Time: Full Time; Permanent
Location: Gainesville residency preferred. Accepting applicants able to work remotely from a Florida-based home office.
Supervisor: Trail Program Director
Application Deadline: 5PM EST January 10th, 2022
Start Date: Winter 2022
Position Summary
The Florida Trail Association (FTA) builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the unique Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail), along with a network of hiking trails throughout the state of Florida. Together with our partners, the Association provides opportunities for the public to contribute to meaningful volunteer work, engage in outdoor recreation, and participate in environmental education. The Communications and Outreach Manager (COM) will support and expand the FTA’s statewide volunteer program on the Florida Trail. This position works within the Trail Operations team, in partnership with the US Forest Service, to set and achieve program goals.
Responsibilities
• Cultivate and strengthen volunteer and organizational partnerships
• Increase inclusion and outreach to underrepresented communities and demographics
• Elevate the profile of the Florida Trail and the FTA
• Develop and implement an integrated communications plan for print, digital and social media marketing, including the monthly E-Blaze email newsletter and quarterly Footprint magazine.
• Manage updates and routine changes to the FTA’s website
• Maintain databases of volunteer certifications and service hours
• Ensure volunteer and organizational events are well advertised, coordinated, engaging and rewarding
• Actively disseminate information on regional projects
• Oversee FTA’s Next Generation Coalition
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of professional experience in communications, volunteer management or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
• Ability to be self-directed, work independently, prioritize workload, meet deadlines, handle multiple projects simultaneously, solve problems and be resourceful
• Ability to coordinate and build and working relationships with volunteers and agency partners
• Ability to lead and work with a diverse group of volunteers and partners across a spectrum of cultural and professional styles
• Energetic and optimistic personality
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience in website maintenance (FTA uses WordPress platform)
• Experience creating visual content using Canva, InDesign, or similar programs, or willingness to learn
• Understanding of databases and how to query them for reporting purposes
• Experience providing training and technical support to volunteers (hours entry, event sign ups, etc)
• Experience using non-profit CRM software desirable
• Spanish language proficiency desirable
Work Environment
• The COM may be based in the FTA headquarters office in Gainesville or may work remotely from a Florida-based home office.
• Occasional travel around Florida and out of state conferences required, including weekends. Travel expenses covered, including food, lodging and transportation.
• This position requires a reliable personal vehicle for travel. Mileage reimbursed at the federal rate.
Benefits
• $48,378/year starting salary, reassessed at annual performance reviews
• Paid federal holiday, vacation, and sick leave
• Health and dental insurance after 90-day probationary period
• Retirement benefits after 3 years
• Yearly budget set aside for professional development
To Apply
Please email all of the following information in PDF format to hiring@floridatrail.org with the subject line “Communications and Outreach Manager Application” by 5PM EST on January 10th, 2022.
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample – non-fiction, professional, 1-3 pages
The FTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. We seek a diverse pool of candidates and believe that
our organization benefits from the perspectives and talents of a diverse staff.