Job Specification Details

Administrative and coordinating work at a professional level in the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) and with shared responsibilities at the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD). Duties include acting as principal staff to the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC), an initiative established by executive order by the Governor to foster economic contributions from the outdoor recreation sector in Vermont. Duties are performed under supervision and general direction of the FPR Commissioner serving as VOREC chair and include ongoing functions and special assignments as needed. Extensive interaction occurs with staff within FPR, from other Departments and Agencies, public and private individuals and businesses, and groups interested in outdoor recreation and economic development.

Operationalizing the evolving VOREC Action Plan by identifying new partners and coordinating existing partners, facilitating meaningful participation of stakeholder groups and individuals, identifying and engaging in outdoor recreation-related policy issues, and identifying and pursuing funding sources to sustain the governor’s VOREC initiative.
Coordinating and leading community-based outdoor recreation economic development by launching, administering, and sustaining the Outdoor Recreation Friendly Community Designation Program.
Directing investment of existing funding tools for outdoor recreation by providing VOREC Community Grant Program Administration as well as guiding and supporting Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) & Recreational Trails Program (RTP) community investments. In addition, investment of funding sources related to COVID-19 response and recovery may be applicable.
Providing technical and staff support for Statewide Outdoor Recreation Planning by assisting state staff in creating and implementing statewide plans such as the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and outdoor recreation activity-based plans.
Cultivating, coordinating, and leading stakeholders by working with existing and new partners to enhance FPR and ACCD’s stewardship and outdoor recreation asset development capacity including local, state, regional and national representatives of government, financial organizations, conservation groups, and businesses as well as new and non-traditional partners.
Developing and implementing VOREC communications and outreach strategy; representing Commissioner of FPR and VOREC Chair at meetings, functions, events, and in the media.
Coordinating direct business assistance to outdoor recreation businesses and organizations in coordination with ACCD and the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance.
Providing administrative support to the VOREC steering committee, including scheduling meetings, events, and providing logistical support, coordinating and cultivating all VOREC reports to the Governor (ad hoc as well as the annual report and recommendations), producing all reports on the VOREC Community Grant Program to the Legislature, staffing all VOREC work groups as needed, and serving as the VOREC Chair’s designee as needed.
Perform related duties as needed.

Duties are performed in both an office and field setting. Travel may be required, for which private means of transportation must be available. Adversarial opinions may be encountered at public and face-to-face meetings. Significant duty outside of regular working hours may be expected.

Considerable knowledge of and experience with outdoor recreation businesses and the outdoor industry as well as public outdoor recreation planning and management.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementation through project management and stakeholder coordination and facilitation, preferably in economic development and/or conservation contexts. 
Considerable experience with public policy development and implementation, particularly with a focus on economic development and recreation. 
Practical knowledge of the practices and principles of economic development. Practical knowledge of the practices and principles of public grant administration. 
Demonstrated experience and success with grant writing and other methods of fundraising.
Must have excellent writing and communication abilities and possess an ability to inspire others with a love of the outdoors.
Considerable knowledge of sound business practices including the principles and practices of marketing and promotion.
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations including an ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associations and with public and private organizations, businesses and citizen groups.
Understanding of the principles and practices of land conservation and stewardship.
Ability to work independently within broad program and policy directives.
Ability to demonstrate public affairs and marketing expertise using a broad suite of communications tools.
Experience with social media, various networking tools, and relevant internet technology.

Master’s degree in marketing, public relations, public or business administration, communications, or a closely related field, and/or in a natural resources field such as recreation or natural resources management, land use planning, or environmental conservation and one (1) year of experience at a professional level in economic development, marketing, public relations, communications, or advertising; outdoor recreation-focused business administration, economic development, or a related field in the outdoor industry; or natural resources management or conservation.
OR
Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, public or business administration, communications, or a closely related field, and/or in a natural resources field such as recreation or natural resources management, land use planning, or environmental conservation and three (3) years of experience at a professional level in economic development, marketing, public relations, communications, or advertising; outdoor recreation-focused business administration, economic development, or a related field in the outdoor industry; or natural resources management or conservation.
OR
Associate’s degree in public relations, public or business administration, communications, or a closely related field, and/or in a natural resources field such as recreation or natural resources management, land use planning, or environmental conservation and five (5) years of professional experience in economic development, marketing, public relations, communications, or advertising; outdoor recreation-focused business administration, economic development, or a related field in the outdoor industry; or natural resources management or conservation.