Director of Custom Education

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually Ready to scale a legendary mission and elevate the leader in everyone? NOLS is seeking the next entrepreneurial, high-impact Director of Custom Education to expand our reach by bringing world-class wilderness and experiential learning programs to diverse partners - from small schools to national space agencies, business schools, and corporations. Deeply rooted in the leadership development space, this director role (Lander, WY or partially remote) empowers you to lead a dedicated 12+ person team, manage a multi-million-dollar portfolio, and personally cultivate high-value institutional partnerships ranging from $25,000 to over $250,000. If you are passionate about leadership education and are a strategic business developer with a track record of driving growth and partnering across sectors to elevate brand impact, apply today or share this opportunity with visionary leaders in your network! Key Information Application Deadline 31 August 2026 Target Start Date 14 September 2026 Location NOLS HQ or Hybrid-remote Wage $70,000-$85,000 USD (Annually) Reports To VP of Expeditions Department Expeditions/Custom Education Position Type FT/Salary/Exempt Benefits Eligible Yes What does a Director of Custom Education do? NOLS is seeking an entrepreneurial, growth-oriented leader with deep experience in the leadership education space to lead and expand Custom Education, one of the organization’s most significant strategic opportunities. Custom Education extends the NOLS mission beyond traditional open-enrollment courses through customized educational experiences for universities, secondary schools, scholarship programs, nonprofits, corporations, and other mission-aligned organizations. These experiences include wilderness expeditions, leadership development programs, classroom training, online learning, and industry conferences. The next Director will be expected to build on this strong foundation by developing new markets, deepening client relationships, expanding educational offerings, and significantly increasing revenue and impact over time. This role requires a proven business leader who combines strategic thinking with relentless execution. The ideal candidate is comfortable developing partnerships, building a sales pipeline, closing business, leading teams, and representing NOLS with senior leaders across higher education, independent schools, nonprofit organizations, and corporate leadership development programs. What makes a great Director of Custom Education at NOLS? We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. While our ideal candidate comes with the skills listed below, we expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas. Required Qualifications Relevant experience in leadership and/or wilderness education program delivery and development Fluent in leadership theories and leadership education practices Demonstrated success leading business development, sales, partnership development, or revenue growth initiatives - especially with institutional clients.  Strong leadership and people management experience.  Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.   Experience managing budgets, strategic planning, financial performance, and business operations.  Ability to balance strategic vision with day-to-day execution.  Willingness and ability to travel regularly. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with higher education institutions, independent schools, corporate learning organizations, scholarship programs, or nonprofits. Experience leading a growing business unit or entrepreneurial venture. Familiarity with wilderness-based education. NOLS field or management experience. How to Apply When prompted to upload your resume, please submit one PDF document that includes both your resume and cover letter combined. If you have any questions during the application process, please reach out to the NOLS People Team at [email protected] . Who is NOLS? NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that strives to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. Our community—staff, students, trustees, and alumni—shares a commitment to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence. We believe that anyone can be a leader; it is our role to provide the environment and training to help people discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and in remote wilderness areas around the world. We are an organization with heart, expertise, and wildness, and these qualities help us support powerful, authentic experiences. Why is NOLS a great place to work? Global Reach: With locations across the U.S. operations in six countries, and courses running in all 50 states and more than 10 countries, you’ll be part of an organization with a truly worldwide impact. Course Discounts: Receive special pricing on NOLS courses for yourself and your family. Comprehensive Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Flexible Time Off: We offer a flexible time off policy that empowers employees to take the time they need for rest, adventure, and personal priorities without the constraints of traditional accrual systems. Employee Assistance Program: Access confidential, 24/7 counseling and support services to help you maintain balance and well-being. Additional Information To support pay transparency and equity, the posted salary range is fixed. We encourage you to explore our opportunities that fit your pay expectations. NOLS currently can support remote employees with legal working rights in the following locations: Canada; India; Mexico; New Zealand; the US, states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Pre-Employment Check A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees. NOLS participates in e-verify for U.S. employees, Certificado de Antecedentes for Chilean or Mexican employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location. Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with People Team and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact [email protected] . Equal Employment Opportunity NOLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, training, layoffs, and terminations — are made without regard to any protected status and are based on legitimate business needs, qualifications, and merit. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited. Reasonable Accommodation Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment by emailing [email protected] with your request.