBA, marketing, or master’s degree in education, is preferred. Prospects should also have a minimum of five years management experience in a leadership role. Association and/or non-profit organization experience with board-reporting level is preferred. Candidates must also be experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about outdoor recreation. Professional experience in outdoor recreation industry is preferred.

The ability to travel to locations throughout the U.S. and occasionally other countries to attend conferences, division meetings, and other NSP or industry related events is a key requirement, said the search firm. Depending on the season, travel may be up to 60 percent of the CEO’s calendar. The individual should also be dedicated to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the outdoor industry and the workplace. It is essential that prospects have strong project management skills and ability to complete projects on time and on budget with understanding of business operations and management including: HR, legal, accounting, finance and facility management.

Preferred qualifications include certified association executive, experience in senior non-profit leadership roles and understanding of related legal issues, demonstrated ability to develop and retain corporate partnerships, experience in education and curriculum development and proven ability in leading and managing fundraising efforts including donations, grants and sponsorships.

The National Ski Patrol is a federally-chartered, charitable, non-profit corporation established 83 years ago. NSP is dedicated to serving the public and outdoor recreation industry by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers. The organization is made up of more than 33,000 members serving over 650 patrols. Its members work on behalf of local outdoor recreation areas, including winter snow sports areas, to improve the overall experience for outdoor recreationalists. The non-profit has a staff of 18 based in Lakewood. Its annual revenue budget is about $3 million.

Non-Profit Recruiters

The Moran Company, based in Leawood, KS, specializes in searches for non-profit leadership, including executive directors, fundraising/development directors, hospital foundation directors and other senior executives. Some of The Moran Company’s current searches include executive director of cultural survival, executive director of Mount Nittany Health Foundation and executive director of TNC Community.

Bill Moran founded the search firm in 1996. He has worked on more than 60 non-profit searches over the past 12 years. He brings a combination to the search sector of having spent another 10 years as senior fundraising staff and 12 years as a fundraising consultant serving more than 100 clients.

Mr. Scott has 34 years of total executive experience serving people with developmental disabilities. He was founder of a local trade association, served as board member and president of the state rehabilitation association, and is connected nationally through United Cerebral Palsy. He led a United Cerebral Palsy affiliate for 16 years.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media