Beautiful Traverse City Begins at Hickory Hills, Your Four-Season Outdoor Adventure Destination

The Hickory Hills Manager is a pivotal leader responsible for shaping and executing the year-round vision of the Hickory Hills Recreation Area. This role oversees all aspects of operations, including winter sports, summer programming, facility rentals, events, maintenance, and staff leadership, while advancing the goals of the Hickory Hills Multi-Season Recreation Master Plan. Reporting directly to the Parks and Recreation Director, the Manager is charged with not only sustaining daily operations but also enhancing and evolving Hickory Hills as a premier, multi-use recreation destination for the future.

As the steward of this vibrant community asset, the Manager ensures a safe, welcoming, and dynamic experience for all users. Responsibilities include managing budgets and capital improvements, coordinating and collaborating with partner organizations, and maintaining accurate operational and usage records. Strong organizational, leadership and communication skills as well as a passion for ski area management are essential to inspire staff, engage the community, and sustain a facility that serves generations to come.

Consistent with departmental responsibilities, this position demands a high level of flexibility and dedication, including availability during evenings, weekends, holidays, and on a 24/7 basis to respond to emergencies.

This position is the staff liaison for the Hickory Hills Advisory Committee, recognizing and utilizing the group as a valuable collaborative partner in shaping the direction, programs, and priorities of Hickory Hills.

WHY TRAVERSE CITY

Traverse City, Michigan offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced recreation professional seeking both professional impact and quality of life. Situated along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, Traverse City serves as the regional hub of Northern Michigan while maintaining a strong small-city identity.

The City has a year-round population of approximately 16,000, with extraordinary seasonal population fluctuations that create a dynamic and evolving recreation environment. This blend of community-based programming and destination-driven demand provides a compelling leadership opportunity for a Hickory Hills Manager ready to guide a premier multi-season recreation area through growth, enhanced activation, and year-round programming expansion.

GOVERNANCE & ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

The City operates under a collaborative governance model, with strong engagement among elected officials, executive leadership, labor partners, and the community. The Hickory Hills Manager will report to the Parks and Recreation Director and serve as the staff liaison to the Hickory Hills Advisory Committee.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Traverse City is widely recognized for its outstanding quality of life, featuring four-season outdoor recreation, a vibrant downtown and waterfront, strong schools, healthcare, and community services, and an engaged and supportive community.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The City of Traverse City is seeking a values-driven, adaptable leader to serve as its next Hickory Hills Manager—someone who leads with clarity, accountability, and a strong commitment to community recreation. The ideal candidate is an experienced operations professional capable of guiding a dynamic, multi-season recreation facility through continued growth and evolution, while aligning day-to-day operations with the City’s broader goals for parks, recreation, and community engagement.

The successful candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to team development and operational excellence, with a focus on safety, customer service, and workforce readiness. They communicate openly and effectively with staff, partners, and the public, and are confident navigating complex, fast-paced environments that shift with the seasons.

The ideal Hickory Hills Manager thinks strategically while remaining hands-on, leading operations in alignment with the Hickory Hills Multi-Season Recreation Master Plan and departmental priorities. They value strong partnerships with user groups, community organizations, and internal departments, and understand the importance of clear, consistent public communication.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations Leadership

• Oversee year-round operations including winter sports and summer programming

• Manage lodge operations, rentals, retail, and food service

• Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality user experiences

Program & Event Development

• Expand recreation and event offerings

• Support facility rentals, weddings, and community events

• Activate Hickory Hills as a year-round destination

Team & Culture

• Lead, train, and inspire seasonal and full-time staff

• Foster a culture of safety, service, and community

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Collaborate with user groups, schools, and organizations

• Serve as staff liaison to the Advisory Committee

• Build strong relationships across stakeholders

Strategic & Financial Oversight

• Manage budgets, capital improvements, and asset planning

• Maintain operational data and reporting

EDUCATION, TRAINING, & EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree or equivalent technical training in Ski Area Management, Parks & Recreation, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Five (5) years of relevant experience in Ski Area Management, Parks & Recreation, or a related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the practices, methods, technology, and equipment used in Ski Hill Operations and Maintenance and related hospitality business functions.

• Knowledge of safety issues, regulations, and procedures used in ski area operations.

• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

• Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and manage multiple priorities.

LICENSING AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Michigan driver’s license is required.

• Must reside within 30 miles of the nearest city limit within twelve months of hire.

• Availability during evenings, weekends, holidays, and on a 24/7 basis for emergencies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee frequently works outdoors in all weather conditions and is exposed to seasonal temperature extremes. The role also includes indoor administrative responsibilities. Irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, are required depending on the season.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary Range: $71,776 – $94,515, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits include health, dental, vision, MERS Retirement Pension, paid leave, 457(b) with employer match, and retirement healthcare savings.

The City of Traverse City is an Equal Opportunity Employer