Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition: Executive Director Opportunity

The Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, the supporting nonprofit partner of the Foothills National Recreation Trail, seeks an experienced leader to serve as its next Executive Director.

The Executive Director will lead the Foothills Coalition in an exciting phase of growth and key initiative implementation, and strengthen the organization’s fundraising, partnerships, and programs. They will serve as the primary fundraiser, chief spokesperson, and relationship-builder for the Coalition, working closely and in collaboration with Pierce County Parks, the Board of Directors, government jurisdictions along the Foothills Trail, community groups and other supporters.

This is an opportunity for a mission-driven leader to play a pivotal role in enhancing our county’s regional trail system, and ensuring the Foothills Trail and the Coalition are welcoming and accessible to all.

Who We Are

Spending much of our history as an all-volunteer-led organization, the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition formed to be the citizen advocate for the construction of a Pierce County trail along the abandoned railroad. 40 years later, we have helped to see nearly 22 miles of completed paved trail sections from the Meeker (East Puyallup) Trailhead to the north edge of Buckley, and leveraged millions of dollars for trail projects in the Puget Sound region. We are a dedicated group of volunteers and consultants, led by an Executive Director since 2022, that are engaged not only in adding miles to and supporting the Foothills National Recreation Trail, but also supporting the build out of the county’s regional trail and active transportation network. We also put on several annual events that help bring thousands of people together on the trail.

Mission

Our mission is to work to expand, fund, maintain, promote and advocate for an accessible and inclusive trail system from Mt. Rainier National Park to Puget Sound, fostering recreation, health, active transportation, economic growth, and environmental and historic preservation.

Vision

Our vision is an accessible network of world-class trails improving peoples’ lives by connecting communities and destinations throughout Pierce County and beyond.

Our Next Executive Director

The ideal candidate will bring a passion for trails and/or outdoor recreation, a track record of nonprofit leadership and fundraising success, and the ability to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. They will love getting outside in the communities along the trail, and be comfortable with being the driver of their work and schedule. They will be a skilled communicator and a collaborative leader with the ability to execute the current five year strategic plan and keep the work on course to adding trail miles and creating a sustainable organization.

We expect the new Executive Director will focus on the following key areas:

Strategic Leadership

Oversee the five year strategic plan (2023-2028) and annual work plans to chart the Coalition’s trajectory and priorities, ensuring continued organizational growth and financial sustainability. With consultant support, lead the organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access & Belonging Initiative, including operationalizing DEIAB principles and work into the 2025 work plan.

Organizational Partnerships

Collaborate closely with the leadership of Pierce County Parks and other trail jurisdictions on trail development opportunities, maintenance, etc. Work with other trails-related community organizations to help secure funding, matching funds and other support for the build out of the Pierce County Regional Trail Network. Oversee and plan trail maintenance work parties. With consultant support and strong partnerships, lead a community outreach effort to develop a key section of the Foothills Trail; and, with consultant and Board support, work closely with the City of Buckley to oversee the completion of the organization’s first ever capital campaign: a new trailhead and pavilion.

Business Administration

With consultant support, manage the business side of the organization, including budgeting, data entry, contract administration, property & asset management, record keeping, etc. Lead the monthly Board meeting.

Board Leadership

Work closely with the Board of Directors to execute the vision for the five-year strategic plan. Recruit and steward an engaged, diverse Board of Directors, including supporting a newly formed Governance Committee to create and/or update organizational policies and practices.

Fundraising & Event Management

Lead fundraising efforts, including writing and tracking foundation and government grants, major and planned giving programs, membership and appeals; Oversee several events with consultant support, including the annual Rainier to Ruston Relay race; personally cultivate major donors and continue to grow the organization’s funding support.

Communication & Relationships

Serve as the chief spokesperson, relationship builder and representative for the Foothills Coalition with key stakeholders, elected officials, etc., representing the Coalition at groundbreakings and/or trail openings, council meetings, conferences, events, and in communities. With consultant support, manage the organization’s suite of marketing and communications, including the website, social media, e- and printed newsletters, and additional materials as needed.

Ideal Candidate Experience and Skills

The Executive Board of the Foothills Coalition supervises the Executive Director and provides workload expectations and priorities. The Executive Director position receives little direct supervision and has flexibility to establish their work schedule.

Our next Executive Director will have proven leadership, fundraising, relationship, and organizational management experience. The ideal candidate will bring:

Five plus years in nonprofit fundraising, especially with appeals, grant writing and major gifts; preference for a candidate familiar with capital campaigns.
Demonstrated success in developing strategic partnerships and building community relationships.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and community partners.
Experience and comfort with working with a Board of Directors and leading public meetings.
Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead, inspire and influence a team of contractors, consultants, and volunteers.
Integrity, sound judgment, and grace under pressure.
Commitment to operationalizing diversity, equity and inclusion into the organizational culture and practices; a passion for building relationships with and trail access for traditionally underrepresented groups.
Previous experience in, and knowledge of nonprofit administration. Preferred minimum of five years experience in a nonprofit leadership role.
The ideal candidate will have a passion for trails for hiking, biking, walking, and/or running. It is preferred that the selected candidate reside in Pierce County, Washington.

Posting Date: July 18, 2024

Work Schedule & Location: Full-time (40+ hours per week) with flexibility to set your own work schedule. This is a fully remote position. The Executive Director works from home with an expectation of taking in-person meetings along the current and future trail corridor when needed. Preference for the Executive Director to reside in Pierce County, Washington.

Salary & Benefits: $70,000 – $80,000 DOE. Includes employer matched IRA contribution. Paid vacation and sick leave. Monthly reimbursement to help offset the cost of private enrollment in a health plan.

Next steps: Applications submitted by Wednesday, August 7 will be given full consideration. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received; initial screening calls will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

How to Apply

To apply, email your application package to: admin@foothillscoalition.org.

Complete application packages include:

Resume
A cover letter that answers the following:
- Why do you want to be the Executive Director of the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition? What about our mission and vision resonates with you?
- What have you learned in your work or volunteer service with nonprofits that would help you be a successful Executive Director?
Example of a writing product you created from a current or previous job or volunteer role; i.e., grant application, newsletter or website article, donor letter, etc.

Applications received by August 7th will be given full consideration; early applications are strongly encouraged! All applications will be acknowledged via an email receipt.

Questions regarding this opportunity are welcome and can be directed to: admin@foothillscoalition.org.

The Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, in collaboration with Pierce County Parks and support from the Towns of Wilkeson and Carbonado, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a National Parks Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance grant program (NPS-RTCA). This grant will provide essential technical assistance to engage the community in developing the Foothills Trail segment between Wilkeson and Carbonado, covering approximately 3.5 miles.

Starting in September of 2024, the project will kick off with community outreach effort to gather input on the trail’s design. Expected to last a year, this work will culminate in conceptual design to inform the next phase of Foothills Trail development toward Mount Rainier National Park.

The NPS-RTCA program is instrumental in supporting locally driven conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives nationwide. By assisting communities and public land managers in park development, restoration, and the creation of outdoor recreation opportunities, the NPS-RTCA program fosters engagement in the outdoors for future generations.

The Carbon Glacier Corridor in eastern Pierce County serves as the gateway to the northwest section of Mount Rainier National Park, encompassing the rural communities of Wilkeson and Carbonado. Within this corridor lies the undeveloped section of the Foothills Trail. Recognizing the potential of this area, Pierce County, as the primary landowner, has enlisted the support of the Foothills Coalition to leverage its strong community ties and partnership-building expertise.

Developing this trail offers numerous benefits. Rural trails provide sustainable solutions for active transportation, promote health and well-being, foster community connectivity, reduce reliance on motorized transport and contribute to healthier lifestyles. Additionally, increased foot traffic along trails supports local businesses and stimulates economic growth.

The Foothills Coalition and Pierce County Parks express profound gratitude to the National Parks Service for its support and look forward to engaging with local communities to bring the vision of a vibrant, accessible Foothills Trail to life.

About Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition:
The Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition is the supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of the Foothills National Recreation Trail. The Coalition works to expand, fund, maintain, promote and advocate for an accessible and inclusive trail system from Mt. Rainier National Park to Puget Sound, fostering recreation, health, active transportation, economic growth, and environmental and historic preservation. Learn more at www.foothillscoalition.org.

About Pierce County Parks:
Pierce County Parks maintains over 5,200 acres at 44 park sites, including three recreation centers, a sports complex, ice rink, skateboard park, two boat launch sites, two golf courses, trail corridors, a disc golf course, and many passive open space sites through Pierce County’s Conservation Futures system. We also offer a variety of special events, programs and activities for all ages and ability levels. Learn more at www.PierceCountyWA.gov/Parks.

About National Parks Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program:
The NPS-RTCA program supports locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the United States, assisting communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities and programs. Learn more at www.nps.gov/rtca.

We’re Hiring Our Next Executive Director!