Contact Name: Lisa Rigby
Company/Organization/Agency: Bay Area Ridge Trail Council
Address: 391 Sutter St, Suite 701, San Francisco, CA 94108 United States
Email Address: careers@ridgetrail.org
Contact Phone:
Job Title: Trail Program Director or Trail Project Manager
Job Description: THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you passionate about trails and the many benefits they offer? Are you a successful planner
or community advocate and program director who would love to use your skills to leave a
legacy and help extend and complete the Bay Area Ridge Trail?
The Ridge Trail Council is looking for a dynamic and seasoned professional (Program Director
or Project Manager depending on qualifications) to lead or support Council trail efforts,
working with our partners to plan, build, and open new trail. This position reports to the
Executive Director, works closely with a team of 7 staff, and with park agencies and other
partners, volunteers, and advocates.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Ridge Trail Council’s mission is to plan, promote and sustain a connected hiking, cycling,
and equestrian trail on the ridgelines around San Francisco Bay – linking people, parks, and
open space for today and future generations. We’re more than two-thirds of the way to our
goal, with about 400 miles complete of the ultimate 550-mile loop.
The Council is a 30+ year stable nonprofit with a professional, well-respected staff, a dedicated
and engaged Board of Directors, and an extensive cadre of volunteers. The office is in
downtown San Francisco and remote work is possible. The expansive regional extent of the
trail network requires an ability to travel throughout the Bay Area.
POSITION SUMMARY
The successful candidate will lead the Council’s trail program including: setting goals and
objectives, creating work plans, updating and implementing a comprehensive plan for trail
build-out, formulating strategies to accelerate closing gaps, coordinating with key partners,
grant and contract administration, and oversight of a trail database, maps and other analytical
tools. The Program Director reports to the Executive Director, supervises other trail staff and
works closely with the entire Ridge Trail team. The Trail Program Director works closely with
land managers and other partners and advocates to promote our mission. This is an exempt
position.
Note: The Council is open to flexible arrangements, including Program Director versus Project
Manager level, less-than-full time and potentially multiple hires, and higher or lower levels of
remote work, especially for focus in North or South Bay counties.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (May vary depending on position)
● Develop annual trail work program including setting priorities, budgeting, managing
workflow, and supervising program staff.
● Oversee and implement our comprehensive Gap Analysis and Action Plan to close critical
trail gaps.
● Maintain information on trail development and communicate trail news, status, and funding
needs both internally and externally.
● Cultivate relationships with key partners: park agencies, land trusts, public utilities, private
landowners, community organizations, advocates, and others.
● Coordinate Council involvement with trail planning, design, environmental review,
permitting, construction and opening throughout the region.
● Oversee a multi-year trail program planning grant, and special project grants.
● Oversee in-house tools and work with consultants to support our trail database, printed and
on-line planning and public maps and other tools.
● Work with Ridge Trail staff, Board and committee members, and agencies and advocates to
set and track trail program priorities and on alignment, signage, mapping, shared use,
environmental protection, and other issues as appropriate.
● Work with development staff to conceptualize and flesh out trail development and special
project funding need statements and funder applications.
● Seek new revenue opportunities, prepare cost estimates and assist with budget
preparation, tracking and reporting.
● Plan and implement trail dedications and similar events and occasionally assist with special
fundraising events.
● Prepare and present written, oral, and technical reports.
● Serve as a Ridge Trail Council ambassador to partners, stakeholders, advocates, and the
public.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND VALUES
● A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a relevant field of study such as land use
or community planning, environmental science, or design.
● Program Director: Minimum five years of related work experience in land use planning,
community organizing, and/or natural resource management. Experience with program
development, strategic planning, budgeting and grant administration. Familiarity with trail
planning and nonprofits is preferred. At least 2 years of supervisory experience.
● Project Manager: Minimum three years of related work experience in land use, planning,
community organizing, and/or natural resource management and project management.
Familiarity with trail planning is preferred.
● Ability to exercise independent judgement and discretion.
● Outstanding planning and analytical skills and an ability to manage multiple complex
projects.
● Ability to think strategically and to formulate creative solutions.
● Strong organizational and relationship-building skills and ability to effectively collaborate
and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
● Knowledge and direct experience with trail planning, design, environmental review, and
permitting preferred.
● Experience negotiating, tracking, and managing contracts.
● Experience with park agency, land trust real estate transactions, and trail easements
preferred.
● Experience in grant-writing or working with development staff to secure program funding.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Experience with project budgets and accounting.
● Familiarity with Bay Area geography, parks, and natural resources preferred.
● Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs; proficiency with digital file sharing,
GIS, and database management a plus.
● Valid California Driver’s License and access to a car is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office
equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Some evening and
weekend work is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to sit or stand at a desk/computer
terminal for extended periods time. The employee may be required to transport office
products and supplies, or equipment of up to 25 pounds on natural surface trails. The position
requires the ability to attend outdoor events and/or activities in varying weather and
temperature conditions. Must be able to hike on uneven and/or rugged terrain.
COMPENSATION
The Council strives to pay competitive salaries within the nonprofit community and
compensation is based on experience. Benefits include paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, and
medical, dental, vision coverage, and 401K. Salary range for Trail Program Director is $85-
$95K, and for Trail Project Manager is $65-$80K.
TO APPLY
The Council is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse team.
To apply, please send a cover letter, position desired (Program Director v. Project Manager), resume, and
salary objectives to careers@ridgetrail.org and indicate “Trail Program” in the subject line.
Please visit www.ridgetrail.org for more information about the Ridge Trail.
The position is open until filled, but to facilitate review please apply by Aug 5.
Job Start Date: 8/5/2021
Application Deadline: 8/5/2021
Additional Information: https://ridgetrail.org/job-opportunities/