Western Project Manager, Great American Rail-Trail Job at Rails to Trails Conser

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org. Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Job Summary

The Western Project Manager for the Great American Rail-Trail plays a critical role in supporting the development of the Great American Rail-Trail through the West (western Nebraska through Washington). This position will work closely with the Project Manager for the Great American Rail-Trail and the Senior Strategist for Policy Advocacy to support stakeholder development and develop and execute a strategy for advancing project growth.

Job Location

This position is located in Montana and is eligible for a remote work schedule in accordance with RTC’s policies.

Job Duties

• Coordinating with project partners and stakeholders to help define and advance priority trail projects. Myriad strategies will be deployed, including providing direct technical assistance to overcome trail development challenges such as but not limited to: building public and political support, right-of-way acquisition, community engagement, ensuring key segments are prioritized on transportation improvement plans, securing public and private funding, and advancing projects through the public planning process.
• Providing strategic on-the-ground support for the Great American Rail-Trail across the west through regular in-person presence in vital western project gaps, including meetings of state trail advocate groups, trail and outdoor recreation-related conferences, project groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings, and other strategically important events.
• In conjunction with RTC’s policy team, assisting in the creation and pursuit of political advocacy strategies for local, state and federal officials in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington. Interface with public officials, both elected and staff from agencies of all sizes in the Mountain West on advancing project goals, including developing and implementing a strategy to engage administration in Yellowstone National Park and tribal leadership in the Wind River Reservation.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with indigenous communities within the project footprint to advance project goals and the shared interests of RTC and tribal communities in trail access. This approach prioritizes building trust, listening to indigenous communities and prioritizing their voices, and long-term relationship building.
• Advancing trail projects through preparation of trail plans and feasibility studies.
• Supporting partners in pursuing state and federal funding opportunities to accelerate trail development, especially in areas with limited public agency staff capacity.
• Serving as project spokesperson with the media as needed and contributing content specific to western projects for RTC’s social media and editorial platforms.
• Supporting the ongoing development of RTC’s catalyst initiatives along the Great American Rail-Trail in Wyoming and Montana.
• Providing technical assistance to regional collaborative efforts to plan and construct important gaps in the Great American Rail-Trail and ensuring that the priorities of the Great American are consistent in the planning and development.
• Supporting RTC’s Project Manager, Great American Rail-Trail with project administration, including supporting annual stakeholder meetings and the annual Route Assessment update, updating project tracking databases, and project reporting.
• Identifying and elevating fundraising opportunities to support RTC’s work in the region.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Basic Qualifications and Personal Attributes

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience managing complex, multidisciplinary projects in any of the following: community development/organizing, political advocacy, active transportation, economic development, outdoor recreation
• Significant experience in interfacing with public agency officials from small towns to state governments in the project footprint (experience working with or for local or state government preferred)
• A deep understanding of the process of moving a trail from concept to construction
• Political savvy and demonstrated ability to engage and cultivate a wide variety of stakeholders both internally and externally (government, advocacy, business, elected officials, landowners) and experience building diverse coalitions to achieve support and buy-in
• Project management skills and experience, including the ability to set and achieve short- and long-term planning goals in line with program priorities and to creatively leverage internal and external resources
• Outstanding oral and written communication and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to design, lead, and facilitate forums, workshops, and other content-rich convenings of diverse stakeholders
• Consensus-building skills, with the ability to read an audience and be decisive
• Cultural competency and demonstrated ability to work effectively and tactfully with a wide range of people, personalities and cultures to establish collaborative partnerships
• Experience developing and managing foundation grants, including proposal development, management of deliverables and budget reporting
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Up to 50% travel required, including non-traditional work hours (i.e. evenings, weekends)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Preferred

• Deep professional experience working and partnering with a multitude of indigenous and tribal communities in the U.S.
• Experience using ESRI products (ArcMap, ArcGIS Online)

Work Environment

Normal office setting with low to moderate noise level.

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Employer’s Right: RTC reserves the right to revise, change or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTC’s business needs. This job description is not an implied contract.

Commitment to Diversity: Rails to Trails Conservancy seeks diverse, passionate, and qualified individuals who want to make a difference in the world. RTC is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the interviewing process, please e-mail careers@railstotrails.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information