Organizational Mission: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Position Summary

The Emerging Leaders’ Summit Coordinator reports to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director and serves as ATC’s program lead for the annual Emerging Leaders’ Summit (ELS). The coordinator leads recruiting efforts, participant selection and logistics planning for ELS, ensuring that the goals of the summit are met.

This position advances ATC’s work promoting the Appalachian Trail as a place of Belonging. The ELS is ATC’s signature program for young adults focused on creating access and breaking down barriers to the resource by creating meaningful and positive opportunities to experience the A.T. This position is remote with an expectation that the coordinator will attend the ELS October 8-11, 2026 (includes travel).

The Emerging Leaders’ Summit is a multi-day gathering during which the ATC brings together a diverse cohort of passionate & diverseemergingleaders ages 18-30 to eager toexpand skills and stewardship for the outdoors through connection, action, and expression.

The 2026 Emerging Leaders' Summit (ELS) offers participants training, workshops, andoutdoorexperiences with a focus onbuilding skills and community through the lens of the Appalachian Trail. At the Summit participants connectwith ATC leaders and summit participants; Learnabout Trail Stewardship and Conservation; and are Inspiredthrough reflection and creative expression.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Review and vet and select Summit participants in partnership with ATC staff.
Coordinate Summit Logistics with host site including meals, lodging, and meeting space.
Lead agenda development with ATC staff.
Help identify guest speakers and instructors.
Coordinate travel logistics for participants and facilitators/speakers.
Assist ATC’s Communications team with developing content for multi-channel media including social media posts, blogs, and newsletters.
Support program evaluation and reporting.
Serve as the on-site logistics coordinator during the Summit and is the primary liaison with ATC staff.
Lead Summit Coordination meetings with Next Gen Council members and ATC staff.
Engage Next Gen Council members in the planning and facilitation of sessions at the Emerging Leaders’ Summit.
Other duties pertaining to supporting Outreach and Engagement of Youth and Young Adults as assigned.

Qualifications

Excellent organization and high level of attention to detail.
Experience planning events or programs.
Ability to explain complex information in a simple manner.
Experience with group facilitation of large groups.
Proficiency in MS Office and learning management software.
Program/project management experience include planning and delivering field programs or trainings.
Comfortable in an outdoor setting with experience hiking and camping.
Knowledge of and direct experience on the Appalachian Trail preferred but not required.
Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to solve complex problems.
High degree of initiative and a team player.
Excellent time management skills and proven ability to work in a remote setting.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Ability to communicate with individuals by phone, email and in person.
Some travel is required.
Working on the phone or computer for prolonged periods.
May be exposed to hazardous physical conditions and seasonal exposure to extreme weather conditions, including rain, snow, humidity, intense heat, and sunlight.
Possible exposure to ticks and pests, extreme weather, and hazards typical of an outdoor environment.

Additional Details

Term Length: Approximately June 1, 2026 - October 30, 2026
Duration: This position requires an average of 5-25 hours per week not to exceed 380 hours with an average of 20 hours/week. Scheduling is flexible during ATC business hours 8-4pm.
Hourly Rate: $21.00 - $25.00
Location/Region: Remote. Candidate must be in one of the 14 Appalachian Trail States.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ATC Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ATC encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness with all employees and volunteers to enable participation and contributions to their fullest potential.

We are committed to being an inclusive organization and recognize that a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds contributes to an effective and successful organizational culture and mission.

ATC prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, political affiliation, union membership, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the locations where we operate.

ATC's Identity Statement

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