Kelly Brush Foundation Hiring: Director of Ski Safety & Development

The Kelly Brush Foundation, a rapidly growing and impactful national nonprofit based in Burlington, Vermont, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Ski Safety & Development. Our vision is to enable everyone with Spinal Cord Injuries, regardless of income levels, to be able to enjoy the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of an active lifestyle as well as work to improve safety in ski racing at every level of the sport. 

At KBF, we focus on: 

1. Empowering People: Providing equipment grants for recreation equipment.
2. Inspiring and Connecting: Showing the depth and breadth of experience and possibility through our camps and scholarship programs. 
3. Transforming Our Shared Recreation Spaces: Advocating for and supporting the construction and adaptation of accessible and inclusive recreational spaces.
4. Safer Ski Racing: Advocating for safer racing practices and providing equipment and support for training and racing. 

What kind of person are we looking for? 

Are you the person that can not stop short of a goal? Do you wake up wanting to make a difference in the world? Does fairness in society matter? Do you believe everyone regardless of their physical abilities should have access to recreation and the outdoors anytime, anywhere? If you do, we want to talk to you about being part of a team that will never stop fighting for these rights. We’re looking for people who want to blaze new trails where others might shy away. We want people whose lives revolve around recreation and the spirit of outdoor adventure. We want people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work that true change requires. We want people who derive deep personal satisfaction from helping others succeed. 

Role Description: 

In collaboration with Kelly, the Executive Director, the KBF Leadership Team and the KBF Board of Directors, the Director of Ski Safety & Development will work to fulfill annual fundraising objectives to advance the KBF’s mission of inspiring and empowering people with paralysis to lead active and engaged lives and work to improve safety in ski racing. The Director of Ski Safety & Development reports to the Executive Director and will also lead KBF’s long-running ski racing safety program which provides global leadership, advocacy and grant support to ensure ski racing is safe for both racing and training. The Director of Ski Safety & Development will lead our ski and sports community fundraising efforts by: 

• Working with Kelly, the Executive Director, Chief Development Officer, the KBF team, and the KBF board to segment potential door pools based on income potential, affinity, and location 
• Creating engagement plans for a portfolio of donors at all levels, including individual donors across multiple income levels, potential ski-related event sponsors and corporate donors
• Working with the KBF team to create compelling donor events and experiences for potential donors 
• Managing our ski-related key donor database with our CRM system 
• Coordinating a robust donor stewardship and engagement program to nurture donors and industry partners over time in the spirit of KBF’s mission 
• Cultivate new donors within and adjacent to the ski community across the country 

Director of Ski Safety & Development will partner with the KBF team to lead our ski racing safety efforts by: 

1. Expanding KBF’s education and advocacy programs to build the KBF brand as the voice of ski racing safety and to promote a shared culture of safety in ski racing
2. Partnering with FIS to integrate KBF safety education into international initiatives 3. Advancing ski racing safety best practices and collaboration with US Ski & Snowboard (USSS) to develop, model, and promote best practices in training and competition safety across all U.S. clubs and venues. 

Day-to-day Activities: 

• Manage and run quarterly KBF Ski Racing Safety (SRS) Committee meetings
• Oversee SRS grant application, review, and award process 
• Manage KBF’s Stop the Bleed program ensuring content is in stock and shipped to clubs when purchased 
• Work with Kelly and the SRS committee to respond proactively to safety issues as they arise 
• Collaborate with the KBF safety consultant, Kelly, and SRS committee to develop new education and advocacy content 
• Work with US Ski & Snowboard, FIS, and other organizations to elevate the KBF SRS message and develop new pathways of deploying this mission 
• Develop and implement strategic regional and national donor cultivation and stewardship programs in key markets, including New England, New York City, the Rockies, and California, to exceed fundraising goals 
• Conduct donor prospecting by analyzing the organization’s existing database and identifying net new donors 
• Develop and implement strategies for engaging and cultivating identified prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to expand the donor base and strengthen the organization’s pipeline of supporters 
• Focus on building meaningful relationships to elevate donor engagement, increase gift levels, and ensure long-term retention and satisfaction. Conduct regular face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and personalized communications to engage donors and align their philanthropic interests with KBF’s priorities 
• Partner with the Executive Director, the Chief Development Officer, and the KBF team to develop and implement robust donor segmentation strategies and personalized stewardship plans, optimizing the database for efficiency and strategic growth
• Support the KBF Marketing Department as needed to develop all event assets including invitations, email communications, sponsorship decks, websites, ticket and donation forms, email communications, presentations, signage, follow up, etc. 

Qualifications: 

• Self-starter with a demonstrated ability to both work independently and drive results in a collaborative team environment 
• Extensive competitive ski racing experience at club, national, or international levels
• In-depth knowledge of USA ski racing safety issues and industry status. International knowledge is a plus 
• Proven business experience and/or relationships with US Ski and Snowboard
• 5+ years of fundraising/development experience with demonstrated ability to raise money from individual donors and industry partners 
• Exceptional project management skills and attention to detail with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and deliver results 
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities to effectively engage diverse audiences and inspire action 
• Ability to manage and analyze data to inform strategic fundraising decisions
• Ability to manage high-stress situations and maintain stability and productivity with a sense of humor 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment 
• Proficiency in Google, Microsoft Office, Slack, CRM systems, with experience in DonorPerfect a plus 
• Awareness on the fields of disability and adaptive sports with direct experience a plus ● Experience in recruiting and managing volunteer committees 

This position can be a remote position and includes national travel as well as some evening and weekend events – levels to be determined. 

About the Kelly Brush Foundation: 

We are a dynamic and growing Burlington, VT–based non-profit inspiring and empowering people with paralysis to lead active and engaged lives. The Kelly Brush Foundation was founded in 2006 by Kelly and her family after Kelly sustained a spinal cord injury while racing in an NCAA alpine ski race. The KBF values all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life because it reflects who we are, who we seek to serve, and because diversity of all kinds makes our organization stronger. 

How to Apply: 

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to Wing Pepper, Executive Director at wing@kellybrushfoundation.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.