Mon Forest Towns Community Projects Manager

The Mon Forest Towns Partnership is seeking applicants for a new Community Project Manager Position! Details about the position can be found in the link here and in the text below!

Position Description

The Mon Forest Towns Partnership (MFTP) is a unique coalition of 12 towns in the Monongahela National Forest (The Mon) region of West Virginia that is working to collaboratively grow a strong, sustainable recreation economy that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors by providing the best outdoor experience.

MFTP supports the towns in pursuit of their goals to establish themselves as “gateways to the Mon.” In this work we engage community stakeholders in planning, developing, and implementing a wide variety of projects to better connect towns to the Forest and to each other, develop new trailheads and trail systems, improve community infrastructure, and generally advance the outdoor recreation economy and enhance quality of life.

To help address the broad and multifaceted needs of both our towns and MFTP as outlined in the Partnership’s strategic goals, the Community Projects Manager position will combine aspects of project management, stakeholder engagement, and community planning. The Community Projects Manager will build relationships with communities, facilitate planning sessions, mobilize stakeholders, and develop and manage projects that improve the physical, economic, and social environment of a community. Over the next three years, the Community Projects Manager will support 12 towns in developing viable project ideas and designs for connecting their town to the National Forest and other recreation assets, provide project management support, assist in the creation of sustainable recreation plans, and support activation of final projects. We will classify projects based on their organization and readiness status. Ideally, we will complete four projects per year and start with design projects that are in a more advanced phase.

MFTP is seeking a candidate with demonstrated experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and community planning as outlined in the Community Projects Manager job responsibilities below. Professional written and verbal communication skills are essential to success in this position, along with the ability to listen and willingness to learn. A passion for the Monongahela National Forest region and outdoor recreation is a plus. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the Mon Forest Towns region.

The successful candidate will join our small, highly collaborative, and energetic team in the dynamic working environment of a new and growing organization. The Community Projects Manager must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. This position will be an employee of Woodlands Community Lenders in

Elkins, WV, though this is a remote position and will require travel to communities throughout the Mon Forest region.

This is a salaried position with health and retirement benefits. The employment period will begin January 1, 2025.

The Community Projects Manager’s responsibilities include:

Project Management

● Engaging Community Stakeholders: Guide a projects committee and ensure they have the information and resources they need.

● Project Planning: Define project scopes and goals, create project plans, and establish timelines and budgets.

● Project Coordination: Coordinate with firms and contractors to receive proposals, collect and provide feedback, and coordinate meetings.

● Project Tracking: Oversee contracts, track deliverables, manage project budgets, and ensure deliverables and timelines are met.

● Communication: Keep stakeholders informed, resolve issues, and ensure teams are engaged.

● Monitoring Progress: Track the project’s progress, anticipate delays, and adjust as needed.

● Documentation: Maintain project documentation and use project management tools.

Stakeholder Engagement

● Build Relationships: Develop and maintain relationships with community members, leaders, and public officials.

● Community Organizing: Organize communities or coalitions to advance priority projects.

● Outreach: Plan and implement community outreach and public education campaigns.

● Facilitation: Facilitate community stakeholder meetings and training sessions.

Community Planning

● Assess the needs, resources, assets, and opportunities of a community.

● Assist communities with comprehensive outdoor recreation planning.

General

● General administrative tasks

● Communication via phone, email, and video conferencing

● Support grant writing and fundraising efforts

● Use of Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite

● Must have reliable transportation and valid driver’s license

● Other duties as assigned

To Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit a cover letter and resume by November 22, 2024 to