CURRENT JOB POSTING

JOB TITLE:  Executive Director

POSITION TYPE: Part Time / Hourly with Full Time Opportunity

REPORTS TO: Foy’s to Blacktail Trails Board of Directors

MISSION

Foy’s to Blacktail Trails (FTBT) is seeking an Executive Director. This position has traditionally been a part-time, project-focused position but recent growth and commitment to additional large-scale trail and land development has opened the door to having the right candidate quickly grow into a full-time position. The Executive Director will lead FTBT into its third decade of promoting the conservation and enjoyment of Kalispell’s best multi-use trail system.

Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, this position will focus on seven main responsibilities: strategic vision and plan implementation, fund development, financial and organizational management, operational management, staff/volunteer management, board development and management, and external relations, partnerships, and advocacy. This position requires a strong leader with vision, leadership, and organization to drive FTBT to meet the goals of the strategic plan.

FTBT began as a grassroots 501C3 organization in 2005, building upon community support and a wide variety of partnerships. The current mission is to enhance and steward a multi-use, community-focused trail system and advocate for access and trail connectivity within the greater Flathead Valley. Utilizing both private and public partnerships, FTBT has expanded Herron County Park and developed a trail system that provides multiple nested trail opportunities. The trail system encompasses Herron Park and the 15+ mile trail corridor connecting Herron Park with Blacktail Ski Area in the Island Unit of the Flathead National Forest.  FTBT enjoys strong community and philanthropic support and has been the recipient of numerous local, state and national grants.  Most recently, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service (USFS), FTBT has completed construction of the new “Emmons Ridge” trail, which provides additional non-motorized trail opportunities mid-way along the corridor between Herron Park and Blacktail Mountain.

FTBT passionately believes this trail system plays an important role in contributing to the quality of life for residents of the greater Flathead Valley and its visitors.  FTBT has committed to enhancing and maintaining the existing trail system and trailhead amenities in perpetuity. Future ambitions include embarking on a massive capital campaign to add 1100 acres of land with a permanent easement to the FTBT umbrella, along with creating greater trail connectivity between the FTBT trail network and adjoining communities.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The purpose of this position is to provide administrative, fundraising, and project management services to FTBT under the supervision of the FTBT Board of Directors (herein referred to as the Board).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Align with and have passion for FTBT’s mission and values
  • Integrity, transparency, positive attitude and sensitivity to the needs of the Board of Directors, donors, and volunteers
  • Passionate and persuasive communicator with outstanding interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
  • Aptitude for managing the complexity of organizational accounting, multiple funding sources, strategic alliances, partnerships, and supporters
  • Understanding of grant processes and the ability to monitor and report on compliance
  • Ability to engage and work with multiple stakeholders at all organizational levels, internally and externally
  • Experience managing a trail or land stewardship program while working in partnership with public agencies such as the US Forest Service
  • Ability to maintain an organizational culture that attracts, retains, and motivates board members, donors, and volunteers
  • Experience and comfort in public speaking in a variety of settings
  • Ability to work independently and manage a varying work week
  • Bachelor’s degree and/or 3+ years of relevant trails project management or nonprofit leadership
  • Enthusiasm for working with volunteers and donors of diverse races, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position requires a combination of office time and field work that can entail strenuous trail maintenance and construction tasks, hikes, and tours. FTBT maintains an office in Kalispell, but much office time can be accomplished remotely if desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to sit for long periods of time while performing typing duties on a computer
  • Ability to lift and carry objects of at least 50 pounds
  • Ability to hike, lift, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, and other strenuous activities

SCHEDULE:

  • Average of 25-30 hours per week (will vary depending on season and workload), but will likely grow into a full-time position
  • Schedule is varied and includes some evenings and weekends to accommodate meetings and events

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative:

  • Prepare meeting agenda in coordination with the executive committee, attend and facilitate monthly Board meetings to help ensure they run as efficiently as possible
  • Prepare and distribute board meeting minutes in a timely manner
  • Familiarity with grant application, administration, and reporting procedures
  • Develop, prepare, and manage budget in coordination with the Board
  • Monitor and execute expenditures within the budget
  • Take lead and coordinate with the Board for ongoing fundraising projects and the Great Fish Community Challenge
  • Take lead in planning and coordinating special events such as the Herron Half/5k/10k and FTBT Marathon, National Trails Day, National Public Lands Day
  • Maintain donor records and statistics to prioritize outreach and appreciation of all donors
  • Maintain and monitor safety compliance for staff and volunteers of the trails program

   Project Management:

  • Manage contracts associated with trail construction and maintenance
  • Develop and implement trail maintenance and forestry plans in coordination with the Trails Committee

    Equipment:

    • Oversee and supervise the use of tools and equipment for trails program volunteers
  • Oversee the ordering and inventory of supplies and equipment within the budget

    Leadership:

  • Passionately and confidently engage with major donors, volunteers, partner organizations, policymakers, and media about the organization’s work
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships and collaborations with government entities, nonprofit organizations, and community partners
  • Exhibit confidence and comfort speaking to large groups of people
  • Provide regular feedback and facilitate communication within the Board
  • Lead the recruitment, coordination and training of volunteers, with a focus on retention and creating and implementing safety protocols

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: This job description describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions set by the Board.

TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for a minimum of three professional references in a single PDF to info@foystoblacktailtrails.org with subject line as “Executive Director” no later than January 15, 2024.

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