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National Ability Center

National Ability Center

Adaptive recreation nonprofit providing inclusive sports

Associate Program Director

Full-TimeUpdated on 9/16/2026
$77k - $82k/yr
Senior
Bachelor's
Park City, UT, USA
In Person

Occasional travel to the Moab location is required.

No H1B Sponsorship

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
  • At least five years of management experience with increasing responsibilities in adaptive recreation and/or outdoor adventure program management and training, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity.
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.
  • A valid driver's license.
  • Ability to maintain a Utah Department of Transportation physical.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background check.
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States.
  • Ability to lead by example, motivate a team, and teach, coach, and mentor staff with varying levels of proficiency and experience.
  • Knowledge and expertise in adaptive recreation and outdoor adventure programs.
  • Ability to receive feedback and provide effective feedback and job coaching for development.
  • Ability to collaborate with department leads to develop, coordinate, and execute shared goals.
  • Ability to make timely program decisions based on the mission, needs, and strategic plan.
  • Ability to build teams, create accountability, and support excellence in program planning and implementation.
  • Ability to support program needs with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
  • Ability to develop quality presentations and present to all levels of the organization.
  • Communication, interpersonal, and networking skills to advocate for Program Department needs with key stakeholders.
  • Ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
  • Organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency or basic understanding of Salesforce, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds while conducting daily business.
  • Ability to work outside in various weather conditions, including extreme weather conditions.
  • Ability to drive 14-passenger vans and buses and pull a trailer or boat behind a truck.
  • Availability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for projects and special events.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and supervise four to six program departments as assigned by the Chief Programming and Education Officer.
  • Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate Program Managers of assigned departments.
  • Identify talent needs and support recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding of full-time and seasonal staff.
  • Support annual department goals, establish priorities, provide resources and support, and provide regular professional-development feedback.
  • Set performance expectations, provide coaching, and administer disciplinary action as needed.
  • Monitor and assess program effectiveness and mission impact through data collection, analysis, and feedback.
  • Use evaluation results to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Oversee the budget for each assigned program department and ensure financial sustainability and efficient resource allocation.
  • Assist with grant reporting as applicable.
  • Develop outreach strategies to increase program visibility, engagement, and impact in collaboration with the Marketing team.
  • Work with the Chief Programming and Innovation Officer to develop strategic plans and partnerships for new and existing programs.
  • Create, steward, and represent assigned partner organizations and relationships.
  • Develop and ensure implementation of processes and procedures for program consistency, safety, and growth.
  • Work with the volunteer management team to improve volunteer utilization and promote growth and leadership opportunities within programs.
  • Manage internal communication to strengthen organizational goals and support a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants, staff, volunteers, partners, donors, and the community.
  • Assist with key fundraising events and other special events as needed.
  • Serve as an ambassador and representative for the National Ability Center.
  • Travel occasionally to the Moab location.
Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced certifications in at least one discipline.

About the company

National Ability Center

National Ability Center

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The National Ability Center is a nonprofit that offers adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for people of all abilities, primarily at its Park City campuses and a satellite site in Moab. It runs year-round programs in more than 20 activities, including skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, rock climbing, cycling, watersports, and archery, all supported by accessible facilities like the Bronfman Family Recreation Center & Ranch and the McGrath Mountain Center. Programs are delivered by trained staff and volunteers; participants pay fees while scholarships and donations help cover costs, with about $640,000 awarded in 2023. Its goal is to enable people with disabilities and diverse abilities to participate in recreation, gain skills, and enjoy inclusive, accessible outdoor experiences.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Park City, Utah

Founded

1985

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What believers are saying

  • The McGrath Mountain Center opened after Vail approval, expanding slopeside capacity in 2025.
  • Twelve NAC athletes reached 2026 Paralympic rosters, boosting recruiting and donor credibility.
  • February 27, 2026 Ski-A-Thon fundraising channels community attention after federal cuts.

What critics are saying

  • NAC lost $500,000 federal funding in 2025, pressuring military programming immediately.
  • Heavy reliance on donations and fundraisers exposes NAC to a 2026 cash crunch.
  • If donor support weakens before federal replacement funding arrives, program cuts hit viability.

What makes National Ability Center unique

  • Park City-based NAC trains 12 2026 Paralympic roster athletes across three countries.
  • NAC’s 50-year Vail Resorts lease anchors rare slopeside adaptive skiing access.
  • Its year-round Park City and Moab programs span 20+ activities for disabled participants.

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Benefits

Employee Discounts

Professional Development Budget

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Certification Support

Hybrid Work Options