Director of Trail Programs

Job Description

WTA seeks a Trails Program Director to lead its trail maintenance work. Photo by Ryan Ojerio.

Washington Trails Association (WTA) is seeking a seasoned leader to manage its vibrant trail program – the largest of its kind in the country.

Since 1993, WTA has provided critical work on 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 decreased, WTA’s work has become increasingly vital to ensuring that the more than 9,000 miles of trail in Washington are open and hikable. WTA is a respected partner of state and federal land managers and plays a key role in determining priorities so that its work serves hikers to the greatest extent possible.

The WTA trails program has grown dramatically 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. Last year, the program had more than doubled to over 105,000 hours of work on 148 hiking trails. More than 2,600 people volunteered on 720 trail work parties and 1,006 days of volunteer trail maintenance.  More than 10% of this work was performed by teens under 18 through youth vacations, group projects and single day work parties – thus connecting our future outdoor advocates with their trails!

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 six, a seasonal crew of 15 and more than 100 volunteer crew leads and their assistants. The Director will manage a budget of $900,000, nearly half of WTA’s total budget. Program oversight will include trail maintenance, youth, and the field program located in Southwest Washington. Additional responsibilities include building relationships with land managers, seeking new funding sources and promoting the program to WTA’s 9,600 members and other potential volunteers.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Inspire staff and volunteers to deliver a program centered on providing a great experience for volunteers who are participaing in day trips, Volunteer Vacations and Backcountry Response Teams.
• Work with Trails Program staff and other stakeholders to create and implement a strategic vision for future growth.
• Build strong 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 six, which includes a Volunteer Coordinator, Field Director, Project Coordinator, Southwest Washington Regional Coordinator and Youth Programs Manager and Youth Coordinator.
• Work with Development team to develop diversified revenue base including agency contracts, grants, and contributions.
• Oversee the annual program 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.
• Strong 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

This is full-time salaried position. 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:

Karen Daubert
Executive Director
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.