Project Coordinator, Blue Ridge Rising (Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation)

Project Coordinator, Blue Ridge Rising

Full-time

Reports to Director, Blue Ridge Rising

Hybrid – must live or work within the 29 counties that neighbor the Blue Ridge Parkway

Description

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is seeking a Project Coordinator to join a passionate, mission-driven team working to protect and strengthen the future of the Blue Ridge Parkway and its surrounding communities. This exciting new role is supported in part by a three-year Appalachian Regional Commission grant and plays a vital role in bringing the Blue Ridge Rising Action Planto life.

In this position, you’ll collaborate closely with the Blue Ridge Rising Director to shape and advance innovative strategies that connect Parkway visitors with neighboring communities. Your work will directly contribute to expanding economic opportunity, supporting local businesses, and fostering sustainable growth in the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors—helping ensure these communities thrive for generations to come.

Key Responsibilities

Work closely with the Blue Ridge Rising Director to develop, execute, and evaluate regional strategies that align with the goals and objectives outlined in the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan. The action plan includes dozens of strategies across six themes: marketing, visitor experience, unified regional voice, resource protection, workforce education, and capacity building. The position does not require expertise in any of these areas, but does require a determined approach to carrying out diverse tasks in order to move each project forward.

This work will be accomplished through a variety of activities that must be coordinated with Foundation team members, community partners, and contracted experts. Key functions of the position include project planning, management, and tracking; research and analysis; writing, editing, and distributing clear and concise information; building and utilizing a regional professional network; and planning and managing the annual Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit and additional meetings and events.

The Project Coordinator will:

• Assist with logistics and implementation of initiatives designed to meet a variety of goals and objectives.
• Support action teams that determine and help implement strategies and initiatives.
• Plan, track, and assess multiple projects based on goals, key steps, timelines, progress, outputs, and outcomes.
• Read, research, analyze, and summarize various topics and materials, such as comparisons of strategic options, meeting summaries and key next steps, and responses to RFPs.
• Write and edit a variety of content, such as project management plans, requests for proposals (RFPs), press releases, website content, grant reports, social media posts, and e-news articles.
• Assist with distributing and publicizing RFPs, as well as collection and review of proposals.
• Build and maintain a regional network of community contacts and subject-matter experts to advance Blue Ridge Rising strategies, through one-on-one outreach and an e-newsletter
• Organize, support, and attend various Blue Ridge Rising events (in person and virtual), including strategy team meetings, receptions, and board meetings.
• Play a key role in planning and hosting the annual Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit for leaders from the 29-county Parkway corridor and beyond, including scheduling, coordinating speakers, and selecting session topics
• Monitor and update BlueRidgeRising.com (the website for Blue Ridge Rising community partners) and all related social media.
• Coordinate and integrate Foundation activities with Blue Ridge Rising to ensure unified approaches.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience and/or training required
• Experience in leading or staffing a project team with measurable outcomes
• At least three years’ experience working in an office environment
• Strong organizational skills
• Exceptional verbal, written, listening, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience in marketing, social media, and/or tourism strongly preferred
• Excellent time management and prioritization
• Proven ability to collaborate with multiple staff, partners, and other stakeholders
• Research and data-driven decision making
• Adaptable to changing needs and priorities
• Ability to travel as needed for events, meetings, and other project activities, including both day trips and occasional overnight travel
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to follow rules, policies, and procedures
• A valid driver’s license
• Commitment to the Foundation’s mission

Starting Salary: $50,000-$55,000, depending on experience

Please note that this position is supported by a federal grant to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. If these federal funds are reduced, delayed, or discontinued due to changes in federal policy or other federal actions, the organization may be required to pause or conclude the related projects. As this position is supported by a federal grant, any significant changes to the funding may also require the Foundation to reassess the role’s scope and, if necessary, the broader structure of the organization. We are committed to transparency and will make every effort to communicate any such developments promptly.

Benefits

Health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid vacation and sick leave, federal holidays off, professional development opportunities, Parkway appreciation days, AAA membership, and more.

To Apply

Send your cover letter and résumé to kmonacell(at)brpfoundation.org. Applications submitted directly through a job search engine will NOT be accepted. The position is open until filled.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation aspires to be an inclusive organization that engages and serves the rich dimensions of diversity, such as race, gender, ethnicity, sexual identity, socioeconomic status, age, ability, and religion. Diverse people make the Foundation a stronger, more vibrant, more relevant, and more stable organization, better prepared to achieve its mission through diverse input and more effective outcomes. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age, or genetic information.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Asheville, NC 28803

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000