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Posted: 23-Oct-25
Location: Leadville, Colorado
Type: Full Time
The High Mountain Institute (HMI) seeks an Advancement Associate, a full-time, FLSA-non exempt position at the school, starting in January, 2026. This position is based on HMI’s campus in Leadville, CO; on-campus housing is included in the compensation package. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Advancement Associate is charged with overseeing and expanding the scope of alumni relations at HMI while supporting fundraising, external communications, and admissions at the school.
The ideal candidate will be a strong written and verbal communicator with an eye for design. The candidate will be an organized self-stater, capable of overseeing complex projects from start to finish. The candidate will be passionate about nature and outdoor education/recreation and excited to work closely with teenagers and HMI’s growing alumni body.
Alumni Relations & Development Office Responsibilities:
- Advance HMI alumni engagement:
- Promote alumni philanthropic support
- Collaborate with the HMI Alumni Council
- Plan successful HMI reunions and other events on campus and regionally
- Create and coordinate alumni college and regional networks
- Actively engage alumni through in-person meetings, group events, and social media
- Collect and analyze data regarding HMI’s alumni body
- Write and edit sections of the school’s newsletters and other publications
- Assist with development and communications activities:
- Assist the advancement office in all capacities, including database management and mailings
- Assist with the planning, implementing, and debriefing of fundraising and other development events
- Co-manage HMI’s social media platforms
- Assist with other marketing and communications tasks as appropriate
- Up to 6 weeks of HMI promotional and/or alumni relations travel annually
Wilderness Trips & Student-Facing Responsibilities:
- Possibility of leading up to two student backpacking expeditions per year (10-15 days each)
- Engage with current students whenever possible
Essential Qualities & Qualifications:
- Commitment to HMI’s mission and core values
- Organized, team-oriented, self-starter
- Competency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office tools
- Ability to pass a criminal background check
- Current driver's license
Preferred Qualifications:
- BA/BS or higher
- Strong written and communication skills; experienced public speaker
- Previous experience with email communications, social media, web design, graphic design, and/or marketing
- Competency with Salesforce or other database systems
- Enthusiasm for the outdoors and working with teenagers in a residential setting
Physical Requirements: Ability to travel independently around the country (in planes, trains, rental cars, etc), ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Start Date: January, 2026
Position Pay & Benefits:
- $40,000-$45,000 annual Total Compensation (inclusive of on-campus housing or, when housing is unavailable, a housing stipend).
- Health, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid parental/FAMLI leave benefits
- 4-9% retirement benefits match after 1 year
- 4-6 weeks of paid vacation per year
- View a full list of employee benefits here
Housing at HMI: HMI is proud to offer recently-constructed on-campus housing to its employees. Living on campus is a condition of employment. Total Compensation is the combination of cash salary plus the value of on-campus housing. For example, a Total Compensation of $40,000 typically represents a cash salary of $31,000 and $9,000 of housing value. Actual figures vary by employee and living arrangement, with typical on-campus housing value of $9,000 for most employees.
How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to Phoebe Gray, Administrative Coordinator and Registrar, via e-mail at advancementassociate@hminet.org and fill out the HMI Prospective Employment Form online. Your application will not be considered complete without all three of these items. Correspondence via email is preferred.
We will begin our initial review of applications on November 12, 2025 and will continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply even after this initial review date has passed.
About the High Mountain Institute: Founded in 1995, HMI is a nonprofit independent school with a focus on outdoor, experiential, and place-based education. HMI serves approximately 150 students per year across its high school, summer, and gap programming. About 30% of students receive financial aid, and a similar percentage identify as people of color. All HMI students participate in extended wilderness expeditions lasting from 10-21 days. HMI is not a rehabilitative or wilderness therapy program. HMI students are high-achieving, healthy students seeking challenge, a strong community, and a deeper connection to nature. HMI has about 25 year-round staff, most of whom live on campus. Learn more at: www.hminet.org
Equity and Inclusion at HMI: The High Mountain Institute is committed to building a more diverse and affirming school and outdoor industry. HMI is an equal opportunity employer that strives for diversity by honoring the differences of each member of our community. We seek to build a community (of faculty, staff, students, and trustees) that is ethnically, socio-economically, and geographically diverse and that brings a diversity of experience, background, talent, and perspective. People of color, LGBTQ+ and gender nonbinary people, and people with other historically marginalized identities are encouraged to apply. Learn more at: www.hminet.org/dei.
The school reserves the right to change or add to this job description at any time.