TrailNation Collaborative Program Manager

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization, boasting a grassroots community of over 1 million members dedicated to building a nation connected by trails. Founded in 1986, RTC works to reimagine public spaces to create safer ways for people to walk, bike, and stay active outdoors. Its national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio, Baltimore, and Milwaukee. RTC’s mission is driven by innovative programs and initiatives that promote trail development and active transportation networks across the United States, engaging with a broad and diverse community of trail leaders and advocates. The organization focuses on fostering inclusive networks of practitioners and leaders to accelerate the creation, expansion, and connectivity of multi-use trails nationwide. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org and connect with RTC on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).

The TrailNation Collaborative Program Manager role is a key position within RTC’s trail development team, responsible for managing and implementing the TrailNation Collaborative initiative. This initiative advances trail network development by delivering critical learning resources, best practices, and fostering peer learning amongst a broad network of practitioners and leaders dedicated to trail and active transportation projects. The Collaborative scales RTC’s TrailNation program, accelerating the development of regional trail networks from concept to implementation by applying RTC's expertise and adaptive, collaborative strategies to meet local needs and opportunities.

The Program Manager will lead efforts to cultivate participant relationships, develop innovative content, and manage grant programs that support trail connectivity. Responsibilities include facilitating virtual and in-person convenings such as webinars, focus groups, site visits, and summits that provide meaningful opportunities for sharing knowledge and overcoming common challenges faced by trail network developers. Additionally, the Program Manager will lead the creation and continuous enhancement of the TrailNation Playbook, ensuring it reflects emerging best practices that enable local and national trail leaders to build successful coalitions, plan and fund trail initiatives effectively, and promote equitable trail development.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Trail Development, this position offers a strategic and collaborative opportunity to shape the future of trail network development in the U.S. The role requires a dynamic and entrepreneurial professional with excellent communication, coalition-building, and project management skills who can engage diverse stakeholders in government, advocacy, business, and the community. The position is based in Washington, D.C., RTC’s National Headquarters, with eligibility for a hybrid work schedule allowing two days per week in the office. With a minimum salary starting at $75,000 annually, the role includes comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, parental leave, flexible scheduling, retirement plans, and employee assistance programs.

This role does not have supervisory responsibilities but requires leading partnerships, content development, and fundraising support. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for active transportation, have a strong commitment to racial equity and diversity, and possess experience managing foundation and corporate grants. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, and survey tools are essential, with preferred experience in GIS software and relationship management platforms. The role includes some domestic travel, approximately 20%, to support the collaborative efforts and program initiatives nationwide.