Reporting to:

Executive Director

Mission of Position:

The Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, Inc. Capital Project Manager is responsible for advancing the Fjord Trail capital projects through design development, zoning, site plan approvals, permit coordination, bidding, and construction as needed. The Capital Project Manager needs to be a highly organized multi-tasker with a strong background in zoning, land use approvals, and capital projects; a positive, can-do attitude; and a commitment to the environment and outdoor recreation. The Capital Project Manager will be responsible for advancing multiple capital projects simultaneously, working with the HHFT Owners Representative and design team on day-to-day design development as well as ensuring meaningful public engagement at appropriate stages. A strong attention to detail and an ability to handle multiple projects at once is essential. The Capital Project Manager will work closely with the Executive Director, Director of Finance and Operations, Park Director, and Director of Development and Community Engagement to assess emerging priorities, track project budgets, and coordinate a multifaceted outreach strategy. The Capital Project Manager will craft and maintain a comprehensive project schedule in coordination with the Owners Representative. The Capital Project Manager will closely collaborate with various external project partners, notably Metro-North, State Parks, and NYS DOT, on project design, review and approval processes. The position requires initiative, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and excellent organization skills. The professional in this position will hold a key role in the advancement of the park from master plan to the built facility.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have strong project management, a strategic mindset, and planning skills; written and verbal communications skills; skills in building and maintaining relationships; the ability to track and prioritize complex project details towards a critical path; and comfort in a fast-paced environment with periodic tight deadlines. This position also requires a comfort with public speaking to succeed both as a high functioning member of the internal team and in public settings such as design team meetings, board and stakeholder meetings, and special events. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, nimble, and flexible with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and the clarity to up-level critical developments, decision-points and issues as appropriate.

Minimum of five years previous professional urban planning experience with direct experience with capital project design development to construction required. High proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint required. In Design, Photoshop, Illustrator or other graphic design program knowledge is a plus. Must have the ability and enthusiasm to advance the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail goal to achieve design excellence in the new linear park. Special attention to the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion are a must. Must have ability to lift up to 30 lbs. to help set-up for public events. Demonstrated experience and/or interest in land conservation, outdoor recreation, and advancing environmental justice issues will be greatly valued. Must have valid driver’s license and own vehicle. Occasional evening and weekend work and travel throughout the region are part of the regular duties of the job.

Principle Responsibilities Include:

The Capital Project Manager will need to work both independently and in collaboration with other HHFT staff and outside consultants to advance the mission of HHFT through the development and implementation of the Fjord Trail, including:

Capital Projects:

• Work with the Executive Director, Owners Rep and design team to advance design development for several capital projects simultaneously.
• Attend multiple meetings per week with the design team to track design, permitting, and outreach needs for the various projects.
• Represent the voice of the client in meetings to ensure the design performance achieves the intended vision and values of the project.
• Maintain project schedule and budget in collaboration with Owners Rep, with attention to how the capital projects relate to the work of the rest of HHFT staff for events, communications, park management, and fundraising.

Community Outreach:

• Assist in working with committees, conducting outreach, and refining scopes to support environmental review studies occurring in the coming year (traffic and pedestrian counts, habitat, etc.).
• Assist with preparing for and hosting Steering Committee, Design Council, and community meetings as needed.
• Conduct outreach and listening sessions as needed, a shared responsibility of all staff.

Zoning and Site Plan Approvals:

• While the majority of the project land is in state or public ownership, there are some locations, notably Dutchess Manor, where HHFT holds interests and is subject to local zoning review and approval.  Work to advance the zoning and site plan conversations with the local municipality as design development advances.
• Coordinate with SHPO as needed for the historic property.

Grant Writing, Administration, and Reporting:

• Assist in identifying additional grant funds that could support capital projects and, in coordination with other relevant staff, write and submit grants as needed.
• For grants already in house for capital projects, assist in the successful execution of them – tracking work, schedule, grant requirements, and budget – as well as reporting and other grant paperwork. 

Other Functions:

• Staff special events (a shared responsibility of all staff)*
• Other activities as assigned by the Executive Director, Director of Development & Community Engagement, and Park Director

*Some activities and events will fall on weekends and evenings — note that staff are encouraged to flex their schedules to accommodate for events that occur outside of regular working hours.

Compensation:          

Full Time, Salary range $85k – $95k commensurate with experience, with competitive benefits

Background:              

The Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail will be a new 7.5 mile riverfront linear park in the Highlands region of the Hudson River Valley.  Set to begin construction later this year, this job is an opportunity to join the growing team that will ultimately build, manage, and program the new linear park.  The Fjord Trail, in its design and future programming, will emphasize accessibility to a variety of outdoor experiences for all ages and abilities to enjoy – from rugged hikes to shoreline promenades to immersive forest and marsh meanders. Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, Inc. is an independently operating non-profit subsidiary of Scenic Hudson, Inc.

Contact:                     

Send resume and a brief writing sample to: jobs@scenichudson.org. Further information can be found on our websites: www.scenichudson.org and also www.hhft.org. No phone calls please.

Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail and Scenic Hudson define Environmental Justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people regardless of their ability, culture, education, gender, heritage, income, or race in efforts, decisions, and actions that impact their environment, health and livelihoods.

Hudson Highland Fjord Trial and Scenic Hudson are Equal Opportunity Employers promoting and celebrating excellence and cultural diversity. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, representation, and inclusion, and strive to serve all people in the Hudson Valley by evaluating all our projects, strategic initiatives, and outcomes through that lens.