Strategic Initiatives Manager Job Announcement: Washington Trails Association

The Organization Washington Trails Association has a 50-year legacy of engaging the hiking community. WTA enhances hiking experiences in Washington state by empowering a diverse and growing community of hikers to explore, steward and protect trails and public lands. WTA is the nation’s largest state-based trail advocacy organization, with 15,000 member households, thousands of volunteers each year and an online community of more than 100,000. WTA’s annual budget is approximately $5 million, of which $2.6 million is contributions from individuals.

The Position The Strategic Initiatives Manager is responsible for the development, management and implementation of campaigns and projects that support Washington Trails Association’s strategic initiatives around sustainable trails and equitable access to public lands. Strong emphasis will be placed on this individual’s demonstrated ability to lead and support strategic projects, with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills in a fast-paced, dynamic, resultsoriented team environment. A successful candidate must have direct experience in building and motivating crossfunctional teams. The Strategic Initiatives Manager will coordinate across all programs at WTA, as well as with external partners, and must be a compelling storyteller and communicator to both internal and external audiences. The Strategic Initiatives Manager reports to the Advocacy Director. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Seattle.

Responsibilities

Lead Trail Initiative Campaigns & Projects (70%)  In collaboration with WTA leadership, program managers and team members, create, shape and influence the vision and strategy of campaigns and projects.  Provide primary project leadership and facilitation of project deliverables, including project timelines and milestones, status reporting, budgeting and communications planning.  Create systems and protocols that cross-functional teams can leverage to improve efficiency, consistency and documentation for projects.  Identify and manage interfaces with other strategic campaigns and with ongoing WTA operations (including nonstrategic initiatives).  Develop and work with external coalitions and collaborative opportunities with external partner organizations.  Provide regular, professional and appropriate communications to project team members, external partners, staff and leadership team.  Identify and assess emerging opportunities for initiatives.  Proactively identify, track, escalate and resolve issues associated with projects managed.  Assist with grant applications and reporting.

Support Program Projects (20%)  Other projects will vary and may be in support of strategic initiatives or other advocacy program projects.

General (10%)  Assist with other WTA events as needed (includes occasional nights and weekends).
 Attend and participate in WTA trainings, retreats and other program events.  Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

You would be a good fit for this position if you have the following skills or experiences:

 Proven track record in program development and campaign management, with demonstrated experience with strategic planning and managing cross-functional teams to implement organizational initiatives.  Outstanding organizational and project management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines, while managing multiple, large-scale projects at once.  Proactive self-starter with the ability to work with minimal oversight.  Strategic thinker, with the ability to map daily responsibilities to the organization’s mission and goals.  Strong oral and written communication skills, with unique ability to inspire others to take action.  Ability to build coalitions and work with multiple stakeholders at all organizational levels, internally and externally.  Passionate about protecting trails and public lands.  Cultural competency skills and demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.  Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.  Strong understanding of advocacy and public lands policy issues, a plus.  Experience with advocacy engagement systems, such as Phone2Action, a plus.  Experience using Salesforce, a plus.

Compensation Compensation range for this position is $50,000 – $59,845 annually depending on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision and long-term disability insurance; retirement plan; transit pass; and holiday, vacation and sick leave.

To Apply Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter detailing how your experience and qualifications translate to the requirements of the role to jobs@wta.org. Please reference the job title “Strategic Initiatives Manager” in the subject line of your email. The position is open until filled. Priority given to applications received by March 20, 2018.

Washington Trails Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.