Director of Youth Programs – Mt. Spokane Ski Race Team

Location: Mt. Spokane, Washington
Employment Type: Full-Time / Seasonal (Year-Round Potential)

About Us: 

Mt. Spokane Ski Race Team (MSSRT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a proud competitive history, founded in 1959 as the Spokane Ski Racing Association (SSRA). MSSRT provides premium ski race development programs for the youth of the Inland Northwest. 

Position Overview: 

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Youth Programs to lead and grow our youth development pipeline. This role oversees all aspects of our FUNdamentals, Learn-to-Train, and Train-to-Train programs, working closely with the Executive Director, Club Development Coordinator, and Mt. Spokane’s Director of Outdoor Recreation and Ski School leadership. 

Core responsibilities include recruitment & child-athlete placement, coaching staff leadership, program design and execution, and membership family communication. The ideal candidate is an organized leader with a passion for developing young athletes both on and off the hill. Our programs range from single-day Saturday participation to five-day training models, including night-ski programming. 

While structured as a full-time seasonal role, MSSRT is open to expanding this into a year-round position for the right candidate—particularly someone interested in contributing to off-season camps, SkiFit Kids programming, administration, marketing, and fundraising initiatives. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead and oversee all YSL programming, including scheduling, training plans, and event coordination 
• Recruit, develop, and manage seasonal coaching staff 
• Maintain consistent on-snow coaching presence Wednesday–Sunday during the season
• Ensure core presence at Thursday night training, Saturday, and Sunday programs
• Design and implement age-appropriate training aligned with long-term athlete development models 
• Coordinate equipment, facilities, transportation, and operational logistics as appropriate
• Communicate effectively with child-athletes, families, staff, and Mt. Spokane Ski School
• Maintain strong relationships with mountain operations to support training execution
• Support athlete retention and progression into Train-to-Compete and High Performance pathway programs 

Qualifications: 

• Experience in alpine skiing and youth sports program leadership 
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational abilities 
• Knowledge of alpine racing technique, tactics, and athlete development pathways
• Proven ability to manage youth-athlete placements to maintain program standards, and set process goals with families 
• Current PSIA-AASI or US Ski & Snowboard coaching certification (or ability to obtain)
• Eligibility to operate program vehicles 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with YSL or similar youth development programs 
• Background in competitive alpine racing 
• US Ski & Snowboard L200 certification or PSIA-AASI equivalent 
• Advanced degree in sports science, kinesiology, education, child development, or a related field (e.g., physical therapy, athletic training, or youth development) 

What We Offer: 

• Competitive compensation based on experience and role structure 
• Opportunity to lead and shape the pipeline of a well-established racing program
• Supportive, passionate, and engaged ski community 
• Access and use of MSSRT facilities on Mt. Spokane and season pass
• Ongoing professional development support 

How to Apply: 

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your coaching philosophy and relevant experience to Executive Director Catherine (Cat) Harnden.
📧 catharnden.mssrt@gmail.com