Mount Hood Race Team & Academy (MHRTA), one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier youth alpine ski racing programs, is hiring a full-time Program Director to lead athlete development, coach management, and year-round operations at Mt. Hood, Oregon.

Based in Government Camp, Oregon, MHRTA develops competitive alpine ski racers from U8 through U16, helping athletes grow on and off the hill through high-level training, sportsmanship, and a lifelong passion for ski racing. The program competes at local, regional, and national levels through PNW, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and FIS-sanctioned events.

This leadership role combines strategic planning with hands-on coaching and operational management. The Program Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and oversees athlete progression, coaching staff, race operations, parent communication, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Athlete Development Programs

The Program Director will design and oversee training plans for U8, U10, U12, U14, and U16 athletes while aligning programming with U.S. Ski & Snowboard athlete development standards. Responsibilities include:

  • Managing athlete development pathways
  • Supporting competition planning and travel logistics
  • Driving program enrollment and race participation
  • Building a positive, athlete-centered team culture
  • Coordinating preseason training camps before Timberline and Ski Bowl operations begin

Manage Coaching Staff

The role includes leading approximately 15 staff members, primarily seasonal and part-time coaches. Responsibilities include:

  • Recruiting and hiring coaching staff
  • Assigning on-snow training responsibilities
  • Supporting coach development and mentorship
  • Maintaining certification compliance, including PSIA and U.S. Ski & Snowboard credentials
  • Communicating staff updates to the Board of Directors

Oversee Operations and Race Coordination

The Program Director will manage day-to-day operations and work closely with the host ski area and race department to coordinate:

  • Training terrain access
  • Race scheduling and grooming
  • Safety standards and compliance
  • Equipment inventory
  • Athlete registration systems
  • Annual budgeting and financial reporting

Build Community and Program Growth

As the face of the program, the Program Director will communicate with athlete families, represent MHRTA at regional meetings and community events, and support fundraising and sponsorship initiatives.

Qualifications

MHRTA seeks candidates with:

  • 3–5 years of competitive alpine ski racing experience
  • Coaching, athlete development, or program administration experience
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills
  • U.S. Ski & Snowboard certification or the ability to obtain it
  • First aid/CPR and SafeSport certification eligibility
  • Excellent communication skills with athletes, parents, staff, and board members

Preferred qualifications include Level 200 coaching certification, nonprofit management experience, and familiarity with FIS or Junior Olympic competition structures.

Position Details

  • Location: Mt. Hood / Government Camp, Oregon
  • Employment Type: Full-time, exempt
  • Season: Year-round
  • Travel: Up to 30%

The role requires extensive outdoor work in alpine winter conditions, including weekends, early mornings, and travel to competitions throughout the season. Summer responsibilities include glacier camps on the Palmer Snowfield, staff hiring, offseason conditioning, and operational planning.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

  • A cover letter outlining coaching philosophy and experience
  • A current resume or CV
  • Three professional references

Applications should be sent to wayne.allen@gmail.com. MHRTA reviews applications on a rolling basis and encourages early submissions.

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