Director of Custom Education

About the Organization

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school and a recognized leader in wilderness education since 1965. The organization helps individuals develop leadership skills through experiential learning in both local classrooms and remote wilderness areas around the world. NOLS is guided by a mission to teach wilderness skills and leadership that benefit people and the environment. Its community of staff, students, trustees, and alumni is united by a commitment to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence. The organization values authenticity, expertise, and a spirit of wildness in creating powerful learning experiences.

About the Role

NOLS is seeking an entrepreneurial, high-impact Director of Custom Education to expand its reach by bringing world-class wilderness and experiential learning programs to diverse partners—from small schools to national space agencies, business schools, and corporations. This role 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. The position is full-time and based in Lander, WY.

Responsibilities

• Lead a dedicated 12+ person team in delivering and expanding custom education programs.
• Manage a multi-million-dollar portfolio of institutional partnerships.
• Cultivate high-value partnerships with clients ranging from $25,000 to over $250,000.
• Drive business development, sales, and revenue growth initiatives with institutional clients.
• Oversee budgets, strategic planning, financial performance, and business operations.
• Balance strategic vision with day-to-day execution.
• Travel regularly to support program delivery and partnership development.

Requirements

• Relevant experience in leadership and/or wilderness education program delivery and development.
• Fluency 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.