Engagement Manager

Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) is a well-established non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the hiking experience in Oregon. Founded in 2007, TKO has built a strong reputation for its commitment to advocacy, stewardship, outreach, and education. The organization engages both staff and volunteers to build, restore, and maintain hiking trails across the state, ensuring that hiking remains a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible activity. TKO focuses on promoting healthy outdoor lifestyles for Oregonians while fostering conservation of public lands, which positions it as a critical advocate in the outdoor recreation and environmental sectors.

The TKO Engagement Manager (EM) is a full-time, salaried position offering a flexible work schedule primarily based in Portland with requirements for seasonal weekend work and occasional statewide travel throughout Oregon. The annual salary range for this role is between $62,000 and $65,000, complemented by a monthly Health Reimbursement Arrangement of $529.16, an optional 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match after one year, and an unlimited paid time off policy. This role reports to the Program Director and is critical to facilitating volunteer engagement and program growth.

The primary responsibilities of the Engagement Manager include overseeing the Trail Ambassador Program, which encompasses statewide Trailhead and Wilderness programming. The Manager ensures quality event coordination, volunteer registration management, and equipment logistics across all program regions. They are responsible for budget management, prioritizing program objectives, and outcomes in alignment with available funding. The Engagement Manager also coordinates specific ambassador programs in the Columbia Gorge and Mt Hood areas, facilitating weekend ambassador stations and volunteer-led hikes during the April to October season.

In addition, the role involves recruiting and training volunteers, developing training curricula, conducting monthly outreach, and organizing events that expand the Ambassador network across Oregon by building relationships with partner organizations, funders, volunteer groups, and land managers. The Engagement Manager supports data tracking and reporting functions and helps administer TKO’s Accessibility Survey Training and site surveying for OregonHikers.org.

Further responsibilities include developing a volunteer leadership pipeline in collaboration with the Stewardship team by hosting training events like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops and Crew Leader workshops. The Manager supports volunteer retention by identifying new leaders, facilitating ongoing training, and tracking volunteer development to ensure compliance with position requirements and background checks.

The Engagement Manager also plays a supportive role in a variety of outreach and tabling events, coordinates group volunteer events, and aids the Family Friendly stewardship program's logistics and leadership. They collaborate closely with communications and fundraising staff to promote program successes to stakeholders and oversee volunteer experience management from sign-up through program participation.

Ideal candidates for this compelling position are passionate about Oregon's trails and outdoor spaces with demonstrated experience working with diverse populations. They exhibit strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to creating a safe, fun, and high-quality volunteer experience. Experience in recruiting, training, and leading volunteers in both in-person and virtual settings is essential, along with proficiency in developing communication strategies and managing database systems for reporting and data collection.

This role requires high initiative, creativity, independent work capability, meticulous attention to detail, and the willingness to travel periodically around the state. A valid driver’s license in good standing is also required. While formal education is not mandatory, a highly relevant skill set and aligned experience are crucial, and applicants are encouraged to present clear resumes and letters of interest demonstrating their suitability for the role.

Trailkeepers of Oregon values diversity and inclusivity and encourages applications from individuals with varied lived experiences. The Engagement Manager position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Oregon's hiking community's vitality by leading innovative volunteer programs and supporting the organization's mission of protecting public lands and connecting people to nature.