(Hybrid) Program Coordinator, Charleston Area - Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a hybrid Program Coordinator for the Charleston area.

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 Charleston Area 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

Application Instructions: Cover letter is preferred. Please ensure you select the "Relevant" box next to the file name to include the attachment for this specific position - your documents will not be visible to the hiring committee otherwise.

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 Charleston Area 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 and First Ascent 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 Charleston Area 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 Charleston Area 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 the Charleston Area.
• 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.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, recreation, public administration, business, community development or a related field

• A minimum of two (2) years of related experience

• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.

• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

  Knowledge, Skills and 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 degree
• Oversight and development of community-building or team-building programs
• Experience in organizational and personal leadership
• Experience with outdoor activities (experience with WV activities is preferred)

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 driver's license. This certification is needed as travel throughout WV is required for this role.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.