Senior Director of Ski and Ride School, Strategy & Innovation - Vail Resorts : Job Details

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Date: May 29, 2025

Location:

Hybrid, Remote, US

Company: Vail Resorts Corporate

Shift Type: Year Round

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you're ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

The Sr. Director – Ski & Ride School Strategy & Innovation is responsible for shaping and executing product innovations and initiatives across Vail Resorts' Ski & Ride School (SRS) function, with a strong focus on creative innovation, growth and operational excellence. This role serves as the product owner for My Epic Pro, leading its development and execution across the enterprise in FY26 and beyond.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Ski & Ride School, this role will partner closely with operations leaders, Marketing, resort General Managers, and other cross-functional stakeholders to support the definition, execution, and delivery of annual strategic priorities and innovation to drive financial performance across the Ski & Ride School business.

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as product owner for My Epic Pro, leading the Program execution in FY26 and beyond
• Lead strategic innovation initiatives, including future My Epic Pro enhancements and the development and delivery of additional product and experience innovations for the Ski & Ride School business
• Drive the strategic product roadmap and annual priority setting for the Ski & Ride School in partnership with the VP of Ski & Ride School
• Partner on annual product and pricing strategy development and execution
• Share responsibility for the Ski & Ride School P&L to ensure strong financial performance and sustainable growth
• Collaborate with the Director of Ski & Ride School Operations to ensure effective execution of initiatives across all resorts and operations
• Build and lead a high-performing team to support the strategic innovation and growth portfolio.
• Engage with resort-based Ski & Ride School leaders to drive best practices and planning efforts.

Job Requirements:

Knowledge and Skills:

• Executive-level business acumen and advanced stakeholder management capabilities.
• Expertise in strategic planning and innovation leadership.
• Strong analytical capabilities with an emphasis on guest insights and data-driven decision-making.
• Deep experience in product and experience design (digital and non-digital).
• Demonstrated success in leading within complex, matrixed organizational structures, including leading via influence.

Experience:

• 10+ years' experience or proven track record in leading large-scale strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving P&L performance in a consumer-facing, operationally complex business.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and leading innovation within a hospitality, leisure, or resort context.
• Prior leadership in product lifecycle management, pricing strategy, and guest experience enhancement.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a team environment and contribute to successful execution of goals.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and training.
• Demonstrated experience in cross functional collaboration; ability to influence change.
• Outstanding critical thinking and communication skills, with a very high level of emotional intelligence, and autonomy.
• Proven computer skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Key Decision Rights:

• Strategic direction and prioritization of Ski & Ride School innovation portfolio.
• Resource planning and team structure for the Strategy & Innovation function.
• Product development and lifecycle decisions for My Epic Pro and related guest offerings.
• Budget planning and financial oversight for Ski & Ride School P&L.

KPIs:

• My Epic Pro guest adoption, engagement, and satisfaction metrics.
• Year-over-year revenue and profitability growth in the Ski & Ride School business.
• Execution progress against annual strategic priorities.
• Guest satisfaction and retention metrics related to lesson products and services.
• Team engagement and leadership pipeline development.

The expected Total Compensation for this role is$151,000 - $193,000 + annual bonus + equity. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid' work environment where employees living within 50 miles of the Broomfield office work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays. Employees living outside of a commutable distance can work remotely from British Columbia, Washington D.C., and the 16 U.S. states* in which we currently operate. This includes: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID 508758Reference Date:05/29/2025Job Code Function:Ski/Snow School