WTA Wants a Great Web Content Manager

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

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. The Web Content Manager contributes to our social media content and development, consisting of WTA's Facebook page and Twitter presence. The Manager is one of the main contributors to WTA's Signpost Blog and manages the blog calendar.

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, fundraising and outreach programs are well-supported with a sophisticated web presence.

The website is managed using the open-source content management system called PLONE. Supporting graphics and photos for web content and created and edited in Adobe Photoshop.

The Web Content Manager also contributes to the editorial direction of Washington Trails magazine and WTA's email newsletter, Trail News. Integration of content across these communications and the website is a strategic objective for WTA's communications program. The Web Content Manager, for example, will oversee presentation of magazine content for a web audience.

The part-time position (24 hours per week) is based in Seattle, WA.  (There is strong potential this position will grow to 30 hours per week within one year.) The Web Content Manager reports to the Communications Director.

Responsibilities Include:

• Generate a weekly editorial calendar for website content that is closely integrated with editorial planning for Washington Trails bi-monthly magazine and the Trail News monthly e-newsletter.
• Create dynamic feature content for the WTA home page that is updated weekly and supports programs.
• Manage the calendar of topics for the Signpost Blog, which is updated 4-5 days per week. Coordinate blog post assignments with staff members and assist with posting when needed.
• Work with staff to create and update engaging, semi-static content for the website, such as hike suggestions, trail work FAQs, advocacy issues, etc.
• Post website content on WTA's Facebook page and contribute to WTA's Twitter posts.
• 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  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.
• 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 Google Earth mapping to deepening the opportunities for user interactivity.
  

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for Washington Trails Association's mission.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in writing and communications, preferably for the web.
• Familiarity with hiking and trails, public lands, and conservation issues in Washington state.
• Familiarity with non-profit organizations, working with volunteers a plus.
• Very strong writing skills, including features, and a solid understanding of writing content for the web.
• Proven self-starter with demonstrated ability to prioritize and 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

Send a cover letter, resume and web-worthy writing sample to Lauren Braden, Washington Trails Association, 2019 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98126. No phone calls or emails. 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.