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