Executive Director & Head of School search begins as nationally recognized mountain academy builds on its legacy of academic excellence and elite snow sport development.
Norden, CA — Sugar Bowl Academy (SBA), one of North America’s premier mountain academies, today announced the launch of a nationwide search for its next Executive Director & Head of School. The Academy is seeking an inspiring, mission-driven leader to guide its next chapter while building on decades of excellence developing exceptional student-athletes through a rigorous college-preparatory education and elite snow sport training.
The position description and search prospectus are now available at https://www.sbacademy.org/edhos, with applications being accepted through Monday, September 14, 2026.
Where Academic Excellence Meets Elite Snow Sport
Nestled atop Donner Summit in California’s Sierra Nevada, Sugar Bowl Academy offers something few schools anywhere can match: an accredited college-preparatory education seamlessly integrated with world-class training in Alpine, Freeride, Freeski, and Cross-Country skiing. Here, student-athletes pursue excellence both in the classroom and on the mountain—preparing them for success in competition, college, and life.
Sugar Bowl Academy alumni have represented the United States at the last three Winter Olympic Games, with graduates continuing to compete on the world stage. The Academy’s coaching staff includes former Olympians, World Cup athletes, national team coaches, and X Games competitors, providing student-athletes with exceptional mentorship and expertise.
Academic outcomes are equally impressive. Recent graduates have enrolled at institutions including Harvard, Dartmouth, Cornell, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Middlebury, Boston College, Colby, Bates, Colorado College, and many other leading universities, while alumni currently compete across more than 20 collegiate ski and snowboard programs. Sugar Bowl Academy is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and is a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Gold Certified Club.
An Opportunity to Shape the Next Chapter
The Executive Director & Head of School serves as the Academy’s chief executive, providing strategic leadership across academics, athletics, residential life, enrollment, fundraising, and institutional growth. Working alongside an accomplished leadership team and engaged Board of Trustees, the successful candidate will help shape the Academy’s future while advancing its mission and strengthening its impact for generations to come.
The position comes at an exciting time for Sugar Bowl Academy. The Academy’s partnership with Sugar Bowl Resort is stronger than ever, creating unique opportunities to enhance the student-athlete experience while supporting a bold vision for the future of the campus and community.
“Sugar Bowl Academy is a truly special place where ambitious students are challenged to excel both academically and athletically,” said Ellen Cooper and Scott Cullerton, Co-Chairs of the Executive Director & Head of School Search Committee. “We’re looking for a leader who shares that belief—someone who can inspire our students, unite our community, and help shape the Academy’s future while honoring the traditions and values that make this place extraordinary.”
The Search Committee is conducting a broad national search, welcoming candidates from independent schools, collegiate athletics, snow sports, business, nonprofit leadership, and other mission-driven organizations. The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership experience, a passion for developing young people, financial and fundraising acumen, and the ability to unite a diverse community around a shared vision.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to review the position description and prospectus and apply by Monday, September 14, 2026. Additional information is available at: sbacademy.org/edhos.
About Sugar Bowl Academy
Located atop Donner Summit in California’s Sierra Nevada, Sugar Bowl Academy is an accredited college-preparatory mountain academy where academic excellence and elite snow sport development advance together. Through nationally recognized programs in Alpine, Freeride, Freeski, and Nordic skiing, SBA prepares student-athletes to pursue Olympic dreams, leading universities, and lives of purpose. Guided by its core values of grit, grace, and courage, the Academy develops young people who are equipped to thrive on the mountain, in the classroom, and beyond.
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