WTA Seeks Web Content Manager

Washington Trails Association (WTA) seeks a dedicated professional to work with its website and magazine communications to engage people in hiking, protecting trails and wildlands, and maintaining trails.

The Web Content Manager joins the organization just after the completion of a large-scale redesign of its popular and interactive website, www.wta.org. The website is managed using the open-source content management system called PLONE.

The Web Content Manager creates and places professional content for WTA’s website that is informative, relevant, inspiring and engaging. The Web Content Manager works closely with WTA program staff to strategically create fresh web content to support those programs, and make frequent updates.

As a result, website visitors of all experience levels are inspired to go hiking and are provided with the destination and safety information they need to do so. The WTA website offers visitors multiple ways to engage with a growing hiking community—through the Signpost blog, the “wiki” WTA Hiking Guide, and WTA’s popular Trip Reports. WTA’s advocacy, trail maintenance and outreach programs are well-supported with a sophisticated web presence.

The Web Content Manager will also contribute to the production of Washington Trails magazine and the presentation of magazine content for a web audience.

The part-time position (20 hours per week) is based in Seattle, WA.  The Web Content Manager reports to the Communications Director, although close coordination with the magazine’s Editor in Chief is required.

• Create dynamic feature content for the WTA home page that is updated regularly and supports programs.
• Work with staff to create and update engaging semi-static content for the website, such as hike suggestions, trail work FAQs, advocacy issues, etc.
• Monitor and post (when needed) user-generated content, including trip reports, blog comments, trip report comments and hiking guide updates and comments.
• Assist with selecting, editing, condensing and preparing content from Washington Trails magazine for online posting on WTA’s website, including some image conversion, tagging topics and creating html links in articles.
• Integrate related content into every section of the website, from advocacy, to development to trail maintenance, etc.
• Monitor website performance and communicate regularly with One Northwest and other web programming vendors to ensure website is functioning smoothly.
• Integrate web sponsor content in the form of ads into the WTA website using custom software..
• Maintain a solid working knowledge of website function and how to troubleshoot (i.e. where the server is hosted, whom to contact if a website goes down, etc.)
• Strategize and initiate ways to keep WTA’s web presence current and cutting-edge, from new potential initiatives such as podcasting to deepening the opportunities for user interactivity.

Magazine Production:

• Write short news articles and longer feature articles when assigned, including a Hike of the Month.
• Assist with proofreading, corrections, and occasional layout for the magazine, particularly the week before it goes to press.
• Assist as needed with special projects (Northwest Exposure photo contest, trail damage reporting, etc.)

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for Washington Trails Association's mission.
• At least two years experience in web content production, journalism, feature-style writing or a related field in a professional environment.
• Familiarity with hiking and trails, public lands, and conservation issues in Washington state.
• Very strong writing skills, including features, and a solid understanding of writing content for the web.
• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Ability to work independently, strategically, and as a team player.
• Passion for new technology and new media, and basic knowledge of html, content management systems, and image manipulation for the web.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Photoshop.

To Apply

Email or send a cover letter, resume and web-worthy writing sample to Elizabeth Lunney at Elizabeth@wta.org, or Washington Trails Association, 2019 Third Ave. #100, Seattle, WA 98121. 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 (WTA) is a 32-year-old advocacy organization whose mission is to protect and promote hiking opportunities in Washington state.  In addition to working directly with government agencies and educating hikers about how best to enjoy Washington's natural treasures, WTA manages one of the largest and most successful volunteer trail maintenance programs in the country.  WTA also publishes a membership magazine, Washington Trails, that includes WTA program updates, features, trail-related news, and trip reports.