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Alaska Trails seeks Executive Director

Job Closing Date: Screening of candidates will begin on September 28, 2007 and continue until a qualified pool is identified.

Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Job Description:

The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors of Alaska Trails, an Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Executive Director will implement the policy and directives of the Board of Directors and will oversee the day to day operation of the organization.

Primary Purpose:

The Alaska Trails Executive Director will be responsible for the management and administration of Alaska Trails. Primary responsibilities include promoting the Alaska Trails Mission, development of Alaska Trails as a sustainable statewide multi-use trails user organization, and providing oversight and administration of all Alaska TrailsÕ grants and contracts. Additional responsibilities include assisting the Board of Directors with strategic planning, membership drives, and outreach efforts to enhance the Alaska trail experience by supporting sustainable, world-renowned trails through advocacy and education

Essential Functions:

1. Community Education and Training Curricula - 50%

Assist Alaska Trails with completion and presentation development of the educational Trails Training Curriculum, OHV Safety, and International Gold Rush Trail projects. Execute and complete Alaska Trails grants and contracts associated with community education and training curricula.

2. Communications, Networking & Organizational Development - 25%

Work with Board of Directors to develop a set of informational tools, including digital media, flyers, handouts, web-alerts, and short reports for public outreach and education on a variety of Alaska issues. Help design and implement a media strategy and provide materials for Alaska Trails publications.

Provide strategic planning assistance for the Board of Directors, including strategic project plans for fundraising, educational programs, staff needs, etc. Develop and maintain communications materials to recruit members and activists. Devise and implement a membership recruitment and retention strategy. Actively seek funding opportunities to sustain the programs of Alaska Trails.

Serve as principal staff resource to the Alaska Trails Board of Directors, its President, and assist them in matters of policy formulation & interpretation and in the monitoring of policy implementation. Manage the organization's budget and provide oversight on all financial matters.

3. Assist the Board of Directors on Trail Consulting Projects - 15%

The Alaska Trails Board of Directors is actively involved in several consulting projects to ensure sustainable trails are designed and constructed. Current projects include the Great Land Trust Wetland Sanctuary Project and additional projects as they arise. The successful applicant may act as the construction/contracting representative or in other capacity to ensure completion of professional services.

4. Assist the Board of Directors with the 2008 Alaska Trails Conference - 10%

Biennially, Alaska Trails organizes the Alaska Trails Conference. The Executive Director will work with Alaska TrailsÕ partners to organize this conference and outreach its accomplishments.

Job Qualifications:

* Proven successful work as a self-motivated, self-assured professional

* Proven management experience including budget development and oversight, grant administration and media/promotional experience

* Experience with multi-use trail projects, including education, planning, construction and maintenance

* Demonstrated excellent communication skills (computer, written, and oral)

* Demonstrated successful experience with fundraising, including the preparation of grants, follow up reports, & quantifying (& PR for) donor participation

* Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and organizations, and to build coalitions

* Ability to work in the field and on occasional weekends and evenings

In addition, the Ideal Candidate will possess:

* Knowledge of trail system and operations, and an understanding of legal issues surrounding easements, acquisitions and dedications

* Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with civic organizations, special interest groups government entities, and the public

* Demonstrated experience successfully managing a nonprofit.

Alaska Trails Key Issues & Strategies:

* To promote sustainable trail systems for all users: By developing and providing technical assistance for trail projects.

* To preserve and improve public trail access: By assisting public and private organizations in forming coordinated programs, policies, and standards.

* To promote the health, social and economic benefits of trails: By educating users through forums, conferences, information materials, training and other activities.

Work Environment:

The Executive Director will work for the Board of Directors of the Alaska Trails. He or she will be expected to prioritize work in order to effectively meet day-to-day demands and ongoing assignments. The Executive Director is expected to communicate regularly with the Board president on work projects and to seek advice on new or controversial aspects of the work. Training will be provided to the successful candidate to ensure the candidate can quickly become a leader in the Alaska TrailsÕ community. The Executive Committee will complete performance evaluations at least quarterly for the first year, and annually after the first year of work.

The position's salary is competitive and will be based upon the successful candidate's education, experience and skills. Position will be based upon a 30 hour work week to begin with the potential to increase to full time. Interested individuals should familiarize themselves with Alaska Trails by studying our website (www.alaska-trails.org), and/or by contacting our Board President, Geoffrey Orth via office@alaska-trails.org.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, three references, and salary requirement to:: office@alaska-trails.org, or by mail: Alaska Trails, PO Box 140264, Anchorage, AK 99514-0264. Screening of candidates will begin on September 28, 2007 and continue until a qualified pool is identified.

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