Community Projects Manager

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 [email protected].