POP is hiring a new Executive Director

Pend Oreille Pedalers (POP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to building, maintaining, and advocating for trails and cycling opportunities in the Sandpoint, Idaho area. Our mission is to maintain and protect existing mountain bike trails and cycling routes, expand opportunities for mountain biking and cycling, advocate for the interests of mountain bikers with land managers, and build and ride trails with others who share a passion for riding bikes. We are looking for a dynamic Executive Director (ED) to lead our efforts in achieving our strategic goals and expanding our impact.

The primary responsibility of the Executive Director (ED) is working in coordination with the Board of Directors to oversee the implementation and execution of POP’s strategic plan. To succeed in that role, the ED will need to build and maintain strong relationships with the various stakeholders necessary to achieve the club’s goals —current private land managers (Schweitzer Mountain Properties, Alterra, VTT, Kaniksu Land Trust, Sherwood Forest), government entities (City of Sandpoint, United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Lands), and other local non-profits (Sandpoint Nordic Club, Kaniksu Land Trust). In addition, the ED will be tasked with growing engagement with the local community.

They will oversee communications across multiple platforms, drive membership and sponsorship growth, oversee the administration of programs and projects, lead grant writing to ensure funding for future projects, and target new development opportunities to expand the club’s benefits to the residents of Sandpoint and the Idaho Panhandle.

The ED will work in close coordination with POP's Board of Directors and will manage the ongoing work of POP’s Trails Director. As the leader of a growing organization, the ED will be expected to wear many hats; the role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, excellent communication and listening skills, and a passion for cycling and community building.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Implementation:

  • Lead the execution of POP’s strategic plan, aligning activities with the organization’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives.
  • Regularly assess and report on the progress of strategic initiatives, adapting plans as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.

Collaboration and Advocacy:

  • Foster relationships with local government entities, private land managers, and other stakeholders, including but not limited to the City of Sandpoint, USFS, BLM, IDL, Schweitzer, SMP Development, and Kaniksu Land Trust.
  • Advocate for trail development and cycling interests within the community aligned with POP's mission and vision.
  • Assure POP's various memoranda of understanding and license agreements with local land managers are kept up to date and relevant, reflecting the various activities POP volunteers and programs participants are participating in on different properties.
  • Maintain an openness for opportunities to promote the value of biking through collaboration with entities and organizations outside our geographic region that can further our mission .

Communication and Community Engagement:

  • Maintain regular communication with members, sponsors, and the broader community through social media, newsletters, and press releases to promote club activities, programs, projects, and events.
  • Represent POP in public forums, community meetings, and with local and regional media.

Development

  • Work in coordination with the BOD to create and implement a long-term development plan to extend the reach of the organization.
  • Develop and implement strategies to increase member renewal rates and attract new members.
  • Innovate and execute plans to recruit and retain sponsors, ensuring the financial sustainability of the organization.
  • Track and report on membership and sponsorship performance metrics.

Program and Project Management:

  • Investigate, pursue, write, and administer various federal and state government and private foundation grants to fund programs and projects.
  • Oversee youth and adult mountain biking programs. This includes recruiting and hiring coaching staff (including junior coaches), establishing program schedules and coaching requirements, and tracking hours worked by coaches and assuring they are paid accordingly.
  • Manage online registration portals for various programs and events, communicating with program participants, parents, and coaches regularly leading up to seasonal mountain biking programs and activities.
  • Develop and issue RFPs for trail projects and manage their execution in collaboration with the Trails Director.

Operational Management:

  • Manage the POP website, email, and social media accounts, ensuring timely updates and engagement.
  • Attend club board of director meetings, working closely with the volunteer board to implement the organization’s five-year strategic plan.
  • Ensure compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
  • Ensure POP's various insurance policies are up to date and meet the requirements of our land manager partners in terms of limits.
  • Design and implement signage plans on local trail networks, assuring signage meets land manager/owner requirements for way-finding and safety.
  • Administer TrailForks account for Lake Pend Oreille Region to assure trail maps are current.

Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in non-profit management, preferably in the outdoor recreation or cycling industry.
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to inspire and manage a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated success in membership growth, sponsorship acquisition, and community engagement.
  • Experience in grant writing and administration.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in using digital tools for communication, project management, basic graphic design, mapping, and community engagement. Familiarity with graphic design programs such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator or Canva is a plus.
  • Passion for cycling, trails, and community development.

Working Conditions:

The Executive Director will primarily work from home, throughout the community and within local trail networks. The role requires occasional evening and weekend work to attend meetings and events. Some travel within the region may be necessary. The ED must be able to work independently and effectively manage his or her own schedule. The expected workload is an average of 30 hours per week, but this will vary depending on the season.

Pay and Benefits:

$60,000 starting pay. Annual step increases of 5%, with opportunities for additional increases contingent upon ED's success at growing membership, funding, and sponsorship revenues. The ED will be provided with a work truck, with fuel for local POP-related travel paid for by the club. Professional development opportunities including participation in regional or national trail workshops or conferences are additional benefits.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to by August 31st 2024 to [email protected].

In your cover letter, please describe your experience in non-profit management and your vision for advancing the mission of Pend Oreille Pedalers.

Pend Oreille Pedalers is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.