Michigan Snowsports Industries Association
Executive Director Job Description

Location:         Work Remotely in Michigan
Job Title:         Executive Director
Reports To:     President/Current Executive Director
Oversees:        MSIA programs, marketing campaigns, advocacy efforts
Job Type:        Full-Time, Part-Time, Year-round

MSIA Mission

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association is the trade association for the ski industry in Michigan.  MSIA’s mission is to increase awareness of snow sports in Michigan, introduce new individuals to skiing/riding and to be the voice of the industry regarding legislative issues.  MSIA members include ski areas (downhill and cross country) ski retailers, manufacturers’ reps, and associated businesses. The association operates programs to introduce people into skiing and snowboarding, promotes the industry with advertising and public relations campaigns and advocates for the industry, both in-state and nationally.

Objectives of this Role

MSIA is looking to hire an Executive Director (ED).   Initially this may be a part-time position, as this new person learns the ropes.  The plan is for the new Executive Director to work alongside the current President/Executive Director for one complete year, as the current President/ED retires.

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for setting the vision and attaining the revenue goals of MSIA by managing the implementation of MSIA’s programs and plans. The primary area of emphasis is on the operations of the association throughout the year.  This means communicating with the MSIA Board and its members and assisting the current President with the operations of MSIA’s programs, taking them over entirely once she retires.

Position Duties/Responsibilities:

• Operating MSIA’s Programs – The operation of MSIA’s programs, which include Discover Michigan Skiing, our learn-to-ski and/or snowboard program that runs through January; the Cold is Cool Passport, an app that allows kids in 4th and 5th grades to ski free when accompanied by a paying adult; School Ski Days, an invitation sent to schools to take a field trip to a participating ski area; and the White Gold Card, MSIA’s primary funding source.
• Attending Conferences, sitting on Boards and industry-related committees –The ED will be responsible for representing MSIA on numerous tourism and industry related boards and committees including TICOM (Travel Industry Commission of Michigan), NSAA (National Ski areas Association), MSAA (Midwest Ski Areas Association), and others.
• Legislative Duties – MSIA is actively involved in Michigan’s legislative issues as they pertain to the snow sports industries.  The ED is responsible for communication with our lobbyist and with Michigan’s legislators as the need arises.
• Website updates – The ED is responsible for updating MSIA’s website as the seasons change.
• MSIA Board Meetings and Annual Meeting– Each year MSIA plans and hosts an annual meeting, where all members are invited to attend.  The ED is responsible for planning and the management of this meeting. In addition, MSIA holds 2 to 3 board meetings, which are usually offered as in-person events, with a Zoom option.  The ED makes all arrangements for these meetings, takes minutes and provides all needed reports.
• Publicity – Each fall MSIA compiles a press kit with news for the upcoming season. We also do media interviews (print, radio, and TV) and keep track of press clips. The ED will write releases, work to send them out and conduct interviews as needed, or schedule members of the board for interviews.
• Filing Taxes – Throughout the year the ED records all revenue and expenses into bookkeeping software.  These records are then shipped to MSIA’s accounting firm to file taxes.
• Maintaining databases – The ED is responsible for keeping the database of members and the databases of participants in MSIA’s programs.
• Sending dues notices, statements and keeping track of member status – The ED sends dues notices, provides dues receipts and thank-you letters.
• Member E-newsletters – MSIA sends E-newsletters to its members, keeping them updated on industry information.  The ED will learn how this is done and assist with writing and sending these correspondences, which are currently done using Constant Contact.
• Calling the annual MSIA Board of Director elections, sending ballots, and keeping records – The ED will learn this process.
• Working with ad agencies for MSIA’s annual advertising campaigns – Determine budget then work with agencies to develop creative and monitor results.
• Maintaining Michigan Ski Hall of Fame – The Michigan Ski Hall of Fame lives on the MSIA website.  The ED will update the Hall of Fame page when needed and perform other duties including sending any nominations to the board for a vote, writing biographies and adding them to the website, arranging for the induction ceremony, and creating a booklet for the ceremony.  MSIA also has a Hall of Fame display in the Clare Welcome Center and the ED updates this display annually.
• Maintaining and updating/changing MSIA’s Sustainability efforts – Climate change is the number one threat to the ski industry in Michigan.  MSIA has a page on its website that is designed to assist members with their sustainability efforts, educate the public about the threat of climate change to our industry and advocate for efforts to reverse climate change.  The ED will update the website, meet with members of our government, and assist our lobbyist as needed to address these issues.

The ED is also responsible for the following:

• Maintaining an office, where members can call to get questions answered, where the media can call and where skiers can inquire about programs and services.
• Maintaining school databases for Michigan and surrounding states
• Procuring printing and mailing quotes
• Purchasing Officer’s Insurance
• Shipping orders of Cold is Cool Passports and White Gold Cards to individuals and shops.
• Sending information to members for the operation of MSIA’s programs
• Purchasing, maintaining, and upgrading office equipment and software

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/SKILLS

Professional Experience:

A minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience in a professional position.

Education:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, college or technical school is preferred.

Required Skills:

• A valid Driver’s License is required for this position.
• Ability to ski and/or snowboard.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills are important.
• Outstanding communication, writing and design skills are preferred. Experience in writing press releases, handling on-air interviews (TV and radio), and developing marketing campaigns is a plus.
• The knowledge, ability, and personality to be a strong spokesperson for Michigan’s ski industry.
• Must be able to use a computer with Excel, Word, and Outlook.  Must be willing to learn design and website software.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT/BENEFITS

Most of the work performed for MSIA (estimated 70%) will be done remotely, from your home or office.  However, there will be times when travel is required to attend meetings, visit members, and attend conferences and events.  It may also mean meeting in the MSIA office in Clarkston as duties are learned.

Besides working with great people in the industry, the benefits of this job include the ability to set your own hours, be your own boss and express your creativity with ad campaigns, marketing plans and MSIA’s programs.  The ED is also welcomed at all Michigan ski areas and gets a White Gold Card for free skiing.

Compensation will be determined by MSIA’s hiring committee based on experience.  Pay range will be approximately $50,000 to $60,000 annually.

To Apply For This Position:

Please send a cover letter and resume to:  mickey@goskimichigan.com

Please place “Executive Director” in the subject line.

Deadline for application:  November 30, 2023