Organizational Mission:

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Kittatinny Ridge reports to the Director of Pennsylvania Landscape Conservation and plays a vital role in advancing the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) landscape conservation program by leading administration of the Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Landscape (KRCL). This position provides strategic and operational leadership for KRCL initiatives and collaborates closely with a small team of landscape conservation colleagues, as well as partners and staff across ATC departments.

The Associate Director leads program execution, partnership development, and funding delivery for KRCL in alignment with priorities and strategies established by the Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Landscape Steering Committee, the Director of Pennsylvania Landscape Conservation, and ATC leadership. Core responsibilities include convening and supporting existing partners; advancing shared priorities and projects; cultivating new partnerships and supporters; managing internal and external communications; and implementing programs that advance strategic conservation goals.

This position is accountable for KRCL program delivery, partner engagement, and grant and funding performance. Success is demonstrated through strong collaborative relationships, effective implementation of KRCL priorities, responsible stewardship of financial resources, and measurable conservation outcomes that align with ATC and DCNR Conservation Landscape and Partnership strategies.

About the Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Landscape

The Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Landscape (KRCL) is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Conservation Landscape Program, a public‑private partnership that advances collaborative, landscape‑scale conservation across Pennsylvania. Spanning much of the Appalachian Trail corridor in the state, KRCL brings together diverse partners to protect one of the most ecologically significant regions in eastern North America. The landscape is recognized for its biodiversity, bird migration corridor, and climate resilience, and serves as a long‑standing model for partnership‑driven conservation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Partnership Cultivation and Development

• Foster and facilitate collaboration and focus on priorities of the KRCL consistent with approved KRCL, ATC, and DCNR strategies. 
• Cultivate, manage, and report on productive working relationships with partnering organizations, agencies, groups, and individuals. 
  • Continue building cooperative relationships among ATC departments, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources leadership and non-profit organizations, business partners, academic institutions, and local and county government partners in the region
  • Enroll new partners and engage and integrate across various sectors: natural resources and conservation, cultural/historical resources and preservation, agriculture and working lands, and outdoor recreation.
  • Work closely with DCNR Internal Lead and DCNR grant manager on shared KRCL, ATC, and DCNR strategy development, budgeting, grant management, and implementation.
• Participate in neighboring Conservation Landscapes and partner meetings as appropriate.

Internal and External Communications

• Serve as lead and coordinator. 
• Plan, convene, and facilitate regular Steering Committee and regional partner meetings. 
• Participate in DCNR Conservation Landscape Program cohort. 
• Maintain regular communication with committee members and partners.
• Create maps, presentations, and other visual graphics for analysis, public meetings, partner meetings, and various other forums using GIS software and other tools.
• Promote efforts through existing communications tools (website, e-newsletter, social media) and innovate the communication program to build a network of mass communication.
• Coordinate KRCL work with ATC managers and leadership through regular meetings to ensure organizational alignment and shared outcomes across ATC programs. 
• Works to promote the values of the A.T. landscape internally and externally—most notably, the climate resilient values recognition of the A.T. landscape as a climate corridor. 

Advancement of KRCL Programs and Strategic Initiatives

• Formulate and facilitate strategies to implement the 2023 Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Landscape Conservation Plan and other priority projects and programs. 
• Advances the Kittatinny Ridge and A.T. landscape as an internationally recognized climate and migration corridor.
• Identify and diversify long term funding strategies to support the KRCL and support that of the ATC’s Pennsylvania and overall Landscape Conservation programs. 
• Create opportunities to leverage relationships for conservation outcomes.
• Administer a mini-grant program available to agencies and groups throughout the region to advance the mission of the KRCL. 
• Manage budgeting and funding of the KRCL within approved parameters and in coordination with supervisory leadership and ATC finance; collaborate with staff and other organizations on grant writing; manage grant applications, reporting, and closeout. 
• Develop and manage a system to track and promote outcomes related to the successful delivery of program and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience; master’s degree preferred.
• Five (5) or more years of professional experience leading or contributing to collaborative, multi‑disciplinary, partner‑driven initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of landscape‑scale conservation principles, practices, and emerging trends, including familiarity with Pennsylvania land use planning and local government processes.
• Proven ability to build strong, inclusive relationships and foster collaboration among diverse communities, nonprofit organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Experience facilitating collaborative and participatory processes, including meetings, strategic planning, trainings, or workshops.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation experience.
• Community organizing experience, with the ability to mobilize partners, cultivate leadership, and advance shared goals.
• Proficiency with GIS and related tools (e.g., ArcGIS) and standard productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office; Adobe Creative Suite a plus).
• Self‑motivated, adaptable, and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
• Experience supervising seasonal or part‑time staff and/or interns.
• Experience with grant writing and/or grant management.
• Familiarity with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its cooperative management system is a plus.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regular travel throughout the landscape is required, extensive travel may be required at times.
• The position involves extended periods working at a computer or on the phone. 
• Occasionally requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or move light to moderate weights, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Hybrid work: Pennsylvania residency preferred in an area that allows for convenient travel throughout the KRCL. Periodic work in shared office environment with modest noise level located at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office located in Boiling Springs.