Project Manager, Philadelphia Region

~ 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 Project Manager (PM) who will be responsible for coordinating RTC's role with projects of national significance in the Northeast Region. Currently the main focus is the Circuit - Philadelphia's regional trail system.

The Circuit is a 750-mile network of bicycle and pedestrian trails connecting people to jobs, communities, and parks in the Greater Philadelphia Region. To date 250+ miles have been built. The position will be based in the Philadelphia Metro area (Camden, NJ).  

Responsibilities  

The PM will serve on multiple Circuit committees and manage communication and tasks between RTC staff and members of the Circuit. The PM will develop meaningful relationships with Circuit stakeholders, leaders, funders, and design teams.

Serving as RTC's central manager for the project, the PM will coordinate with partner organizations, including the Circuit leadership team; engage stakeholder groups; manage the project budget; and help develop and implement the initiative's vision and strategy with RTC's Northeast Field Office and Headquarters Office in DC. The PM will report RTC's Northeast Regional Director.

As a member of RTC's national Trail Development team, this position will also assist in the delivery of all levels of trail development technical assistance, mostly in the northeast region, and serve as an advocate for trail policy and funding. This can take several forms including managing trail study contracts or grants, providing assistance to the general public, and convincing trail groups to join RTC in coalitions behind a particular initiative at the regional, state or federal level. 

Duties include but are not limited to: 

• Outreach to organize local trail advocacy networks and individuals;
• Managing a portfolio of technical assistance projects in the Circuit region;
• Participate in state and regional forums and committees to further RTC's partnerships;
• Research, preparation and dissemination of resource materials;
• Education and training of regional constituents;
• Preparing planning documents and generating revenue through project consulting work; and assist regional and national staff in developing grants and contracts;
• Input data in order to maintain geographic information systems (GIS) of open/project trails and unused rail corridors;
• Secure and participate in contracted trail work to insure the northeast office's sound financial footing and involvement in on-the-ground projects;
• Other program related duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Qualifications  

Requirements: 

• This position requires a minimum of three years of experience in some combination of the following backgrounds: urban and regional planning; public administration; natural resource planning, non-motorized transportation planning/ advocacy; landscape architecture, or non-profit management.
• The duties of this position demand an experienced self-starter with excellent skills in building and maintaining collaborative and strategic relationships with RTC staff and community leaders and other transportation, recreation, conservation, economic development, health and community based organizations.
• The successful candidate will be organized and efficient, and able to consistently deliver professional quality work on time and on budget.

The following qualifications are required: 

• Experience as a project manager, leading and effectively delegating complex tasks in a remote team environment;
• Self-directed with excellent people skills;
• Ability to work on complex assignments independently using a high level of judgment, tact, and initiative in resolving problems and developing recommendations;
• Excellent research, writing, public speaking and time management skills;
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multi-partnership team, leveraging staff and partners at all levels while successfully integrating team contributions and perspectives;
• Proficiency in GIS; and 
• Good computer skills in word processing, PowerPoint, Excel and database management.  

Travel:  

• This position will involve frequent local day travel within the Circuit project sites and occasional regional travel within the greater Northeast.
• Travel will be mostly within Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware but on occasion to the headquarters office in D.C. and other national venues.
• Candidates must be willing and able to ride a bicycle for moderate periods, drive and travel by train or airplane, and must hold a valid, current driver's license. 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your resume and a cover letter. Or, you can mail or fax, but please, use only one form of transmitting your application materials. No phone calls. 

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

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

Note: Recruiters please do not contact our office.