Program Coordinator

~ Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a national nonprofit organization advocating for healthier lifestyles by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines and connecting corridors. ~

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (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 offices in the Northeast, Midwest, West and Florida.

Position Overview 

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy seeks a part-time, temporary Program Coordinator for our Western Regional office in Oakland, CA.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in trails and how they facilitate active transportation, recreation, and healthy, sustainable communities. The position is 15-20 hours per week for approximately 9-12 months beginning in December, 2014. 

Responsibilities 

• Support our trail development and policy programs by assisting with research and drafting of fact sheets, issue briefs and training materials relating to active transportation, recreation and trail planning/design/maintenance issues;
• Support our Bay Area Trails Collaborative effort by coordinating with partners on policy, technical assistance and trail event planning activities; and
• Assist with outreach and community engagement on our active trail planning projects. 

This position will support the following: 

California Active Transportation Program 

• RTC has been integrally involved in the Active Transportation Program (ATP), enacted last year to create more opportunities to safely walk and bike for transportation in California.
• We will be working on a statewide effort to evaluate the program and provide technical-assistance workshops for potential applicants.
• The Program Coordinator will work with the Western Regional Director on assessing technical assistance needs for disadvantaged communities, researching and developing materials for 12 full-day workshops, and handling logistics and evaluation of the workshops and the overall program. 

Trail Collaborative and Policy Programs 

• We are leading a regional effort to advance trail systems, which is called the Bay Area Trails Collaborative.
• The Program Coordinator will work with staff on partner coordination, communication and recruitment; researching and preparing reports; organizing/implementing a strategy to increase state and regional funding for trails; and publicizing/implementing trail use celebrations as part of our Opening Day for Trails program.

Trail Planning and Development 

• We regularly provide trail planning and implementation assistance to communities. The Program Coordinator will assist our Trail Development Manager with research and writing, community outreach and education, workshop planning and related program support for our active projects, including the San Leandro Creek Trail and the Santa Cruz Coastal Rail-Trail.
• This position will also assist with our advocacy efforts in California and Washington State to increase funding for trails and active transportation by conducting policy research, partner outreach and the updating of case statements and other policy materials to support our regional and national policy goals.  

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will have the following:  

• The successful candidate will have excellent people skills, outstanding written and verbal communication skills, and be highly organized and detail-oriented;
• Have a college degree and 1-2 years' experience in transportation/recreation planning, environmental policy, and/or political advocacy and campaign work;
• Demonstrated interest in trails/open space/biking & walking issues;
• Be resourceful and able to work independently; and
• Sense of humor, resourcefulness, initiative,enthusiasm and flexibility to help where needed are essential! 

• Please use the email address below to send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Elton Clark.
• Reference "Program Coordinator, Western Region." 
• Tell us why you are interested in this particular position, and what qualifications you bring.  
• Use only one form of transmitting your resume.
• No phone calls please, unless contacted for an in person interview. 

You can also fax or mail your application materials to: 

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Duke Ellington Building
Attn: Elton Clark, Human Resources Office
2121 Ward Court, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20037 

Note: We hope to fill the position in December, so please apply promptly, local applicants only.   

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