Invest your marketing talents, love of Vermont, and entrepreneurial spirit in stewarding this well-established brand and impactful organization, serving as the face and voice of Stowe Area Association, and strategically growing the organization to benefit members, staff, and the community.

Overview
The Executive Director (E.D.) is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day management of the Stowe Area Association (SAA). Reporting to the President of the Board of Trustees, the E.D. oversees all facets of the organization, including marketing, membership, business development, community and public relations, operations, communication, finance and administration. In close collaboration with the Board, staff, and members, the Executive Director ensures that all programs and initiatives align with SAA’s mission and long-term strategic goals, supporting the growth and success of the organization and the broader community it serves. Visit SAA's website here: gostowe.com

Click here to access a PDF of the Executive Director Profile & Vision.

Core Areas of Focus

Marketing and Sales \- Own the strategic vision for the Stowe brand and lead all marketing and sales efforts to drive tourism, tell a compelling year-round story, and elevate the designation's visibility. Guide a data-driven approach to digital campaigns, brand partnerships, public relations, and visitor engagement that delivers results for the community and SAA’s member businesses.

Membership Engagement and Satisfaction \- Build strong relationships with existing members and actively recruit and retain new or returning ones, seeking to understand needs and concerns, foster meaningful member engagement and satisfaction through collaborative marketing and events, and elevate the visibility of members.

Business Development \- Develop and execute strategies that expand SAA’s reach, resources, and impact by growing membership, cultivating sponsorships, and launching programs and events that drive value. Focus on building opportunities that directly increase revenue, unlock new marketing dollars, and bring more visitors to Stowe - strengthening the local economy and reinforcing Stowe’s position as a premier destination.

Community and Public Relations – Serve as the face and voice of SAA across the region, - building trust, visibility, and influence through strong relationships with town, state, and regional leaders, as well as key tourism and economic development partners. Represent SAA and its members in public forums and policy conversations that shape the future of Stowe and Vermont’s visitor economy.

Organizational and People Leadership – Provide strategy, financial, policy, administrative and operational oversight of programs and services; inspire, support, and develop staff; and partner with an engaged board to envision and achieve strategic goals. Lead with integrity and vision across all aspects of the organization’s internal operations, culture, and strategy; Inspire and support a high-performing staff; foster a collaborative environment; and work in close partnership with an engaged board to ensure SAA is well-managed, mission-aligned, and poised for continued success.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

Base Salary: A starting salary commensurate with the candidate's qualifications will be offered within a hiring range of $90,000.00 - 110,000.00.

Benefits Highlights: $5,500/calendar year provided on a pre-tax basis toward the cost of health insurance premiums or an HSA; PTO (<22 days earned in year 1), a 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% match, and a cell phone stipend.

QUALIFICATIONS

If you are passionate about SAA’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, please apply even if you don’t check all the boxes outlined in this section and above. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. The search committee welcomes applications from first-time Executive Directors who possess the desired qualifications.

Education: B.A. from a four-year college or university in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications or related field, OR comparable knowledge and skills demonstrated by experience launching and/or marketing and managing a compelling brand.

Knowledge and Experience

• Well-developed knowledge and hands-on experience with marketing, brand development, public relations, advertising strategies, digital (web, social media, online), and project management.
• 10+ years’ relevant experience and/or training in the travel and/or tourism industry.
• 5+ years’ relevant experience managing people, finances, technology and operations.
• Experience navigating and advocating for an organization at the local and state level.
• Track record of increasing a business’s sales, visibility, and repeat customers.
• Preferred industry experience: Hospitality and tourism, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), destination travel, chamber of commerce and/or regional tourism boards

Skills and Abilities

• Developing and implementing operational and business strategies to lead an organization to its next stage of growth and stability.
• Leveraging organizational and project management skills to effectively tackle competing priorities and adapt to quickly changing environments.
• Leading by example, inspiring, coaching, managing, and developing individuals and teams in alignment with organizational values and mission.
• Establishing and maintaining trust with a high-performing team through effective delegation and a well-developed understanding of all roles and associated successes and challenges.
• Cultivating relationships with a board of directors, helping attract new board members, and developing strong personal and professional networks.
• Effectively communicating through active listening; effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; and compelling public speaking.

Attributes

• Drive and gravitas needed to grow an organization while maintaining a reassuring and calm demeanor during periods of change and stress.
• Inspiring, entrepreneurial, ethical, caring and visionary.

WORK LOCATION AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

The E.D. primarily works at SAA’s main office in Stowe, Vermont, traveling to visit members, attend meetings, help with or attend events, and represent the organization at the local and state level. On average, the E.D. attends one evening meeting per week on average, occasionally attends and/or helps host events on weekends, and travels overnight X times per year to attend conferences. Reimbursement of home office expenses is provided in support of some flexible, remote work. A valid driver’s license and a reliable, insured vehicle are required.

ABOUT THE STOWE AREA ASSOCIATION

Also known as Go Stowe, SAA is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the resort community of Stowe, Vermont. As a non-profit, member-based organization, SAA’s mission is to market and sell the natural beauty of Stowe, its cultural and recreational opportunities and member businesses, while simultaneously enhancing the quality of both guests’ and residents’ experience visiting and living in Stowe, respectively, in a manner that improves the economic well-being of the community and consciously promotes environmental integrity.

SAA focuses on driving overnight visitation and supporting 250+ members through integrated marketing strategies, a Central Reservations service for 30+ lodging partners, and operating a Visitor Information Center. Marketing efforts include digital campaigns, print publications, direct sales, and more. SAA has been in operation for 90 years, has an annual budget of over $1M and a talented team of 5 full-time and 4 part-time staff.

APPLICATION GUIDANCE

The search committee will consider applications on a rolling basis for interviews starting in August and a fall 2025 start date. Individuals seeking additional insights before applying may request a confidential exploratory call by contacting Beth Gilpin at careers@bethgilpin.com. 

SAA 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.