Middle Fork Greenway

Project Director

General

The Middle Fork Greenway (MFG) is a developing pedestrian and cycling greenway trail along the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the New River connecting Boone and Blowing Rock. Approximately, 6.5 miles in length, the greenway will feature several pocket parks, as well as provide connections to the Boone Greenway, Mountains-to-Sea trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, and many tourist and recreational destinations. The MFG was identified as a major priority within the Boone Outdoor Recreation Plan in 2010 and in August 2013, a Middle Fork Greenway Master Plan was completed which guides the development of the project.

The Middle Fork Greenway is being created through partnerships. Two non-profit partners, the Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) and High Country Pathways (HCP) are leading the effort in partnership with Watauga County, the Town of Blowing Rock, the Town of Boone, and many community organizations. BRC brings land expertise, administrative and financial oversight, and broad reach in the community. HCP brings a focus on increasing regional recreational assets and a passionate task force of individuals that are committed to this project.

The Blue Ridge Conservancy is a land trust located in Boone, North Carolina serving the state’s seven northwestern counties, including Watauga and Ashe counties. BRC is a private, non-profit organization with the mission of working with landowners and local communities to permanently protect land and water resources with agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational and scenic value. As of 2015, BRC has protected over 18,000 acres. BRC’s mission is aligned with the goals of High Country Pathways to conserve local lands and connect lives to nature. For that reason, BRC and HCP signed a Memorandum of Agreement in December 2014 outlining an operating structure between the two non-profit organizations. BRC provides: (1) leadership through the Middle Fork Greenway Executive Committee, a subcommittee of BRC’s Board of Trustees; (2) staffing, office space, and administrative support for the MFG; (3) financial accounting and reporting; (4) support in fund-raising efforts; and (5) all hiring, management and firing of MFG staff. High Country Pathways (HCP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created to facilitate an expanded greenway and trail system in the High Country of northwest North Carolina. HCP serves as an umbrella organization for partners individually and collectively working to develop greenways and trails that will connect communities. Connecting local communities will promote economic development, education, better health and land conservation in the High Country. One of HCP’s primary initiatives is to establish a multi-use greenway trail to connect the Town of Blowing Rock, the Town of Boone, and the community of Todd in Ashe County. Collectively, this trail is called the New River Headwaters Trail (NRHT). The Middle Fork Greenway Task Force is an HCP committee focused on advancing the Middle Fork Greenway.

The Middle Fork Greenway Project Director oversees all elements of the planning and implementation of the Middle Fork Greenway. This includes supporting the MFG Executive Committee and MFG Task Force, cultivating beneficial relationships with local governments and community organizations, raising private and public capital and securing easements and right of way for the greenway. The Project Director reports to the Blue Ridge Conservancy Executive Director and works collaboratively with the MFG Executive Committee Chair, and BRC’s Land Protection, Development and Communications staff.

Responsibilities

• Build support for the Middle Fork Greenway by effectively making the case for the economic, health, social and environmental benefits of the project; develop and cultivate important relationships, including high level volunteers and supporters;

• Work with the Executive Committee to develop and execute strategies to meet project goals; • Work with the MFG Task Force to advance outreach and volunteer engagement.

• Direct private fundraising in concert with the MFG Executive Committee Chair, BRC Executive Director and the BRC Director of Development;

• Work with elected officials in Washington, Raleigh, Watauga County, and the Towns of Boone and Blowing Rock to position the project for public funding. This shall include writing grant proposals for public funds to support and expand project activities;

• Work with BRC’s Director of Land Protection and Stewardship and MFG volunteer leaders to secure land access for the MFG, maximizing conservation opportunities wherever possible;

• Work with BRC’s Communications staff to advance the visibility of the project through web sites, social media and traditional media outlets;

• Work in conjunction with BRC’s Director of Operations and Administration to develop and manage a budget for the project; and • Working with BRC and HCP leaders, develop strategies to advance other regionally significant trails as identified in the High Country Regional Trail Plan.

Qualifications

• Ability to plan, budget, organize and execute a large, complex project

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong presentation skills

• Strategic thinker

• Successful public and private fundraising experience

• Passion and commitment for the mission

• Trail or greenway experience

• 4-year bachelor’s degree required

An attractive compensation package will be tailored to the successful candidate’s requirements. If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to Maria Whaley at [email protected]. Resumes are being accepted through December 31, 2015.