Backcountry Wilderness Area Events and Outreach Coordinator

JOB TITLE: Backcountry Wilderness Area Events & Outreach Coordinator      FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

General Statement of Duties: The Backcountry Wilderness Area is an 8,200 acre conservation area just south of Highlands Ranch, dedicated to providing outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities while preserving a significant portion of the 13 square mile property for wildlife. The Events & Outreach Coordinator enjoys the best of both worlds—working in an office and out in nature. This dynamic role focuses on engaging the community, promoting conservation initiatives, and coordinating impactful outdoor experiences. This role assists in promoting the Backcountry Wilderness Area through outdoor community events, volunteer coordination, and guiding nature programs in addition to working behind the scenes with social media, e-newsletters, onboarding of volunteers, and our 501c3 nonprofit. This role requires a passionate, organized, and outgoing individual with strong interpersonal skills to advance our mission of providing high quality conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.
 

Supervision Received:   Works under the supervision of the Backcountry Wilderness Area 501c3 manager

Supervision Exercised:   May provide direction to part-time and seasonal staff and volunteers.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Examples of Duties:   The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

Event Coordination

• Plan, promote, and execute signature events, including:
  • Backcountry BBQ
  • Haunted Forest
  • Fall Fest
  • Summer Kickoff
  • Movie Nights
  • Star Party
• Handle event logistics, from concept development to on-site management and post-event evaluation.

Community Outreach

• Create and execute a comprehensive communication strategy to promote Backcountry programs, events, and initiatives via:
  • Social media platforms
  • Website updates and blog posts
  • Newsletters and activity guides
  • Other media channels
• Monitor social media platforms, responding to inquiries as necessary.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, sponsors, and stakeholders.
• Building relationships with local schools, senior groups, parent co-ops, and other groups that would benefit from programs, volunteer opportunities, and events in the Backcountry Wilderness Area.

Program Support

• Collaborate with team members to assist with program planning, marketing, and implementation.
• Contribute to daily operations, including administrative duties and customer service.
• Provide support for outdoor programming, including set-up, clean-up, and participant engagement.
• Lead nature programs that encourage participants to enjoy the property as an amenity.

Volunteer Management

• Plan and execute recruitment, training, supervision, and scheduling of volunteers.
• Contribute to volunteer training, management, and coordination efforts.
• Keep records of volunteer contacts and hours.
• Collaborate with BWA staff to determine volunteer needs for identified projects and programs

Nonprofit Support

• Assist in coordinating initiatives for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds conservation and education efforts.
   

General Duties

• Respond to emergency situations effectively and in compliance with safety standards.
• Collaborate with staff and customers to ensure program success.
• Assist with property maintenance tasks when needed.
• This role requires flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends when required.

Physical and Environmental Standards:  

• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions such as heat, humidity, sun, wind, rain, snow and cold. Indoor work can take place in a busy office environment with frequent noise and interruptions.
• Must be able to walk up to three miles on uneven terrain and lift up to 60 pounds unassisted.
• Manual dexterity for office tasks and physical activities.

Vision requirements include near and far acuity; must be able to hear, speak, and communicate effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of social media trends and digital marketing strategies.
• Expertise in creating social media content.
• Proven ability to organize and execute large-scale events.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build partnerships and secure sponsorships.
• Highly organized, with excellent multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in challenging weather conditions and handle strenuous activities such as hiking, lifting, and carrying up to 60 pounds.
• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Canva, and website content management systems. Preferred experience with Monday.com and Mailchimp.
• Familiarity with non-profit management, including fundraising and donor relations.
• Understanding of wilderness and outdoor programming, with a passion for environmental stewardship.
• Office Work: Must be able to work in a shared office environment with interruptions.
• Outdoor Work: Frequently works outdoors in various weather conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, sun, wind, rain, snow and cold.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, a clean motor vehicle record, and meet all HRCA driving policy standards, including pre-approval to drive from the HRCA insurance carrier. Strong situational awareness and adherence to safe driving practices are essential to ensure personal and public safety while working within a vehicle.

Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Benefits: Benefits for full time employees include Health Insurance, Telehealth, Life insurance, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), STD/LTD, Flex Plans, 401k plus company match, PTO options, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts (30%) for Programs and Events, Referral Program and Recreation Center usage.

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, non-profit management, media, or a related field.

Experience:   Minimum of 2 years of experience in event coordination, outreach, or a combination of equivalent education and experience. Experience in environmental education is preferred.

Application Submittal Deadline: 4/30/2025

EOE