Washington Trails Association - Trail Programs Director

Job Opening: Trail Program Director
Washington Trails Association
Based in Seattle

Washington Trails Association (WTA) is seeking a seasoned manager to lead its vibrant trail maintenance program – the largest of its kind in the country. Since 1993, WTA has provided annual maintenance on some of Washington’s most popular hiking and backpacking trails, while also rehabilitating hidden gems and creating new trail opportunities close to home and farther afield. As federal and state budgets have been cut back, WTA’s work is vital to ensuring that the more than 9,000 trail miles in Washington are open and hikable. WTA is a respected partner of our state and federal land managers and has an important role in determining priorities so that its work serves hikers to the greatest extent possible.

The trails program has grown significantly over the past ten years, due in part to WTA’s core value of delivering a quality volunteer experience. In 2000, WTA volunteers performed 50,000 hours of trail work; in 2005, 66,000 hours. By 2010, the program had more than doubled to more than 105,000 hours of work on 148 hiking trails, with more than 2,500 people volunteering on 670 work parties throughout Washington State.

WTA is searching for a candidate who can provide strategic vision for a strong and established program. The ideal candidate will be able to inspire a permanent staff of five, a seasonal crew of 15 and more than 100 volunteer assistants. The Trails Program Director will manage a budget of $900,000, nearly half of WTA’s total budget. Program oversight will include trail maintenance, WTA’s youth program, and the field program located in Southwest Washington. Additional responsibilities will include building relationships with land managers, seeking new funding sources and promoting the program to WTA’s 9,300 members and other potential volunteers.

Specific Responsibilities Include:
Leadership
 Inspire staff and volunteers to deliver a program centered on providing a great experience for volunteers.
 Work with Trails Program staff and other stakeholders to create a strategic vision and systems for the future.
 Build and maintain relationships with land managers and seek out new funding opportunities.

Program Management
 Manage a $900,000 budget of agency contracts, grants and contributions.
 Oversee and support a permanent staff of five, which includes a Volunteer Coordinator, Field Director, Project Coordinator, Southwest Washington Regional Coordinator and Youth Programs Manager.
 Work with Development team to develop diversified revenue base including agency contracts, grants, and contributions.
 Oversee the creation of the yearly schedule and work plan.
 Be ready to lend a hand at any level in the program.

Communications
 Ensure timely communication within the trails program and other departments at WTA.
 Work with communications program to promote trail work through the magazine, website and presentations to the media and the general public.

Desired Qualifications
 Passion for Washington Trails Association’s mission.
 Minimum of (5) years of program management experience, including budgeting and contract management; demonstrated ability to procure funds and execute contracts.
 Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, manage a complex program, and inspire and motivate staff and volunteers.
 Experience with personnel management.
 Experience with trail maintenance, recreation management or other related field.
 Strong interpersonal communication skills.
 Experience with volunteer management.

Other Requirements
This job requires extensive computer work, as well as time in the field. Candidate must be able to drive, to carry heavy loads up to 50 pounds, and be able to work in outdoor environment exposed to the elements including camping and hiking for extended periods of time. At times, evening and weekend work will be required, as well as some overnight travel.

Compensation
Compensation is DOE, and includes a benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, HRA, retirement, disability, transportation, and holiday, vacation and sick leave.

To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume and one to three page writing sample to:
Trail Programs Director Position
Washington Trails Association
705 Second Avenue, #300
Seattle, WA 98104.
Position open until filled.

Washington Trails Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Washington Trails Association is the leading voice for hikers in Washington state. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteers maintain trails from Mount Baker to the Columbia Gorge, from the Pend Orielle to the Hoh River. WTA also works with elected officials and agency staff to ensure that trails receive the funding they need to be managed well. Our web site, www.wta.org, is a valuable resource for hikers looking for the latest conditions, trail news, and tips on where to go. We support hikers young and old, those out for the first time, and those with thousands of miles under their belt.

http://www.wta.org/hp/about/job-opportunities/jobs/trail-programs-director.