Executive Director

Overview

About ParaCliffHangers

ParaCliffHangers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to expand the rock climbing community to include people with disabilities. We foster joy, empowerment, adventure, community, and equity through indoor, outdoor, and competitive climbing. Founded in 2019 in New York City by two climbers with disabilities, ParaCliffHangers is the nation’s fastest-growing adaptive climbing organization and has earned a reputation for elevating the leadership of people with disabilities. We currently host regular meetups at 19 climbing gyms across the United States, sponsor the nation’s largest competitive climbing team of 50 athletes at the Paraclimbing National Championships, and organize outdoor climbing adventures at locations ranging from the Shawangunk Mountains to Yosemite National Park.

Position Overview

The Executive Director will join ParaCliffHangers at an exciting and significant moment for both the organization and adaptive climbing. Paraclimbing has recently been included in the 2028 Paralympics, bringing increased attention and new opportunities to the sport. This role will collaborate closely with our community to shape how ParaCliffHangers supports athletes as they participate in competitions, outdoor climbing, and gym programs.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about adaptive sports and excited by the opportunity to guide our organization into its next chapter. You’ll bring creativity and enthusiasm to secure diverse funding sources and partnerships. You’ll help ParaCliffHangers grow thoughtfully by building strong relationships and refining our internal systems to better serve our community and deepen our impact. You’ll develop strategic priorities and ensure the organization's mission is upheld, fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and excellence within the climbing community.

While strategic vision is key, this position also includes everyday responsibilities essential to keeping the organization running smoothly. You’ll manage operations, oversee finances and reporting, answer questions from members, manage volunteers and program coordinators, update the website and social media, lead fundraising, and communicate with the broader community of athletes and supporters. And, when you can’t do something, you’ll recruit and support volunteers to help.

This is primarily a remote position, with a preference for candidates who can connect in-person with our community through their location near one of our chapters (Northern California, Southern California, the New York Metro Area, Buffalo, Dallas-Fort Worth, Durham, Pittsburgh, Tampa) or through their own regular presence in the adaptive climbing community. While most day-to-day work is conducted remotely, the position requires recurring participation in local ParaCliffHangers events as well as occasional national travel for major competitions, outdoor trips, and fundraising initiatives. The position reports to the ParaCliffHangers Board of Directors.

Salary Range: $50,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience and geographic location

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Programs (~30% time)

• Guide thoughtful organizational growth and sustainability by collaboratively developing, implementing, and refining strategies aligned with our mission and desired impact. Recruit, hire, and support staff as the organization grows.
• Create transformative and empowering experiences for adaptive athletes by collaborating closely with volunteers and program coordinators—many of whom are adaptive athletes themselves—to design and deliver engaging, peer-led programs.
• Assess impact and identify areas for improvement by defining success, monitoring progress, and evaluating program outcomes.

Community, Partner, and Fund Development (~45% time)

• Reach annual fundraising goals by identifying, planning, and pursuing diverse funding opportunities including grants, individual donors, sponsorships, events, and partnerships.
• Grow awareness and engagement by managing our internal and external communications—including website content, newsletters, marketing materials, and social media—and empowering our community members to share ParaCliffHangers’ story, so we can reach more climbers and build an inclusive, connected community.
• Increase our visibility and credibility by representing ParaCliffHangers within climbing, adaptive sports, and disability communities.

Operations and Governance (~25% time)

• Maintain fiscal health, transparency, accountability, and sustainability by managing the organization's budget, financial planning, record-keeping, and reporting.
• Develop and manage key systems and policies—including insurance, CRM software, accounting, and human resources—to smoothly and sustainably support our staff, volunteers, and programs and ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Promote collaboration and inclusion by facilitating open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect among the board, committees, staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Strong alignment with the ParaCliffHangers mission: You have a passion for and demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities.
• Adaptive recreation experience: You have professional or personal experience with adaptive sports, outdoor recreation, or similar programs and can clearly communicate the value and impact of our mission to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated fundraising aptitude: You have experience—or a strong interest—in raising funds to support a mission you believe in. This could include experience with grant writing, donor stewardship, giving campaigns, fundraising event planning and execution, corporate sponsorships, individual fundraisers, public advocacy for policy or programs, or other resource mobilization experience.
• Strong communication and relationship building: You're skilled in creating clear, respectful communications tailored for diverse audiences.
• Action-oriented leadership: You are comfortable balancing strategic thinking with practical action. You can effectively develop and implement plans while remaining adaptable and responsive to feedback from the community.
• Team development and mentorship: You are experienced either professionally or personally in developing and managing teams. You understand how to nurture potential, build trust, and support people as they grow into leadership roles.
• Active community presence: After being hired, you are able to regularly engage in-person with the ParaCliffHangers community.

Preferred Qualifications

Studies have shown that women, BIPOC, and other people from marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications in the job description. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse work experiences and backgrounds. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in this position and what you hope to bring to this role.

Additional preferred qualifications that are not required but would make your application stand out include:

• Lived disability experience
• Passion for rock climbing
• Nonprofit leadership experience
• Financial management expertise like accounting, budgeting, and forecasting
• Experience refining programs or systems to ensure accessibility and inclusion
• Technology proficiency with Neon CRM, Squarespace, Quickbooks, Mailchimp, and social media platforms

To apply: Submit your resume and cover letter through Idealist (preferred) or by email to jobs@paracliffhangers.org.

ParaCliffHangers is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prohibit discrimination in recruitment and employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Individuals with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply for this position. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application process and within the workplace. If you require assistance or accommodations at any stage, please let us know.