Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) (www.outdoors.org) is the oldest conservation, education, and recreation organization in the United States. The AMC fosters the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. The AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, and guiding organizational policies. 

The Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion has a leadership role in AMC’s People, Community, and Culture team supporting alignment and collaboration across the AMC’s staff and volunteers in oversight of community outreach, volunteer relations, and training.   

The Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion oversees the Community Engagement team which has primary responsibility and oversight for AMC’s volunteer chapter-based leadership community. We have 11 chapters across our region comprising over 2,000 volunteer leaders.  Each chapter is composed of multiple committees to execute activities and initiatives. The Director is a member of the senior staff of AMC and supports and advises volunteers. They lead internal cross-functional teams as well as the Chapters Committee, which is comprised of our Chapter Chairs and Vice-Chairs. Priorities include:  1) supporting the engagement and alignment of volunteers in AMC’s mission and strategic vision,  2) facilitating positive and effective communication among chapters, volunteer leaders, and AMC staff, and ensuring that messaging and policies are effectively communicated to the wider volunteer community 3) supporting various committees in volunteer recruitment, succession planning, retention, meeting management, volunteer recognition, etc. leadership training, and other efforts to grow and sustain the Chapters. 

Reporting to the VP of People, Community and Culture, this position aligns both paid and unpaid staff to move AMC’s mission and four strategic pillars:  

• Inspire joyous experiences 
• Protect critical landscapes to mitigate climate change 
• Cultivate and sustain a robust, diverse, and welcoming community 
• Foster equity in the outdoors 

This role can be based out of one of AMC’s offices, hybrid, or fully remote. The candidate must be within driving distance of AMC’s lodges and locations to attend meetings, staff and volunteer gatherings, and other events. 

We are sharing a comprehensive list of strategic responsibilities to provide a clear overview of the role, not because we expect you to have experience in every area listed. Research suggests that men often apply for jobs or promotions when they meet about 60% of the qualifications, while women and some marginalized groups tend to apply only if they meet all the requirements. We encourage you to apply if you believe you have the necessary personal and professional experience to successfully lead a team in these areas. We value your application and invite you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement on the list. 

What You Will Be Doing At AMC 

Community Engagement: 

• Drive volunteer engagement in AMC’s people centric conservation organization, with a specific focus on fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization that inspires joyous experiences 
• Champion innovative thinking throughout the Chapter community with a focus on growing our membership and volunteer engagement 
• Support volunteers in decision making and change management, ensuring alignment with modernization efforts and reporting capabilities for volunteer operations that cultivate and sustain a welcoming community 
• Collaborate with Chapter Leadership to develop best practices across the chapter community in finance, volunteer recruitment, leader training, and DEI 
• Manage communication resources for volunteers such as the Volunteer Handbook, Newsletter, Alerts, and Manuals, ensuring clarity and accessibility to foster equity in the outdoors 
• Collaborate across departments to support staff engagement in volunteer projects and committees related to conservation, trails, and community engagement 
• Oversee planning of events including Annual Summit, Fall Fest, and volunteer retreats including the Chapters Committee, emphasizing inclusivity and diverse participation to inspire joyous outdoor experiences 
• Create and communicate reports reflecting the health and impacts of volunteer communities 

Team Leadership & Development: 

• Lead volunteer relations team to establish clear pathways for recruitment, onboarding, retention, and recognition particularly within the structure of AMC’s 11 chapters, promoting and operationalizing AMC’s DEI Roadmap 
• Collaborate with the peer staff teams to solidify best practices for volunteer management and support including training and community building 
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board’s Chapters Committee. In coordination with department staff, manage and review meeting agenda development, background materials, and logistics 
• Lead the staff Volunteer Programs Task Force to drive strategic initiatives and innovation within volunteer relations aligned with AMC’s pillars 
• Develop and manage the department budgets, and the formulation of long-range fiscal strategies to enhance self-sustaining volunteer operations 

What AMC Is Looking For 

• Bachelor’s or higher degree, plus seven years of relevant experience with non-profit volunteer communities or other related work 
• Demonstrated ability to work positively and enthusiastically with volunteers.  Experience as a volunteer is a plus 
• Experience in developing policy guidelines and driving organizational change toward DEI goals that cultivate a welcoming community 
• Three to five years' experience managing and developing staff 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with strong presentation abilities to promote AMC’s pillars 
• Proven project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects 
• Ability to operate independently within a team environment that values diversity and inclusivity 
• Strong ability to facilitate effective communication between and among various groups that may hold conflicting points of view 
• Experience and interest in outdoor recreation, conservation, and education, aligned with AMC’s mission to inspire joyous outdoor experiences and sustain a welcoming, diverse community 
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the region, including overnights and weekends, and ability to facilitate and lead evening meetings. 

What AMC Can Offer You 

Salary range:  $85,000- $117,000 

We are committed to equitable compensation practices. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, competencies, and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process. 

Benefits 

• Health Plan: Generous employer contributions through Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts with optional vision and dental.  
• Other Insurance: 100% employer paid life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability. 
• Career Progression: The potential to have annual compensation reviews commensurate with performance and effort.  
• Retirement: 403(b) with 4% matching employer contributions and a vesting schedule. This benefit increases with tenure. 
• Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks of Paid Time Off and up to 11 paid company holidays at hire. This benefit increases with tenure. 
• Other Team Member Perks:  
• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise Free Annual AMC Membership 
• 10 Free nights at AMC locations 
• Educational Assistance 
• Pro deal discounts on equipment & gear and more! 

To Apply: 

Please include a resume and letter of interest. No phone calls or agencies please. 

AMC welcomes all qualified candidates to apply, and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. This includes but is not limited to, individuals from racially and/or ethnically diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities. 

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility that serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.

Benefits 

• Health Plan: Generous employer contributions through Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts with optional vision and dental.  
• Other Insurance: 100% employer paid life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability. 
• Career Progression: The potential to have annual compensation reviews commensurate with performance and effort.  
• Retirement: 403(b) with 4% matching employer contributions and a vesting schedule. This benefit increases with tenure. 
• Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks of Paid Time Off and up to 11 paid company holidays at hire. This benefit increases with tenure. 
• Other Team Member Perks:  
• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise Free Annual AMC Membership 
• 10 Free nights at AMC locations 
• Educational Assistance 
• Pro deal discounts on equipment & gear and more!