Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch State Park General Manager
General Manager
Cannon Mountain Ski Area & Franconia Notch State Park
The New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, is seeking qualified applicants for the position of General Manager of Cannon Mountain Ski Area and Franconia Notch State Park.
This position represents a unique opportunity to lead one of New Hampshire's most iconic public recreation assets and help shape its future for generations to come. Cannon Mountain is one of the few state-owned and operated ski areas in the nation and serves a crucial public mission, providing affordable, high-quality outdoor recreation while preserving the traditions, history, and character that have defined New Hampshire skiing for nearly a century.
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of Cannon Mountain Ski Area and Franconia Notch State Park, including the Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Echo Lake Beach, Lafayette Place Campground, and other park facilities. The successful candidate will also oversee the replacement of the historic Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, one of the most significant capital investments in the history of New Hampshire State Parks. This once-in-a-generation project provides a rare opportunity to help shape the future of Cannon Mountain while preserving one of New Hampshire's most recognizable outdoor recreation destinations.
Success in this role requires exceptional operational and business leadership, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service. The successful candidate will recognize the dynamic responsibility that comes with managing a publicly owned recreation resource, build strong relationships with employees, volunteers, community partners, and stakeholders, and appreciate Cannon Mountain's legacy and its important role in New Hampshire's skiing culture.
About the Position
The General Manager performs highly visible administrative, operational, and leadership duties and is accountable for the overall management of Cannon Mountain Ski Area and Franconia Notch State Park.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provides executive leadership and oversight of all aspects of Cannon Mountain Ski Area and Franconia Notch State Park operations.
- Performs highly responsible and complex administrative duties and provides complete oversight of ski area and park operations, including finance, human resources, sales and marketing, guest services, concessions, retail, ski and snowboard school, special events, parking, transportation, public safety, and other operational functions.
- Oversees an annual operating budget in excess of $11 million and ensures responsible stewardship of public funds.
- Administers and participates in capital planning, infrastructure improvements, routine maintenance, and major construction projects in consultation with Division leadership. Ensures all facilities, equipment, and property are maintained in accordance with Division standards.
- Provides executive oversight of the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway Replacement Project and other significant capital investments.
- Recruits, develops, mentors, and evaluates a high-performing management team. Supervises approximately 30 full-time employees and several hundred seasonal employees while fostering a culture centered on safety, accountability, professionalism, and exceptional public service.
- Represents the Division of Parks and Recreation by building and maintaining productive relationships with employees, volunteers, local communities, nonprofit organizations, the Legislature, Executive Council, state and federal agencies, media organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Analyzes operational, financial, and visitation data and develops recommendations related to staffing, budgets, capital investments, facility utilization, maintenance practices, and long-term planning.
- Ensures Cannon Mountain Ski Area and Franconia Notch State Park continue to provide safe, high-quality recreational opportunities while protecting the natural, cultural, and historic resources entrusted to the State.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university with a major study in parks and recreation, outdoor recreation, business management, planning, hospitality management, or a related field. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required experience.
Experience
Ten years of progressively responsible experience in ski area, outdoor recreation, hospitality, or related management, including:
- At least three years supervising a large and diverse workforce.
- Experience managing complex operations, budgets, and organizational leadership.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing large-scale ski area and/or outdoor recreation operations.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Leadership Characteristics
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A commitment to public service and an understanding of the responsibility that comes with managing a publicly owned recreation resource.
- A passion for skiing, outdoor recreation, and the mission of New Hampshire State Parks.
- Strong executive leadership skills with the ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
- Sound business judgment and experience managing complex budgets, operations, and capital projects.
- The ability to build collaborative relationships with employees, volunteers, community organizations, local businesses, elected officials, partner agencies, and the skiing community.
- The ability to balance operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and long-term stewardship of public resources.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to represent the Division with professionalism and integrity.
- An appreciation for Cannon Mountain's history, culture, and legacy within New Hampshire's skiing community.
Recommended Work Traits
- Thorough knowledge of the policies, programs, and procedures of ski area and outdoor recreation operations.
- Thorough knowledge of general construction, repair methods, and the proper use of tools, materials, and equipment associated with facility and grounds maintenance.
- Considerable knowledge of budgeting, procurement, and public administration practices.
- Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision.
- Considerable knowledge of public relations and stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and technical drawings.
- Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.
About Franconia Notch State Park and Cannon Mountain
Located in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is considered the flagship park of the New Hampshire State Park system. The park includes many of the state's premier outdoor recreation destinations, including the Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Cannon Mountain Ski Area, Echo Lake Beach, Lafayette Place Campground, the Appalachian Trail, and the historic site of the Old Man of the Mountain.
Cannon Mountain encompasses 98 trails and glades, 10 lifts, 287 skiable acres, New Hampshire's highest ski area summit at 4,080 feet, and the state's greatest vertical drop. Cannon is also home to the Franconia Ski Club and the Mittersill Race Training Facility, an official training venue for the U.S. Ski Team.
Franconia Notch State Park and Cannon Mountain are part of the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, which manages 94 state park properties through an operationally self-funded model. The Division is committed to protecting New Hampshire's natural and cultural resources while providing exceptional recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Salary and Benefits
This is an unclassified position appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Hiring Salary: $71,500-$99,500, depending on qualifications.
Benefits include:
- Health and Dental Insurance
- Flexible Spending Health Care Account
- $50,000 State Paid Life Insurance
- Prescription Drug Coverage
- New Hampshire Retirement System Defined Benefit Pension
- Deferred Compensation Program
While compensation may differ from opportunities in the private sector, this position offers the rare opportunity to lead one of the nation's few publicly owned and operated ski areas, steward one of New Hampshire's most treasured outdoor recreation resources, and help shape its future for generations to come.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
- A letter of interest describing their qualifications and interest in the position.
- A current resume detailing education and professional experience.
- Three professional references.
This position will remain open until filled.
Application packages should be submitted to:
Shawn Hamilton
Director of Parks & Recreation
New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Email: shawn.w.hamilton@dncr.nh.gov
For more information about Cannon Mountain and the Division of Parks and Recreation, please visit www.nhstateparks.org.
