The Communications Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of a forward-thinking

communications and marketing plan to support the PNTA’s mission to build and manage the Pacific Northwest

National Scenic Trail and conserve the wild places that it traverses.

The Communications Manager is responsible for telling our story in a compelling manner, through a variety of

communications channels which connect our volunteers, members, partners, sponsors, gateway communities, and

the general public to the importance of our work and the value of the resource that we protect.

The Communications Manager is responsible for developing strong graphic design standards to create a cohesive

and polished visual identity for the website, blog, newsletter, social media, and other digital and print materials

of the PNTA.

DUTIES

● Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing plan for the Pacific

Northwest Trail Association

● Design promotional, educational, and interpretive materials related to the PNNST.

● Conduct outreach. This could include but is not limited to giving presentations at gateway communities,

tabling at relevant outdoor events, or through live and pre-recorded web-based presentations to the general

public.

● Be the voice of the PNTA by managing media relations, developing and soliciting original content for the

website, blog, newsletter and press releases, and engaging the public through a variety of popular social

media platforms

● Manage the Association’s website. The Communications Manager is responsible for the maintenance

of the site and may work with contracted web developers to ensure that the site and its component

parts continue to be compatible with a constantly changing web. The CM will ensure that the site’s

content remains SEO optimized and user data remains secure.

● The CM shall serve as a Trail Information Specialist by collecting, researching, managing and

publishing trail information necessary to utilize the PNT safely and responsibly; and to support other

PNTA staff by providing resources and trail information. Deliverables may include contributing to

PNTA’s comprehensive map and dataset and other public-facing and confidential information

including, but not limited to: webpages, social media updates, trail alerts and other important and

emergency electronic communications.

● The CM will use photo, video and written communication to document and share the story of PNTA

with the public through a variety of communications channels. The CM will conduct field visits to

document the work of PNTA Trail Ops, including volunteer work parties and Performance Trail

Crews. The CM will coordinate with Trail Ops staff to develop systems to collect and share

marketing photos, reports and other necessary items to share and document the PNTA’s story when

field visits are not practical.

● The CM will design and maintain a database of marketing and promotional images and materials,

such as press kits, marketing give-aways and brochures and recruitment materials.

● Foster productive working relationships with agency partners at all levels as they pertain to visitor use

management and trail information. This may include the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management,

Washington Department of Natural Resources, and other federal, state and local government agencies

● Develop and strengthen partnerships that support stewardship of the PNT, its facilities and related system

trails— e.g., partner organizations, volunteer groups, businesses, community institutions, etc.

● Work with other PNTA staff including Volunteer Coordinator and Regional Managers to promote a

schedule of volunteer opportunities that build an inclusive community of PNT stewards

● Support efforts to manage users on the trail and their impacts on resources and facilities, including working

with partners to discourage unauthorized use.

● Represent the trail and the association at community events in efforts to spread awareness about

opportunities for engagement, hiring and volunteerism, accomplishments and current projects

REQUIREMENTS

● Bachelor's degree (communications, public relations, natural resource management or other relevant major

preferred) or commensurate experience

● Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience

● Passion for the Pacific Northwest Trail

● Commitment to inclusion. Must be enthusiastic to support and broaden the PNTA community among all

backgrounds and demographics.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to be persuasive and effectively negotiate

● Social media savvy. Experience managing accounts on various platforms and moderating community

discussion.

● Proficiency in Google G Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, Bloomerang CRM, and Wordpress

and/or willingness and aptitude for learning new digital platforms required for carrying out

the responsibilities of the position.

● Must be confident working with others at all levels in and outside of the organization while demonstrating

honesty, integrity, and respect in every interaction

● Excellent organizational and time management skills— for one’s self and for team/project management

● Ability to work independently with minimal oversight

● Ability to collaborate with others and facilitate teamwork

● Ability and willingness to adapt to variable schedule— including working weekends and evenings— and to

travel as required, including traveling alone to remote, backcountry locations

● Sit for several hours at a time working at a computer

● Reliable vehicle that can be handle relatively rough access roads to remote trailheads (compensation

provided for use of personal vehicles)

● Smartphone with camera (technology stipend provided)

● Ability to sit at a desk for several hours daily

● Ability to travel on the PNT by non-motorized means

● Ability to lift folding tables, event tents, and set up and break down large event displays

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

● Experience working with public land management agencies

● Experience using complex GIS and resource management data programs

● Experience working with youth in trail or environmental work, environmental education, backcountry

travel or service learning

Pacific Northwest Trail Association

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Communications Manager