Application Guide
How to Apply for Executive Director - HYBRID (remote & onsite in various NH/VT locations)
at Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country
๐ข About Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country
Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country is a mission-driven nonprofit that transforms lives through inclusive adaptive sports, serving athletes with disabilities across NH and VT. Their unique hybrid model combines remote work with on-site engagement in stunning rural landscapes, offering a rare blend of flexibility and direct community impact.
About This Role
As Executive Director, you'll lead strategic growth, fundraising, and operations to expand life-changing programs for individuals with diverse abilities. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape the future of adaptive sports in the region, fostering community and confidence through outdoor adventure.
๐ก A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a remote check-in with your program director to review athlete schedules and safety protocols, followed by a grant writing session. After lunch, you'd drive to a ski resort in VT for an onsite partnership meeting, then end the day with a virtual donor stewardship call while planning next week's adaptive cycling clinic.
๐ Application Tools
๐ฏ Who Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country Is Looking For
- A seasoned nonprofit leader with 5+ years in executive roles, ideally in adaptive recreation, disability services, or outdoor education.
- A proven fundraiser with hands-on experience in grant writing, major donor cultivation, and event-based campaigns, able to secure $500K+ annually.
- A champion of inclusion who deeply understands the needs of people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, and can ensure program accessibility.
- A hybrid-savvy manager who excels at leading a distributed team, balancing remote coordination with regular in-person presence at NH/VT program sites.
๐ Tips for Applying to Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country
Tailor your resume to highlight quantifiable fundraising wins (e.g., 'secured $200K in grants') and specific adaptive program outcomes (e.g., 'expanded programming to 50+ athletes with spinal cord injuries').
In your cover letter, name-drop their signature events (e.g., 'Summit for All') and explain how you'd elevate them.
Research their current partnerships (e.g., with local ski resorts) and propose one new collaboration in your application materials.
Show you understand the rural NH/VT contextโmention familiarity with the region's culture, weather challenges, or transportation barriers for athletes.
Submit a brief (1-page) strategic vision outline for the next 2 years, focusing on program expansion and financial sustainability.
โ๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your personal connection to adaptive sports or disability inclusionโshare a specific story or experience.', 'Your fundraising expertise: detail a campaign you led that increased donations by a measurable percentage.', 'Your leadership philosophy: how you empower staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality, safe programs.', "Your understanding of the hybrid model: how you'll maintain team cohesion and community presence while working remotely."]
Generate Cover Letter โ๐ Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- โ Read their annual reports and recent newsletters to understand program impact and donor base.
- โ Look up their signature events (e.g., 'Adaptive Golf Tournament') and note participation trends.
- โ Review their board of directorsโidentify any gaps in expertise you could fill.
- โ Check local news for coverage of their athletes or partnerships to understand community perception.
๐ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letterโthey want to see specific knowledge of adaptive sports and their region.
- Avoid overemphasizing remote flexibility without acknowledging the required onsite commitment.
- Don't downplay fundraising; they explicitly need a leader who can drive revenue, not just manage programs.
๐ Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country!