It’s that time of year again: Board elections. If you missed the post last week, check out our introduction to what Board service looks like https://nw-trail.org/2026-board-of-directors-election-announcement/
The application is now open for the NWTA Board. NWTA is looking for excited community members to fill the positions described below. Please contact [email protected] for any questions including about the application or to discuss the positions.
Roles
Advocacy
The Advocacy Board Member helps guide NWTA’s approach to public planning, land-use policy, and trail access. This role provides high-level advocacy strategy, relationship leadership, and oversight, while day-to-day policy monitoring and administrative work are handled by staff and volunteers supporting the Advocacy Committee.
Duties
Advocacy Leadership
- Support and advise the Advocacy Committee in land-use, access, and public planning discussions and act as the board liaison
- Help assess policy proposals, planning processes, and trail-development opportunities.
- Bring knowledge of public processes, community advocacy, or government engagement to guide strategy.
- Contribute to board discussions and planning related to trail access, outdoor recreation, and long-term advocacy priorities.
Relationship & Representation
- Build relationships with public agencies, community partners, and organizations influencing trail access.
- Represent NWTA in select public meetings or planning conversations where board-level presence is beneficial.
- Translate complex policy or planning information into clear insights for the board.
Qualifications
- Experience in local advocacy, public policy, community organizing, or government engagement.
- Strong communication skills and ability to speak confidently in public or group settings.
Impact
Help amplify the voices of riders and community members in planning conversations—ensuring trail access, recreation needs, and community priorities are part of regional decision-making.
Community Engagement
The Community Engagement Board Member helps guide NWTA’s long-term approach to community relationships and youth programming. This role focuses on high-level strategy, partner cultivation, and board oversight. Day-to-day outreach, events, and program delivery are carried out by NWTA staff and contractors.
Duties
Strategic Direction
- Identify broad community needs and opportunities that can inform NWTA’s programming priorities.
- Shape and refine NWTA’s long-term community engagement and youth programming strategy.
- Assess how well existing programs align with NWTA’s mission, values, and equity commitments.
- Take part in board discussions, planning, and committee work.
- Provide staff with guidance on emerging opportunities and community engagement priorities.
Relationship Leadership
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with schools, youth groups, culturally specific organizations, and other community partners.
- Represent NWTA in community settings where board-level involvement supports trust and connection.
- Surface strategic outreach questions such as:
- “Who should we be talking to next?”
- “What do these communities need, and how can NWTA meaningfully support them?”
Qualifications
- Experience in community engagement, youth programming, outreach, education, or related fields.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Passion for outdoor recreation and inclusive access to off-road cycling.
Impact
Help guide NWTA’s community presence and programming so more youth, families, and underrepresented riders can experience mountain biking, outdoor recreation, and trail stewardship.
Governance
The Governance Board Member helps ensure NWTA has clear policies, effective processes, and strong decision-making structures. This role focuses on organizational oversight, policy guidance, and governance best practices. Staff and contractors handle the administrative and operational implementation of these systems.
Duties
Governance Strategy
- Support ongoing development of NWTA’s governance systems, policies, and board procedures.
- Help review documents like the following: bylaws, policies, contracts, organizational documents and other compliance audit-related tasks; recommend improvements or clarifications.
- Strengthen accountability, transparency, and decision-making as NWTA grows.
- Participate in board planning, organizational oversight, and committee work.
Guidance & Interpretation
- Translate complex governance or procedural information into clear, accessible language.
- Provide clarity during sensitive, ambiguous, or evolving organizational situations.
- When needed, coordinate with legal counsel (without serving as legal counsel).
- Work with the Executive Director and staff on governance-related questions or challenges.
Qualifications
- Experience in nonprofit governance, organizational policy, or legal compliance.
- Ability to simplify complex information and support clear decision-making.
- Comfort working in a growing nonprofit with evolving systems.
Impact
Help strengthen NWTA’s internal foundation so the organization can grow sustainably, operate confidently, and expand trail access and stewardship across the region.
Marketing Coordinator
NWTA is seeking a Marketing Coordinator board member to support the ongoing development and professionalization of the organization’s marketing efforts as we continue to grow. This role will help ensure that NWTA’s visual presence and messaging is aligned with established style guidelines and mission statement.
Duties
- Review print and digital communications before they are published; checking for factual errors, inconsistencies, outdated information, design issues, problematic language, etc.
- Collaborate with trail builders and Local Stewardship Teams to develop trail signage that has a consistent look and feel
- Work with the Communications Director to help develop, QA, and track social media and event postings
- Work with Communications Director and Executive Director to perform website audits and maintenance. Possibilities for involvement in website overhaul.
- Ideate on other media opportunities with members of leadership (videos, contests, branded merchandise)
- Help develop strategy and toolkit for marketing committee
Qualifications
- Experience in digital communications, social media marketing
- Familiarity with web development
- Skilled at developing engaging copy and imagery
- Passion for mountain biking, outdoor recreation, trail access, or community-driven stewardship
- Punctuality, reliability, and drive to maintain consistent engagement in NWTA’s marketing efforts
Impact
Help NWTA reach more riders, partners, and community members by strengthening how we share our story, our mission, and our work throughout the region.
Marketing Strategy
The Marketing Strategy Board Member helps guide NWTA’s long-term approach to communications, brand visibility, and public awareness. This role focuses on high-level marketing strategy and board-level oversight, not day-to-day content creation, campaign management, or communications work (which are handled by staff and contractors).
Duties
Strategic Direction
- Shape and refine NWTA’s long-term marketing and visibility strategy in alignment with mission and organizational goals.
- Identify emerging platforms, tools, and opportunities that could support stronger engagement and reach.
- Provide guidance on messaging, brand positioning, and audience growth.
Cross-Organizational Alignment
- Participate in board discussions and planning where marketing strategy intersects with organizational priorities.
- Work with the Executive Director and staff to ensure marketing strategy supports advocacy, programs, and community engagement.
Qualifications
- Experience developing high-level marketing strategies that grow visibility or engagement.
- Strong strategic thinking and familiarity with modern marketing ecosystems.
Impact
Help NWTA reach more riders, partners, and community members by strengthening how we share our story, our mission, and our work throughout the region.
Key 2024/2025 dates:
- Nov 25: Applications open
- Dec 9: Applications are closed
- Dec 30: Electronic ballot opens
- Jan 25: Electronic ballot closes
- Jan 27: Results announced at our annual meeting!