Position: Operations & Engagement Manager
Organization: East Coast Trail Association (ECTA)
Location: St. John’s, NL (in-office)
Classification: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary Range: Compensation is competitive with comparable non-profit roles in NL
Vacation: 3 weeks
Closing Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Apply To: information@eastcoasttrail.com
About the East Coast Trail Association
The East Coast Trail Association (ECTA) is a registered charity responsible for the management, maintenance, enhancement, development, and protection of the East Coast Trail — a 336 km coastal wilderness hiking trail on the eastern edge of Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula, recognized
by National Geographic Traveller as the world’s #1 coastline.
ECTA’s mission is to provide a world-class wilderness hiking experience by developing and maintaining the Trail, promoting public access, minimizing environmental impact, and protecting it for future generations. The Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and ten
standing committees, and is supported by an extensive network of volunteers, members, donors, and community partners across 24 Trail Towns.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to step into a newly defined leadership role at one of Atlantic Canada’s most celebrated outdoor organizations. The Operations & Engagement Manager is the organizational hub of ECTA’s office team — the person who keeps the day-to-day machinery running, enables volunteer committee leads to do their best work, and serves as the primary staff interface between the office and ECTA’s ten-committee structure.
You will lead a small but growing office team, directly supervising a Communications & Engagement Coordinator (currently being recruited) and a Fundraising & Administrative Assistant (to follow). You will report to the VP, Finance & Administration Committee.
If you are energized by meaningful work, thrive in a dynamic nonprofit environment, and want to play a central role in sustaining one of Newfoundland’s great natural treasures — this role is for you.
Key Responsibility Areas
The Operations & Engagement Manager carries responsibility across five primary committees, with supporting involvement across five additional committees. Key areas include:
Team Leadership
- Directly supervise the Communications & Engagement Coordinator and Fundraising & Administrative Assistant (to be recruited)
- Coordinate day-to-day logistics for the Part-Time Accountant (matrix relationship)
- Lead MUN student work term recruitment, onboarding, and supervision
- Support staff development and performance management in collaboration with the VP of Finance and Admin.
Office Operations & Board Support
- Manage day-to-day office operations, systems, records management, and compliance
- Provide administrative support to the VP FAC including scheduling, correspondence, and meeting materials
- Support Board and Committee meeting scheduling, recording, and onboarding of new volunteers
- Ensure organizational compliance including charitable registration and trademarks
Communications & Marketing
- Oversee ECTA’s communications across website, social media, newsletters, and email marketing
- Support the Marketing & Communications Committee with content, brand consistency, and campaign execution
- Manage the Trail Shop — product development, inventory, supplier relationships, sales, and customer service
Events & Fundraising Support
- Lead coordination of ECTA’s annual signature events: Trail Raiser Community Hike, Annual General Meeting, Awards Night, and Membership Meetings
- Support the Fundraising & Revenue Committee (FRC) with grant applications, funding proposals, and claims administration
- Coordinate FRC fundraising campaigns — 50/50 draws, raffles, silent auctions, and peer-to-peer fundraising — along with Trail Raiser logistics
Volunteer & Member Engagement
- Support volunteer recruitment, onboarding, recognition, and retention in collaboration with the Volunteers & Membership Committee
- Manage member communications, data, and engagement activities
- Support the annual Guided Hike Program coordination
Stakeholder & Community Relations
- Represent ECTA with municipalities, funding agencies, government, donors, and community partners as directed
- Support ECTA’s participation in external committees, networks, and joint projects
- Monitor community and tourism developments that may affect trail management or ECTA programs
What You Bring
Required
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in business, communications, social sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 3–5 years of progressive experience in a nonprofit, community, or related operational role
- Demonstrated experience in communications, event coordination, community engagement
- Proficiency with Canva, Hey Orca, Google Workspace, Mailchimp, social media platforms, WordPress (or similar CMS), and web-based fundraising or e-commerce platforms
- Strong writing, editing, and communication skills
- Excellent organizational and project management skills with ability to manage competing priorities
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a small-team, volunteer-supported environment
Considered an Asset
- Experience with financial admin. including reconciliations or accounting software (e.g., Sage)
- Graphic design experience (Canva, Adobe Suite)
- Experience with volunteer management systems or CRM platforms
- Valid Class 5 driver’s licence with access to own vehicle
- Experience in tourism, recreation, culture, or the outdoor sector
- Familiarity with the East Coast Trail and ECTA’s work
What We Offer
- A meaningful role at the heart of one of Atlantic Canada’s most recognized outdoor organizations
- A collaborative, volunteer-driven culture with a genuine commitment to the Trail and the communities it serves
- Compensation is competitive with comparable nonprofit roles in NL
- 3 weeks vacation
- Formal annual compensation review process
- The opportunity to help build and lead a growing office team
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF to: information@eastcoasttrail.com with Subject line: Operations & Engagement Manager — [Your Name].
Applications must be received by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
No phone calls please. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Our volunteer and member base are diverse and we are interested in recruiting individuals with new perspectives, life, and on-the-job experiences. ECTA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or other unique characteristics of an individual. We encourage all qualified candidates who are interested in the position and passionate about the Trail to apply.
Discover your path.