Executive Director

Founded in 1968, the Boulder Outdoor Survival School is one of the oldest and most respected wilderness education programs in the United States. Based in the spectacular redrock country of southern Utah, BOSS offers immersive field courses that challenge students to develop self‑reliance, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. Our instructors are masters of primitive skills and wilderness living, and the experiences they facilitate are unlike anything else in outdoor education. BOSS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with healthy enrollment, a passionate instructor community, and a mission that has never been more relevant. The organization is ready for its next chapter — one that pairs the strength of our field program with the organizational discipline and fundraising capacity to ensure BOSS thrives for another fifty years. The Role The Executive Director is the chief executive of BOSS, responsible for the overall health, performance, and direction of the school. You will lead a small, dedicated team and report to the Board of Directors. The ED works in close partnership with a Program Director who oversees field operations, safety, and course delivery. Your focus is on three things: leading the community, raising the money, and growing the enrollment. This role requires significant physical presence in Boulder, Utah during pre‑season, the field season, and post‑season. Remote flexibility is possible in the off‑season, but we expect the ED to spend a minimum of 6+ weeks onsite annually . Being present, accessible, and genuinely engaged with staff is non‑negotiable. This is a full‑time, exclusive commitment. No other paid employment, consulting, or business activities will be permitted with the exception of wilderness education instruction. BOSS needs a leader whose sole professional focus is building this organization. Core Responsibilities Community Leadership & Culture Be the cultural leader of BOSS: set the tone, model the values, and build an environment where staff feel valued, supported, and excited to return each season. Build trust with field staff through consistent presence, honest communication, and genuine care. Be accessible when people need to talk. Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and the BOSS community, ensuring information flows transparently and appropriately in both directions. Champion staff retention and development. Work with the Program Director to ensure instructors are well‑compensated, well‑trained, and have clear growth pathways. Represent BOSS externally as the organization’s primary spokesperson—at conferences, in media, and within the broader outdoor education community. Own the fundraising strategy. Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan with clear goals, cadence, and accountability. Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, family foundations, and corporate partners. Build and grow an alumni engagement program. BOSS alumni are deeply connected to their experience, and that connection is an under‑leveraged asset. Pursue grant funding from foundations aligned with BOSS’s mission in wilderness education, youth development, and environmental stewardship. Build a development function that doesn’t depend on any single person. Donor relationships, pipeline data, and institutional knowledge must be documented and transferable. Grow enrollment through a mix of organic strategies (storytelling, alumni referrals, earned media, SEO) and disciplined paid marketing with measurable return. Oversee the enrollment process end‑to‑end, ensuring a welcoming and efficient experience for prospective students from first inquiry to course start. Ensure that all marketing and website content accurately represents the BOSS experience. Authenticity is our brand—protect it. Develop an annual marketing plan and budget that prioritizes efficiency and accountability. Own the fiscal health of BOSS. Develop and manage an annual budget, monitor cash flow, and provide the Board with timely, accurate financial reporting. Work with the Board’s designated financial reporting firm for quarterly close and reporting. Maintain disciplined cost management. BOSS is a lean organization and the ED must be comfortable operating that way. Identify financial risks and opportunities early and communicate them proactively to the Board. Program Oversight (shared with Program Director) Ensure courses are properly planned, staffed, equipped, and executed safely. The Program Director manages the day‑to‑day; the ED ensures the Program Director has what they need and that standards are met. Oversee risk management and safety protocols in partnership with the Program Director. Wilderness courses carry inherent risk and the ED must ensure the organization takes this seriously at every level. Maintain and improve the Boulder property as a welcoming, functional home base for staff and the program. Qualifications Required Demonstrated leadership in a nonprofit or mission‑driven organization, with hands‑on experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, and grant writing. Experience building or leading a development function, including annual campaigns, major gifts, foundation grants, alumni engagement. Strong financial management skills: budgeting, cash flow management, and the ability to read and act on financial statements. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders — from field instructors to major donors to board members. Willingness to be physically present in Boulder, Utah for 6+ weeks of the year. Full‑time, exclusive commitment to BOSS. No outside paid employment or consulting. Commitment to a minimum three‑year tenure. BOSS needs stability in this role. Preferred Experience in outdoor education, wilderness programs, or adventure‑based learning. Familiarity with BOSS or similar wilderness immersion programs. Experience managing seasonal operations and staff. Track record of growing enrollment or membership in a program‑based organization. Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors. Compensation Base salary: $75,000 + performance‑based bonus tied to enrollment, fundraising, and organizational health targets. Reports to: Board of Directors. BOSS is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds who share our commitment to wilderness education and community. #J-18808-Ljbffr