Manager, Policy Outreach

~ Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), a national nonprofit trails, walking and bicycling advocacy organization with more than 160,000 members and supporters, is the nation's largest trails organization dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines and connecting corridors. ~

Founded in 1986, RTC's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Position Overview 

RTC is actively recruiting for a Manager of Policy Outreach for our Policy division. This is a fantastic job opportunity for those with a strong background and interest in active transportation issues. 

Responsibilities 

• Work with RTC's field and policy teams, and the Partnership for Active Transportation, to build and support advocacy coalitions with a variety of strategic partners at the state and local levels. Key constituencies include advocates for trails, walking, biking, public health and economic development, as well as local business leaders and elected officials. 
• Travel to strategically important states and cities to build organizational relationships.
• Contribute to the establishment of state and local policies funding trail and active-transportation networks by disseminating tools and strategies, problem-solving for policy campaigns, and connecting allies with each other and RTC advocacy resources. 
• Track important policy developments at the local and state level around the country and identify opportunities to create visibility for RTC initiatives and on-the-ground success stories, such as those in RTC's Story Bank.
• Develop an inventory of organizational allies at the state and local levels with an assessment of their scope of influence. Contribute to a nationwide strategy for power-mapping and influencing key decision-makers on the federal, state and local level.
• Write advocacy-focused e-newsletters and targeted messages aimed at engaging advocates and coalition partners around the country.
• Assemble lists of professionals working in related fields-such as trails, walking and bicycling-and help to cultivate by establishing opportunities for them to engage with RTC.
• Work with the Advocacy Coordinator to develop a Web-based support center for RTC staff and partners to enable successful state and local advocacy campaigns. The center will provide policy models and advocacy materials specific to local and state advocacy for trails, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and assist with campaigns and problem-solving. (The role of the manager is to develop guidance on building effective coalitions and resources on issues that state and local advocates may confront.)
• Represent RTC at events and conferences.  

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field, such as planning or political science, with 3 or more years direct work experience. A graduate degree is preferred.
• Three years or more of directly relevant work experience.
• Experience organizing coalitions and working collaboratively with advocacy organizations.
• Success in advancing legislative policy initiatives.
• A working understanding of federal transportation policies.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Grassroots organizing experience.
• Computer skills: MS Word, and data base.
• Passion for promoting trails, walking and bicycling.  

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email, or mail or fax, your cover letter, résumé and three professional references to: 

Elton A. Clark, Human Resources Manager, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
The Duke Ellington Building
2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20037  

• Please, use just one form of transmitting your application materials.
• No phone calls, please, unless selected for an interview. 
• Recruiters please do not contact our offices.
• Interviews will begin around the last week of June. 

~ Commitment to Diversity: RTC is an equal opportunity employer and seeks qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or national origin. Women and diverse applicants are encouraged to apply. EOE ~