Columbia launches search for two ‘Directors of Toughness’

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Sep 2, 2016

Columbia on Wednesday announced that it has begun its search for two new Directors of Toughness. The position, which is a real position with the company, is a full-time beta tester, brand ambassador and social media guru. The Director of Toughness works to ensure that Columbia apparel and gear live up to its expectations of keeping people warm, dry, cool and protected in any weather or geographic situation.

 
“The Directors of Toughness have become integral employees, not only testing our products but also sharing compelling stories,” said Columbia Sportswear Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Richelle Luther. “We are excited to identify and hire two new outdoor enthusiasts, and to put a spotlight on the effort our employees go through to ensure our products keep people comfortable, regardless of the conditions.”
 
The company’s first Directors of Toughness, Lauren Steele and Zach Doleac, were selected from thousands of applicants and spent six months traveling the globe. Columbia’s new Directors of Toughness will have a job duration of nine months, up from six months, and will have a full-time salary and benefits.

This year’s hopefuls will be interviewed in-person at one of four remote locations in the US, UK and Canada. Candidates eligible for employment in the US, Canada and the UK are asked to apply online.
 
The first US interview will take place at Mt. Hood Wilderness just outside of Portland, Oregon. Columbia will announce the additional interview locations in the coming weeks.