New Jersey Project Director

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community of more than 1 million—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986, RTC’s national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit Rails to Trails and connect with @railstotrails on social media.

Job Summary

The New Jersey Project Director is a member of RTC’s Trail Development team responsible for implementing RTC’s vision to create equitable trail networks that connect people to where they live, work, and play in that region.

This position plays a leading role in establishing the 5-year North Jersey Trail Network Initiative (NJTN). The candidate will collaborate closely with a position focused on NJTN at the New Jersey Bike Walk Coalition (NJBWC), a nonprofit and registered 501(c)(3) public charity.

The first-year goal for NJTN is to develop a regional six-county trail vision that prioritizes segments to bring them to a funding-ready status. Ultimately, NJTN aims to develop an accessible and equitable regional trail network, connecting existing trail corridors in North Jersey to transform the region with a strong active transportation network of safe, off-road trails and greenways.

In partnership with government agencies, community development corporations, and local communities, NJTN seeks to drive equitable trail development in North Jersey with an emphasis on supporting overburdened communities. This work includes engaging local governments and communities in planning, incorporating local history, culture, and context into trail plans and decision-making processes.

This position supervises 1–2 employees and provides support and technical leadership for RTC’s other Mid-Atlantic area trail projects, particularly those focused on equitable development.

Job Location

This position is located in North Jersey, within the project’s six-county footprint (Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Union, and Morris counties). The selected candidate is eligible for a remote work schedule, within the six-county project footprint, in accordance with RTC’s policies.

Job Duties

• Lead and advance, in partnership with RTC and NJBWC staff, the North Jersey Trail Network and other projects within RTC’s Mid-Atlantic region.
• Coordinate with project partners and stakeholders to define and advance priority trail projects, overcoming challenges such as building public support, right-of-way acquisition, community engagement, funding, and public planning processes.
• Work with RTC’s GIS Specialist to define trail network maps and conduct GIS analyses to advance trail development goals.
• Identify, recruit, and cultivate a diverse array of partners and stakeholders from various sectors to advance trail networks and priority projects.
• Develop and co-chair working groups necessary to advance the NJTN project, including diverse partners and stakeholders.
• Advance trail projects through preparation of trail plans or feasibility studies.
• Educate, advocate, and develop strategies that support equitable trail development, including affordable housing near trails, small business development, enhanced public transportation and recreation access, and community-driven initiatives to prevent displacement while growing community wealth.
• Support workshops and community meetings to ensure broad engagement from diverse communities.
• Assist partners in pursuing state and federal funding opportunities to accelerate trail network development, especially in overburdened communities.
• Collaborate with RTC’s policy team and NJBWC to promote policy change and advocacy to increase and sustain funding for trails in New Jersey.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises the Project Manager for the Circuit Trails and reports to RTC’s Mid-Atlantic Director.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications and Personal Attributes

• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience managing complex, multidisciplinary projects in fields such as equitable development, community organizing, transit-oriented development, political advocacy, active transportation, or economic development.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban/transportation/community planning, public administration, economic development, public health, environmental science/policy, real estate, or a related field.
• Expertise and extensive experience in inclusive and equitable development and community engagement.
• Political savvy and demonstrated ability to engage and cultivate diverse stakeholders (government, advocacy, business, elected officials).
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, and managing performance of full-time staff.
• Advanced project management skills, including the ability to set and achieve short- and long-term goals creatively leveraging resources.
• Experience working with or for local governments.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to design and facilitate forums, workshops, and other events with diverse stakeholders.
• Consensus-building skills and decisiveness.
• Experience developing and managing foundation grants, including proposal development, deliverables, and budget reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and advanced experience managing budgets in Microsoft Excel.
• 25% travel required, including non-traditional work hours (evenings/weekends).
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience using ESRI products (ArcMap, ArcGIS Online) for GIS mapping.

Work Environment

This position offers a dynamic work environment that includes remote work and field-based activities. The candidate must balance time between a home office setup and on-the-ground work in diverse environments.

Salary Description

Minimum Salary: $87,000 (varies based on location).

Employer’s Right

RTC reserves the right to revise, change, or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTC’s business needs. This job description is not an implied contract.

Commitment to Diversity

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy seeks diverse, passionate, and qualified individuals to make a difference in the world. RTC is an equal-opportunity employer, evaluating applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or other legally protected characteristics.

For accommodations due to a disability during the interview process, email [email protected].

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