Director of Recreation - Giants Ridge

Compensation Amount:

75,000.00 USD Annual

Job Summary:

The Director of Recreation provides year-round leadership and operational oversight of mountain sports programs and facility recreational activities. This role manages winter snow sports (Alpine and Nordic), summer mountain biking, special events, and a variety of outdoor recreational offerings. The Director works collaboratively across departments to enhance the guest experience, ensure safety, develop staff, and support the overall strategic goal of Giants Ridge.

Job Description:

Essential Functions

• Oversees daily operations for the Mountain Sports School, Equipment Rental, Ticketing & Group Sales, Mountain Sports Shop and mountain events.
• Leads the development and implementation of engaging recreational programs that support guest satisfaction and revenue growth.
• Ensure safety compliance, staff training, and risk management practices meet or exceed industry standards.
• Oversees climbing wall operations, compliance and programming.
• Manges year-round recreation offerings including skiing (Alpine & Nordic), snowshoeing, hiking, disc golf, and camps. 
• Recruits, trains, and develops team members; fosters a culture of safety; professionalism, and guest-first service.
• Serves as Manager on Duty as assigned.
• Partners with department leaders to ensure seamless operations and guest experience across the facility.
• Tracks guest feedback, usage metrics, and financial performance to inform planning and continuous improvement.
• Develops and manages department budgets, forecasts, and capital improvement projects.
• Plans and executes signature races, seasonal events, and family-friendly activities.
• Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with schools, local organizations, and community groups.
• Collaborates with the Director of Mountain Operations & Facilities to align seasonal terrain and trail maintenance with program needs.

Skill and Knowledge Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation management, outdoor education, or related field preferred; or 5-10 years of progressive experience in ski resort or recreational leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of ski area operations, including instruction, mountain safety, and summer programming.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget planning, forecasting, and capital project oversight.
• Effective leadership and team-building skills with a collaborative, hands-on management style.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; strong public speaker.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to learn new systems including POS and scheduling software.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, policies, and procedures.
• Valid Class D Driver’s License with an insurable driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform work in both office settings and operations environments throughout the resort. 
• Ability to ski/snowboard and mountain bike at an intermediate level in all snow and weather conditions. 
• Must be comfortable navigating indoor and outdoor workspaces in all weather conditions. 
• Requires regular walking, standing, and the ability to respond quickly to operational needs during active business hours. 
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including across uneven outdoor terrain in varying weather conditions. 
• Lifting, carrying, and pushing up to 25 lbs. regularly, 30-35 lbs. frequently, and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Manual dexterity required for using computers, mobile devices and radios.
• Requires the ability to communicate clearly and professionally in person, over the phone, and via email. 
• Ability to analyze complex situations, make sound decisions quickly, and handle conflict constructively. 
• Mental stamina to remain focused and professional for extended shifts or peak operational periods. 
• Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays, according to resort needs.

Equipment Used

• Typical office equipment (computers, phone system, fax, copiers, scanners, among others)
• Two-way radio
• Ski, Snowboard and Mountain Bike equipment
• Golf cart, snowmobile and ATV equipment
• Specialized electronics and related software

Giants Ridge, managed by Guest Services Inc., Minnesota’s premier year-round golf and ski resort, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Recreation to lead our mountain sports programs and recreational activities.  This leadership role