American Hiking Society Seeks an Associate, Programs and Events Position Candidate

Associate, Programs and Events

About American Hiking 

Founded in 1976 and serving as the only national voice of the hiking community, American Hiking lives out its mission, Empowering all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience, through grassroots and grasstops advocacy and trail stewardship.  We envision a world where everyone feels welcome in the American hiking community and has permanent access to meaningful hiking, including urban, frontcountry, and backcountry opportunities. We will achieve this vision by empowering all communities to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience; advocating for the protection and expansion of hiking spaces; fostering trail stewardship; and collaborating with partners whose strengths are complementary. We provide an exciting, creative, and professional yet relaxed nonprofit atmosphere with a strong outdoor and conservation ethic.

Position Title: Associate, Programs and Events

Position Type: Full-time (Salaried, Non-Exempt); 40 hours per week.

Salary: The starting salary for this position is $48,507 – $51,876 and is non-negotiable and calculated within that range according to experience.

Location: Remote. This position is open to applicants in CO, DC, IN, MD, NY, UT, VA, and WY with an understanding that the majority of work falls between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST.

Reports To: Manager, Programs and Events

Position Summary: The Associate, Programs and Events provides day-to-day operational, communications, and administrative support for American Hiking Society’s trail volunteer programs (Volunteer Vacations, Alternative Break, and Crew Leader Training) as well as National Trails Day® (NTD). This role supports the implementation of communications, registration, and data management systems that ensure smooth program delivery and a positive volunteer and partner experience.

For National Trails Day®, the Associate, Programs and Events supports AHS’s role as the national coordinating organization by executing established communications plans, maintaining host-facing resources, and supporting the event registration process. NTD events are planned and hosted by external partners; this role does not involve on-the-ground event planning.

In addition, the Associate, Programs and Events supports volunteer recruitment and engagement efforts across programs by drafting communications, assisting with registration and project confirmations, responding to volunteer inquiries, and tracking participation and impact data. The role ensures accurate implementation of program workflows and contributes to consistent, timely communication with volunteers, partners, and stakeholders.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Volunteer Program Support

  • Support day-to-day program logistics for Volunteer Vacations and Alternative Break, including registration tracking, scheduling update, and participant communications
  • Respond to volunteer inquiries via e-mail, phone, and other communication channels in a timeline and professional manner
  • Assist with project confirmations, registration support, and pre- and post-trip communications
  • Draft volunteer-facing materials such as recruitment messages, confirmations, and post-trip follow-ups
  • Support the creation and updates of program materials including gear lists, meal planning guides, and logistical documents
  • Organize the distribution of volunteer gear and assist with tracking in-kind donations and sponsor contributions

National Trails Day® Support

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for National Trails Day® host inquiries, providing timely responses and technical support related to registration, resources, and event submissions
  • Maintain and update host-facing materials including toolkits, templates, timelines, graphics, and instructional resources
  • Implement approved communication plans by drafting emails, website updates, and social media content in coordination with AHS staff and contractors
  • Ensure consistent application of National Trails Day® branding, messaging, and templates across all host-facing materials
  • Organize thank-you messages and follow-up communications to hosts, partners, sponsors, and participants

Communications & Content Support

  • Draft and prepare communications for Volunteer Vacations and Alternative Break programs, including recruitment messages, announcements, and post-trip recaps
  • Support social media content development by drafting posts, coordinating timelines, and gathering input from staff and partners
  • Assist in maintaining consistent messaging across program communications and supporting materials
  • Collect and organize photos, stories, testimonials, impact submissions, and program highlights from volunteers, events hosts, and partners for use in communications and reporting

Data Management & Reporting

  • Maintain and update National Trails Day® registration systems and host event submission records
  • Track participation data including event counts, volunteer participation, and impact metrics (e.g., miles maintained and volunteer hours)
  • Administer post-event surveys and compile response data for reporting and evaluation
  • Maintain organized digital filing systems, templates, and archives for annual campaign cycles
  • Track and report volunteer participation data, testimonials, and program outputs for Volunteer Vacations and Alternative Break programs
  • Support crew leader training administration by tracking participation, responding to participant inquiries, and issuing completion certificates

Skills and Experience

  • A genuine belief in the AHS mission of empowering all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience
  • 2–4 years of experience in digital volunteer and event recruitment, communications and marketing support, nonprofit administration, or a related field preferred
  • Experience supporting the recruitment, marketing, and promotion of nationwide events preferred
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills a must with the ability to write a message clearly and concisely that resonates with different audiences
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, Dropbox, Asana, WordPress, Canva, and email marketing systems
  • Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software or ability to learn software quickly 
  • Comfortable managing competing priorities, responding to inquiries, and executing assigned tasks in a timely and reliable manner

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

  • This position is primarily performed in a remote office environment with frequent computer and video-conferencing work.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support program activities, events, and organizational meetings.
  • Ability to travel 1-2 times per year for attendance at conferences, events, and meetings. 
  • Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods and communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, partners, and the public.

Benefits

  • Flexible work hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST as agreed upon with the Manager, Programs and Events and Senior Director of Programs and Advocacy
  • Company-paid health, vision, and dental insurance for employees, to include additional HRA funds
  • Generous leave policy to include three weeks vacation your first year, sick leave, paid federal holidays, as well as days off to go hiking, volunteer, and enjoy your birthday 
  • 403(b) retirement savings account available
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Discounts to outdoor retailers 
  • Computer equipment provided by American Hiking Society
  • Strong culture of work/life balance and a high value placed on the mental and physical health of employees


To Apply

Please complete the online application including uploading a resume, and how you heard about this position. Resumes will be accepted until July 3rd or until filled. Applications will not be accepted or reviewed if emailed.

American Hiking Society is an equal opportunity employer and provides an equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to their actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, citizenship status, family responsibilities, gender identity or expression, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination as required by law.