Trout Unlimited seeks is a dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 45 offices across the country. The Southeast Volunteer Coordinator will work with TU Volunteer Operations staff and regionally-based conservation staff to provide a wide range of services, tools, and resources designed to engage, inform and empower TU's volunteer base to advance coldwater conservation in the region.

Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee are home to over 10,000 active TU members that operate out of 39 local chapters and four state councils. Just last year, volunteers in this region reported 93,673 hours volunteering, doing things like stream clean-ups and youth outreach. TU's unique model empowers the elected volunteers of the chapters and councils to make decisions about how to direct resources and funds raised: local folks making local decisions about what is best for the trout in the region. This a great strength for TU.

This model also means that every TU chapter is unique and differs in capacity, focus, and approach. Additionally, TU is building its science and restoration staff capacity in the region. TU's vision that the next generation will have healthy trout fisheries in their home waters will only be realized if we bring staff, volunteers, and partners together and work strategically towards our shared goals.

The main objectives of this position are:

Improve coordination between chapters, councils, and staff to better strategically align our work;

Provide relevant conservation, citizen science, or community engagement programs for chapter leaders to adopt; and

Help chapters and councils strengthen their organizational capacity.

The position location is Asheville, NC; however, the location may be negotiable within the mountain regions in GA, NC, SC, or TN.

Improve coordination between chapters, councils, and staff to better strategically align our work.

Working with the four state councils, review and support the revisions of strategic plans that are based in science and well-coordinated between one another and TU conservation staff working in the region;

Create effective communication vehicles (such as e-newsletters, conference calls, etc.) to allow volunteers at different levels and staff to communicate regularly across watersheds and state lines with ease resulting in a greater sense of community;

Promote the successes of high functioning chapters and encourage sharing of best practices amongst chapters/ councils in the region and within the broader organization; and

Participate in the planning of and grassroots involvement with the TU Southeast Regional Rendezvous.

Work with chapters to develop strategic conservation, citizen science or community engagement programs for chapter leaders to adopt.

Identify conservation and engagement needs and opportunities and develop a few key programs with chapters across the region; and

Provide training and assistance in implementing citizen science projects and other conservation programs.

Help chapters and councils strengthen their organizational capacity in order that they become even stronger, more effective grassroots organizations.

Develop and implement volunteer recruitment programs aimed at growing and diversifying our active volunteer leader base within the region;

Facilitate targeted training/ workshops for volunteers on topics such as effective communications, board development, project planning, etc.;

Aid in the development and growth of new chapters in locations where appropriate; and

Strengthen weak chapters through leadership development, organizational planning, and by helping to identify and recruit the right leaders for the right roles.

This is a non-supervisory position

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree

Formal training in or extensive experience with organizational development, community organizing or volunteer management

Innovative and resourceful self-starter

Comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization

Demonstrated ability to work and interact with sportsmen and sportswomen and a general knowledge of fishing and coldwater conservation issues in the Southeast

Fundraising experience

Strong interpersonal, consulting or coaching skills

Experience with or ability to learn database management software applications for use in citizen science data collection

Experience with developing and delivering training programs

Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines

Ability to listen to and reconcile diverse viewpoints/ conflict management skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Highly organized and attentive to detail

Good sense of humor

Deep ties to the Southeast region preferable

Willingness to travel frequently including evening and weekend hours

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a letter of interest and resume to Beverly Smith at Beverly.Smith@tu.org. No phone calls, please. Resumes accepted until Aug. 24, 2018.