The Advocacy and Outreach Associate is a regular, exempt, full-time position that helps advance advocacy priorities and promote programs in support of Washington Trails Association’s mission to preserve, enhance, and promote hiking opportunities in Washington.

The person in this position is responsible for assisting with advocacy and outreach activities at WTA, including activating members and volunteers on key issues and coordinating public events. The position reports to the Advocacy Director.

WTA is the largest statewide hiking organization in the country with a long and established history as the state’s leading voice for hikers. The organization is a nonprofit leader in constituent engagement with a volunteer trail maintenance program that is the largest of its kind in the nation, an interactive website that receives 3.3 million unique annual visits and a growing base of 13,000 members.

Responsibilities

Advocacy (45%)

• Assist in advancing policies at the national, state, and local levels through research, writing, public speaking and organizing.
• Draft targeted action alerts for legislative and policy issues and coordinate sending to supporters.
• Curate and write news and advocacy content for Washington Trails magazine, theSignpost Blog and the action section of WTA’s website.
• Use social media channels to communicate with hikers, agencies and others.
• Identify media opportunities on relevant issues.
• Coordinate with regional staff and volunteers to identify and advocate for regional trail issues.
• Represent WTA at public meetings.

Outreach (45%)

• Coordinate community outreach events hosted by WTA
• Represent WTA at community outreach events hosted by others.
• Manage the development and execution of signature WTA events, such as Hike the State, Hiker Lobby Day, Land Manager Potlucks and Trails & Ales.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to assist with tabling, event support and other tasks.
• Write and design print and electronic outreach materials.

General (10%)

• Attend and participate in WTA, trainings, retreats, and other program events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job skills preferred

• At least two years of relevant experience in issue advocacy, event coordination, and communications, preferably with a non-profit organization.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively when writing and speaking.
• Proficiency with social media channels like Facebook and Twitter, ideally in an advocacy context.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with a wide range of people at in-person events.
• Ability to multi-task and manage many projects simultaneously with scrupulous attention to detail.
• Strategic thinker, with the ability to map daily responsibilities to the organization’s mission and goals.
• Willingness to travel and ability attend evening and weekend meetings.
• Technologically savvy with experience in email marketing and CRM software, such as Exact Target and Salesforce; Adobe InDesign, and the Microsoft Office suite.

Personal traits and strengths preferred

• Has a “what else can I do” mindset.
• Knows how to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, feeling comfortable with mid-course corrections, and working both individually and as a team.
• Enthusiastic about embracing new challenges.
• Excellent communication skills (written and interpersonal).
• Integrity, positive attitude, and sensitivity to the needs of members and volunteers.
• Commitment to WTA’s mission and advocacy priorities.