Adventure Cycling Association

Position: Director of Experiences - Operational Oversight

Reports To: VP of Programs
Salary: $70,000-78,000
Start Date: Immediately

Position Overview:

The Director of Experiences will oversee Adventure Cycling’s Experiences programming, focusing on guided bike travel adventures such as self-contained tours, fundraising tours, and educational tours. This role entails operational oversight and logistical execution of the guided experiences slate, ensuring seamless delivery of guided tours, introductory and educational camps, and fundraising tours. While there is a strong preference for in-person work at our headquarters in Missoula, MT, remote work options may be considered for exceptional candidates who can demonstrate effective remote management abilities while fostering a culture of teamwork, communication, risk management, compliance, and exceptional customer service. The Director report to the Vice President, Programs, and work in collaboration with the VP in crafting the future of Experiences at Adventure Cycling in coordination with the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Oversight and Logistical Execution (60%)
 

• Manage and coordinate guided bike travel adventures, including self-contained tours, fundraising tours, and educational tours, ensuring exceptional customer service at all touchpoints. 
• Supervise the creation and implementation of new guided tours and educational programs. 
• Implement risk management improvements based on recommendations from the 2023 risk management audit, ensuring the safety and security of participants and staff. 
• Ensure compliance with tour leader guidelines and regulations, providing necessary training and support to maintain high standards of professionalism and safety. 
• Oversee the implementation of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems and technological solutions to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. 
• Develop and implement operational strategies for remote management, if applicable, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among remote team members. 
• Review and assess current operational processes, identifying areas for improvement to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in remote management. 
• Collaborate with the team to develop replicable systems and procedures for scalable remote operations. 
• Monitor program operations and provide guidance for system improvements to optimize resource utilization and enhance operational efficiency. 

Leadership and Program Management (40%)

• In coordination with the VP, Programs and the Adventure Cycling Strategic Plan, create, plan, and execute new educational and skill building programs nationwide. 
• Supervise remote staff, including Tours Operations Manager, Tour Leader Compliance Manager, Customer Experience Coordinator and project-based contract staff, providing coaching and support to foster skill development and talent within the team. 
• Represent the Experiences team in Director’s meetings and the Program Leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and action plans to achieve organizational goals. 
• Oversee the Experiences budget of $3M, conducting annual budget planning and forecasting, and monitoring monthly budgets to achieve targets. 
• Oversee the Tour Leader Compliance Manager who oversees 50-100 seasonal staff
  
  Required Qualifications:
   
• Understanding and willingness to engage with issues of institutional and structural biases and their impacts on the organization and community. 
• Commitment to equity and inclusion, respecting differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, ability, religion, and socio-economic circumstances. 
• 5-8 years of prior experience in outcomes-based program leadership and operations. 
• Prior budget management experience of at least $500,000. 
• Strong understanding of risk management principles and practices. 
• Experience in tour leader compliance and safety regulations. 
• Proficiency in CRM systems and technological implementation for operational efficiency. 
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people. 
• Strong decision-making, delegation skills, and problem-solving ability. 
• Passion for learning and seeking innovative solutions and new ideas externally. 

Content Director

Start Date: June 10, 2024

Salary: $68-$73k

Reports to: VP of Marketing and Communications

Position overview: Content Director is responsible for executing and overseeing the organization-wide content strategy. They need creative vision, collaboration skills, and the ability to work with stakeholders toward big-picture organizational goals. Candidates are accountable to deliver content that is engaging, meets KPIs, and drives passion for our nonprofit mission and participation in programs. This role’s focus will change as the needs of the organization change; specifically in 2024, this person will mainly oversee the publication of volume 51 of Adventure Cyclist Magazine and will transition into overseeing all digital and print content strategy and communications for the Marketing and Communications Team, including supervision of two team members. Content may include everything from event prep and collateral to program sizzle videos to fundraising campaign email strategy. To be successful, the Content Director should be comfortable in ambiguity, enjoy problem solving, and possess a clear creative vision that coheres to and promotes the Adventure Cycling brand.

About Adventure Cycling: 

As the largest nonprofit cycling organization in the country, Adventure Cycling has an impactful voice in policies and programs that advance the safety and accessibility of cycling. Adventure Cycling serves through its members and the bike travel community. Our cycling community encourages and supports countless cyclists each year as they explore the beauty and history of America while tending to their mental and physical well-being. For nearly half a century, Adventure Cycling has created life-changing experiences that deepen appreciation for our country’s diverse cultures, communities, landscapes, and people. Adventure Cycling headquarters are based in Missoula, MT, and we acknowledge and honor the Indigenous peoples who consider this land their home. The area’s natural abundance was stewarded by many peoples including the Blackfeet, Crow, Shoshone, Cheyenne, Kootenai, Pend d’Oreilles and Salish for millennia before colonization, and continues to be to this day.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 

The Staff and Board of Directors of Adventure Cycling Association believes in the power of bicycle travel to open minds and change the way the world explores. We envision a future where this organization draws staff, tour leaders, members, board members, and riders from the whole of our society. For this to occur, bicycle travel has to be available for everyone.  

We are committed to listening to BIPOC, LGBTQ, and other marginalized peoples and understanding the systems contributing to oppression while also working to provide more resources and support for these communities.  

The Adventure Cycling Association acknowledges its place in this power dynamic. As an organization we have benefitted from white privilege omnipresent in the United States and must use our power to hire, support, empower, and create safe spaces for Black, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQIA+, and Femme/Trans/Women communities.

Key Responsibilities: 

Content Strategy and Annual Content Plan – 33%  

• Build and manage the holistic annual marketing calendar, defining priorities for all content channels and ensuring an integrated approach in support of Adventure Cycling’s communication and program priorities.
• Envision and implement the editorial and content strategy: Oversee development and implementation of the awareness and participation communication strategies across all channels. Collaborate with leadership across the organization to utilize digital and print platforms to communicate our organizational priorities, including fundraising, online sales, program participation, and member communications and engagement in our nonprofit impact.
• Create and manage the content, publications, and contractor budget: Lead annual planning and forecasting of expense and revenue goals for these areas. Oversee monthly reviews of budget to actuals.
• Develop and implement influencer and user generated content strategies.
• Supervise Adventure Cyclist contractors, including the editor, ad rep, and designer. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training contractors; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Leadership and Supervision – 33%

• Lead the creative team (2 Direct Reports): Guide and mentor Art Director and Marketing Manager in their work, professional development, and collaboration with the rest of the organization. Leverage use of external vendors and contractors as needed to supplement workflow of existing resources.
• Manage contractors, their workflow, contracts, and collaboration for Magazine design, editorial, and copy-editing.
• Work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders to maximize awareness of and participation in our nonprofit programs by being highly collaborative, detail-oriented, and a strong communicator.
• Oversee prioritization of alignment with earned media outlets and orchestrates with the Marketing Manager submission of press releases and other content to those outlets.

Content Development – 66%

• Working with contractors, Art Director, and Marketing Manager, guide editorial across storytelling modes (text, audio, visual) to achieve campaign goals.
• Adapt existing content for new geographical locations, audiences, modes, and channels.
• Create and maintain consistency of voice, tone, and look across channels.
• Review, revise, fact check, and correct main messages across channels for campaigns.
• Write, edit, and copyedit content for Magazine, website, and print materials as needed.
• Oversee magazine production to deliver each issue of Adventure Cyclist Magazine on time, budget, and spec. 
• Manage relationships with a corps of Magazine contributors and columnists, including contract negotiation, story development, material delivery, and payment. Supervise Magazine submission materials and make final accept/decline decisions.
• Assure contributors and stakeholders receive complimentary copies of the Magazine as requested.

Required Qualifications: 

• Proven track record or portfolio of projects from concept to completion
• 5+ years of experience in content strategy and/or creative direction
• Strong interpersonal skills, team building and collaboration — a real go-to person who generates confidence and enthusiasm in the staff, contractors, and contributors who are working with him/her/them
• Strong network and experience resourcing projects
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Understanding and willingness to engage with issues of institutional and structural racism or bias and their impacts on our organization and community.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion and to learn and respect differences of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, ability, religion and socio-economic circumstances and class.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working with people very different from yourself.

Physical Requirements:

Elements of job duties may require occasional moving of up to 15 pounds and the ability to occasionally stoop, kneel or crouch; candidates not able to meet such demands can possibly work with staff or others to accommodate.

Compensation, Schedule and Benefits: 

This is a full-time, exempt position (average 40 hrs/week). Schedule varies by supervisor, but is generally M-F, 8 am-5 pm MST. We are located at Adventure Cycling’s headquarters in beautiful and bike-friendly Missoula, Montana but will consider a remote work location. Benefits include paid time off, holidays, an additional fully paid one-week bike vacation (a.k.a. “bike respite”), medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and retirement plan. We have a wonderful office in downtown Missoula with plenty of bike racks! Adventure Cycling Association is an equal-opportunity employer. 

Salary range: $68,000 - $73,000

How to apply: 

1. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and portfolio of work to the posting on Submittable.
2. Please answer the following question in the last paragraph of your cover letter: “Describe why inclusive and accessible opportunities in the outdoors are important to you?”  

Position overview: As part of the Adventure Cycling Marketing team, the Marketing Email Designer will develop the strategy, tone, and topics for marketing emails, as well as design and write organizational email content for our nonprofit programs and campaigns. Proposed start date: 3/25/2024

About Adventure Cycling:

As the largest nonprofit cycling organization in the country, Adventure Cycling has an impactful voice in policies and programs that advance the safety and accessibility of cycling. Adventure Cycling serves through its members and the bike travel community. Our cycling community encourages and supports countless cyclists each year as they explore the beauty and history of America while tending to their mental and physical well-being. For nearly half a century, Adventure Cycling has created life-changing experiences that deepen appreciation for our country’s diverse cultures, communities, landscapes, and people. Adventure Cycling headquarters are based in Missoula, MT, and we acknowledge and honor the Indigenous peoples who consider this land their home. The area’s natural abundance was stewarded by many peoples including the Blackfeet, Crow, Shoshone, Cheyenne, Kootenai, Pend d’Oreilles and Salish for millennia before colonization, and continues to be to this day.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
The Staff and Board of Directors of Adventure Cycling Association believes in the power of bicycle travel to open minds and change the way the world explores. We envision a future where this organization draws staff, tour leaders, members, board members, and riders from the whole of our society. For this to occur, bicycle travel has to be available for everyone. 

We are committed to listening to BIPOC, LGBTQ, and other marginalized peoples and understanding the systems contributing to oppression while also working to provide more resources and support for these communities. 
The Adventure Cycling Association acknowledges its place in this power dynamic. As an organization we have benefitted from white privilege omnipresent in the United States and must use our power to hire, support, empower, and create safe spaces for Black, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQIA+, and Femme/Trans/Women communities. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Participate in weekly team meetings and occasional marketing planning meetings to develop a deep understanding of campaign and program needs and communication styles 
• Apply an expertise in email strategy toward a variety of nonprofit campaign types: sales, fundraising, and program engagement  
• Use both design and writing creativity to draft high-level and engaging emails for external programmatic, departmental, executive communications  
• Write and proofread email copy  
• Size photos and other assets according to best practices for email and Adventure Cycling's visual standards  
• Use available organizational resources, such as the website, social media, project/campaign briefs, subject matter experts, etc. to gather ideas for needed email content  
• Work closely with Art Director on email design and templates to ensure consistent brand coherence and to increase impact  
• Collaborate with Marketing Project Manager and Database Manager on organizing email segments  
• Manage individual task assignments as outlined in project plans  
• With assistance from the Marketing Team, become familiar with Adventure Cycling internal communication channels and access them as needed. Examples of communication channels include Microsoft Dynamics 365 Marketing, Outlook, Microsoft Teams (video and chat), OneNote, Asana, Word, and SharePoint  
• Identify and communicate opportunities for improvement in email strategy, process, or results  
• With assistance from the Marketing Team, learn and follow Adventure Cycling branding and processes  
• Identify linking opportunities and mentions to Adventure Cycling programs and products in emails  
• Fact checking 

Required Qualifications: 

• Adobe InDesign and Photoshop 
• Writing and proofreading  
• Marketing and team collaboration technologies  
• Passion for cycling and nonprofit programming 
• Understanding and willingness to engage with issues of institutional and structural racism or bias and their impacts on our organization and community.  
• Commitment to equity and inclusion and to learn and respect differences of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, ability, religion and socio-economic circumstances and class. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working with people very different from yourself.  
• Familiarity with Creative Cloud a plus 
• Marketing email strategy

Compensation and Schedule:

Contract Hourly Rate: $40/hour, approximately 10-15 hours per week or 600 hours maximum. The weekly schedule is adaptable based on deadlines and workload. The contract goes through December 31, 2024 or until the payment total reaches $24,000 (not to exceed). Adventure Cycling has the right to cancel the contract at any time.  

The Marketing Email Designer reports to the Marketing Project Manager and will document their time and provide a monthly invoice showing hours and payment and will submit this to Marketing Project Manager at the end of every month.

How to apply: 

Please submit a short cover letter and resume with a link to (or an attachment of) a portfolio or writing and design sampling of your work.

Please use this page to submit any private information, such as tax information.

Interested in becoming an Adventure Cycling Tour Leader? Please fill out this questionnaire and upload your Cover Letter and Resume. We are currently accepting applications for our 2024 Guided Tours. We are reviewing applications and scheduling interviews on a rolling basis. You can find the full job description and more information on our website.

This submission portal is for use by Adventure Cyclist magazine advertisers only. It is not for story inquiries, submissions, or images. 

PRINT: We only accept advertising creative in PDF or JPEG format. The file should be press-optimized, colorspace set to CMYK (not RGB), and resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Convert all spot colors to CMYK. Please include your company name in the filename. 

NEWSLETTER: Please submit newsletter ads in PNG or JPG format at 728x90 pixels. Files should be 72 dpi and RGB. Include URL with submission.

Once the file is uploaded, you will receive a confirmation email that the file is ready for download by the Adventure Cyclist team.