Midwest Policy Manager
Open until filled
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), a nonprofit organization with more than 160,000 members and supporters, is the nation's largest trails organization dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Founded in 1986, RTC’s national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
This position is located in Dayton, Ohio.
The Midwest Policy Manager will facilitate coalition building, communicate with partner organizations and advocate for funding for trails and active-transportation networks at the state and local levels. The manager will closely collaborate with both national policy staff and field staff to deliver on RTC’s policy and trail development goals in the Midwest.
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Work closely with RTC policy staff and the Midwest Director of Trail Development to retain and grow a broad-based network of Midwest community leaders and partner organizations that support the adoption of trail and active-transportation policies at federal, state and local levels, with a strategic eye on prioritizing critical unmet needs of the regional trails and active-transportation movement. Key partners may include advocates for trails, walking, biking, public health and economic development, as well as local business leaders and elected officials.
- Work with partners to secure state and local policies that advance trail networks, with a focus on increasing public funding for trail connections.
- Influence policy leaders in Midwest states where RTC has identified: 1) specific opportunities to secure dollars for trail networks and 2) local ties to nationally significant RTC-led trail-network projects. Coordinate with RTC’s national field team and partners to influence state and local policies.
- Work with RTC’s policy team to develop and implement strategies to influence key Congressional representatives from the Midwest, as necessary, to impact critical federal policy decisions relating to trails and active transportation.
- Work with RTC’s Advocacy Coordinator to inform and engage RTC’s partner organizations, members and supporters in the Midwest with locally relevant messages. Communication channels include RTC’s social media and email platforms, as well as online platforms managed by key partners.
- Travel to strategically important states and cities to: 1) build organizational relationships, 2) assist partners in obtaining tools and developing strategies, 3) problem solve for policy campaigns and 4) represent RTC at events and conferences. This may include work outside the Midwest region when critical organizational needs arise.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None. This position will report to the Director of Government Relations.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- At least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as planning or political science
- Three years or more of directly relevant work experience
- Experience with movement-based organizing, including organizing coalitions at the state and local level and working collaboratively with advocacy organizations
- Success in advancing legislative policy initiatives
- A working understanding of transportation policies
- Excellent written and oral communications skills
- Passion for promoting trails, walking and bicycling
Work Environment
Some travel is required.
How to Apply
Please use one form of transmitting your resume. No phone calls please. Recruiters, please do not contact our offices.
Mail, fax or email cover letter, résumé and three professional references to:
Elton A. Clark
Human Resources Manager
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
The Duke Ellington Building
2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20037
Human Resources Manager
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
The Duke Ellington Building
2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20037
Email: elton@railstotrails.org
Fax: 202.223.9257
Fax: 202.223.9257