Greater Elkins Program Coordinator - Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative - West Virginia University Research Corporation
Morgantown, WV
About the Job
Description
The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a Program Coordinator for Greater Elkins.
About the Opportunity
The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) empowers West Virginia’s communities and partners to advance the state’s economy and enhance quality of life through outdoor recreation. One of the strategies to fulfill this mission is by addressing population loss through Talent Attraction & Retention Programs. The Greater Elkins Program Coordinator functions as a member of the OEDC’s Talent Attraction & Retention team and fulfills the overall mission of the OEDC in its specific region of the state. Under the direction of the Director of Talent Attraction & Retention, the Program Coordinator has specific oversight and responsibility of the programmatic aspects of the OEDC in and around Elkins, WV. This position shares in the planning, implementation, and management of high-quality programming to support program participants through their transition into the local community. The employee supports outreach efforts with the community to inform, educate and engage community members and leaders toward a robust ecosystem of support for program participants. This position requires a high degree of collaboration with other WVU units and community partners. This position requires working evenings and weekends as programs demand. Travel within an approximate 45-minute radius of Elkins, WV is a regular function of this role; travel to other locations in WV is occasionally required. This position supports WV’s outdoor economy and those with experience working in and promoting outdoor recreation are strongly encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate possesses knowledge of, and experience with, outdoor recreation in West Virginia and has a strong passion for the outdoors.
At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- Paid Time off (PTO)
- 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
- A range of health insurance and other benefits
- Dependent Education Scholarship
- WVU Perks
What You'll Do
Community Building
This position serves as the primary coordinator for the development of innovative programming that builds a network of community, purpose, and outdoor recreation opportunities while fostering connections to the Greater Elkins region and the state. This includes professional development opportunities, socials, outings, community and civic engagement opportunities, social networking and community-building initiatives uniquely developed for talent attraction and retention programs.
- Assist with the development and lead the implementation of networking opportunities that foster connections between program participants and members of the local community.
- Assist in planning, implementing and leading annual and seasonal welcome events for incoming program members.
- Development and implementation of virtual (online) and in-person social networking and concierge services.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate local Ascend and First Ascent program events and outings.
- Manage all processes associated with Ascend WV program outings and events including risk management, budget, marketing, feedback, logistics and other processes as needed.
- Coordinates with the Director, Assistant Directors and other OEDC staff members as necessary to ensure processes are completed efficiently and effectively.
- Coordinates ongoing check-ins with program participants and is available to meet with Ascend members monthly to disburse program stipends.
Program Management and Development
This position influences the development and implementation of talent attraction and retention programs in the Greater Elkins region by researching and implementing best practices, creating innovative ideas, and evaluating the success of the program with long- and short-term metrics.
- Assist with the establishment of policies and procedures for talent attraction and retention programs including participant selection and program management.
- Assist in building new and enhancing existing relationships with key partners for community development.
- Work with the Director and Assistant Director to set annual goals for the Ascend WV and First Ascent programs and ensures these goals are being met. Create detailed reports around the metrics gathered from program activities.
Outreach
This position serves as the local representative of the Smith OEDC in the Greater Elkins region. This responsibility involves presenting to stakeholders and groups, collaborating with other OEDC programs and initiatives in the region, and connecting program members with their local community through service opportunities.
- Engage local stakeholders (residents, civic leaders, business owners, residents, etc.) in the implementation and growth of talent attraction and retention programs in Greater Elkins.
- Assist in developing partnerships with local businesses and organizations (housing resources, Chambers, CVBs, outdoor groups, restaurants/pubs, non-profits, etc.) to support outdoor economy and community development.
- Develop opportunities for program participants to engage with local events, leadership, and service.
Facilities Management
- Assist with the planning, set-up, use and operation of a coworking facility including an outdoor equipment loan program.
- Supervise the daily operations of the coworking space.
- Manage (inventory, check-out processes, maintenance plan) an outdoor equipment loan program for program participants.
- Partner with the Director and Assistant Directors on the hiring and supervision of AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers, student workers, and/or other part-time staff to assist with coworking space operations and programming.
- Partner with the Outdoor Community Development team to help coordinate outdoor community meetings and events at the coworking facility.
- Manage individual membership usage and group reservations of the coworking space and its resources including meeting rooms, A/V equipment, and parking.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree is required in communications, public relations, recreation, public administration, business, community development or a related field.
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience involving:
- Oversight and development of community-building or team-building programs
- Organizational and personal leadership
- Outdoor activities (experience with WV activities is preferred)
- Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Ability to develop programs in recreation, continuing education, professional development, etc.
- Demonstrated skills in team building and networking
- Demonstrated ability to learn and implement technology systems including Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, AirTable, HubSpot, project management tools, and more
- Skilled in communicating complex ideas to a variety of constituencies
- Excellent writing and editing skills, including composition, grammar, punctuation and proofreading
- Knowledge of outdoor recreational activities and offerings within the state of West Virginia
- Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including large group presentations
- Ability to work autonomously, with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team
- Knowledge and experience in developing and leading outdoor recreation programs, trips and activities
- Skills in two or more of the following activity areas: climbing, paddle sports, skiing, cycling, backpacking, fishing
- Experience with facility operations, budgets and program reporting
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s in a related field.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Licenses/Certifications
- Wilderness First Aid or ability to obtain in 6 months of hiring (costs covered by the department). This certification is needed as a minimum for leading outdoor recreation activities.
- Valid US driver’s license. Travel throughout WV is required for this role.
The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.
The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.
West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.
