Director of Custom Education

National Outdoor Leadership School•Lander, WY

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Lead and expand Custom Education.
Develop new markets.
Deepen client relationships.
Expand educational offerings.
Significantly increase revenue and impact over time.
Develop partnerships.
Build a sales pipeline.
Close business.
Lead teams.
Represent NOLS with senior leaders across higher education, independent schools, nonprofit organizations, and corporate leadership development programs.