Director of Strategic Projects and IT Chief of Staff

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:

The Information Technology (IT) Chief of Staff at Vail Resorts has influence over three key areas: creating leverage for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the IT leadership team, overseeing the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), and leading the IT Strategic Projects team. This role reports directly to the CIO.

This role creates leverage for the CIO by acting as the primary driver of CIO priorities and the IT department strategic agenda through the management of an efficient and disciplined management operating system. The IT Chief of Staff will act as a sounding board for the CIO and provide candid input and an independent perspective on all department and Company efforts. This role will also coordinate leadership communication within IT, including planning and facilitating leadership meetings to achieve desired business outcomes. This role will ensure the department’s alignment with enterprise goals, processes and programs, and represent IT among the most senior leaders at Vail Resorts to deliver cross-functional enterprise priorities. 

The Chief of Staff will run the Office of the CIO, ensuring smooth operations, governance and prioritization of the CIO’s time. This person will engage broadly and deeply in department operations and culture, allowing them filter information for the CIO, anticipate focus areas for the CIO, and quickly connect information and people to drive results. This role will oversee the CIO’s Senior Administrative Assistant.

The Chief of Staff will also lead the IT Strategic Projects team and actively develop two additional direct reports to ensure successional support, an IT Senior Resource Manager and IT Program Manager. This role will oversee the implementation of the department’s capacity management process in support of the Company’s strategic initiatives, which includes overseeing the strategic development and phased approach to transition towards a more centralized IT department Program Management Office (PMO). Additional responsibilities include supporting the team and key business partners to plan and execute IT annual processes such as talent reviews and capital and operational long-range planning.

The ideal candidate will be a brave, ambitious, and passionate leader with high emotional intelligence and strong self-awareness. 

Candidate Requirements:

• 10+ years of relevant work experience, including strong project management skills, and proven ability to successfully lead and oversee critical projects and multi-faceted efforts

• Highly resourceful individual with the ability to lead through influence, drive for results, continuously adapt to changes, and make strong, sound decisions amidst ambiguity

• Experience working effectively with C-level and other senior leadership teams in a business environment
• Strong written and verbal executive communication and business storytelling skills
• Orientation to quality and attention to detail
• Possesses strong interpersonal and relationship building skills with adaptability to work with people from various cultures and areas of the business; builds and maintains a comprehensive and well-developed network with highly effective working relationships

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify and understand complex problems, make decisions, create plans and solutions, and act

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $134,706.30 - $173,127.15 + annual bonus + equity. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
 

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment for Broomfield-based roles where employees must live within 50 miles of the Broomfield office and work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion. 

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  510282
Reference Date: 07/19/2025 
Job Code Function: Store Operations