Community Outreach Coordinator, Part-time

~ Founded in 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation's largest trails organization with more than 160,000 members and supporters. The mission of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people. ~

RTC advocates at the local, state and national level for policies that support trails and greenways for transportation, recreation, conservation, and as an integral part of livable communities. RTC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit our website.

Position Overview

This position is part of RTC’s Trail Development team and will report to the Manager, Trail Development who serves as Project Manager for the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network (BGT). This position does include benefits.

The successful candidate will support the Project Manager in building and managing a broad based coalition made up of grass roots advocates, citizens, and policy makers throughout the Baltimore community.

Specific tasks include coordinating community outreach efforts, representing RTC and the goals of the BGT Network at community events, event planning to publicly promote the BGT Network, communications and logistical support for activities within the BGT Network, and partnership development.

The successful candidate will be able to manage the related tasks of assisting to build a broad based constituency of trail supporters, while simultaneously supporting staff in the cultivation of strong working relationships with our local partners in the public, private and non-profit sector. Attention will also be given to developing a robust community and trail programming schedule to support trail use and trail development.

Work Environment

Normal office setting with low to moderate noise level. This position is located in Baltimore, Maryland with occasional travel to RTC’s national headquarters in Washington, D.C. The schedule is part-time, 30 hours per week, including weekend and evening work.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include:

• Engage with residents of Baltimore City in targeted neighborhoods near existing and proposed trails to cultivate neighborhood leaders who can act as ambassadors and advocates for the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network
• Develop a calendar of community events and neighborhood meetings to ensure a Coalition presence in order to promote the mission of the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network and to build our constituent base
• Maintain and grow a list of contacts for our database of  constituents and partners for outreach and organizing purposes
• Support ongoing planning efforts of RTC and our coalition BGT Network partners in Baltimore as we work with communities and partners to develop new trails. Examples could include helping to facilitate community charrette to gather data for a trail corridor master planning process or gathering information to help write reports or produce concept plans
• Develop relationships with community leaders across Baltimore to engage them as partners in our BGT Network activities and empower them to be leaders in trail programming and trail development
• Support RTC and local partners in programming activities on trails an in neighborhoods such as bike rides, community walks, tours, and pop-up demonstration events
• Synthesize public input and data collection from a variety of collection methods including, but not limited to surveys, tabling at events, open houses, and other public events
• Work with RTC staff to ensure that the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network is representative of the diversity of communities and to expand outreach beyond the traditional set of trail users. This position will focus heavily on targeted outreach to neighborhoods which are historically underserved by the formal planning processes. The successful candidate will be able to engage with traditionally underserved areas of the city to engage residents in active transportation planning and place-making strategies in in which they are empowered as leaders within their communities and in the political structure of Baltimore.

Note: There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position. The position reports to the Manager, Trail Development.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and qualifications:

• 2 years or more of relevant experience in community organizing (nonprofit background a plus), especially with a focus on equity issues, transportation issues
• Experience working with traditionally underserved communities
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills – Successful candidate will be able work effectively to map out community assets and create outreach strategies in order to cultivate sustainable relationships with community leaders.  Strategies will be developed to leverage existing community needs and resources with the goals of the BGT Network so that community development, public health, and economic revitalization goals can be reached while maintaining a focus on equitable access to active transportation.
• Candidate will be able to articulate how urban trails are vital pieces of public infrastructure that serve to strengthen communities to a wide range of audiences ranging from policy makers to the general public
• Self-motivated, with a high level of professionalism and the ability to work independently and as a team player
• Ability to present complex ideas to the public at events and meetings
• Social Media and branding skills – ability to create event notices, and marketing materials for print and online distribution
• Strong interest in non-motorized transportation planning and implementation, land-use, urban design, community engagement, and infill-redevelopment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Comfortable facilitating biking and walking events on trails and in neighborhoods in Baltimore. Should be comfortable walking and biking moderate distance
• Strong candidates will be rooted in Baltimore and/or have a great depth of local knowledge about Baltimore

Employer's Rights

RTC reserves the right to revise, change or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with our business needs. This job description is by no means an implied contract.

To Apply

• Please use one form of transmitting your résumé.
• No phone calls please, unless contacted for an interview. Recruiters, please do not contact our offices.
• Mail, fax or click "Apply" below to email cover letter, résumé and 3 professional references to:

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Attention: Human Resources Office
The Duke Ellington Building
2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20037

Fax: 202.223.9257

~ EOE. Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. ~