Bowling Green, Ky.—December 17, 2015—The Cave Region Trails Initiative group comprised of officials in tourism, government, education, non-profits, outdoor recreation enthusiasts and trail users representing Barren, Hart, Edmonson and Warren counties met last week to discuss further plans. Over the past couple of months, the group has divided into organizational, mapping and branding/marketing subcommittees, in order to move further toward its master plan and toward securing a 501C-3 non-profit status.

Last week the group unanimously chose to change its name from Cave Region Trails Initiative to Cave Country Trails, Inc., plus a board of directors and officers were appointed. Officers include: President, Sandra Wilson; Vice President, Ralph Skrovan; Treasurer, Sharon Tabor; Secretary: Tracy Mitchell. A hiring committee was also created to seek a Project Director to assist with the group’s vision.

Working with a National Park Service representative from the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, the Cave Country Trails’ master plan is to create a regional network of hiking, biking, walking, equestrian and water trails that would connect communities and promote the area around Mammoth Cave National Park as an attractive destination and place to live. The initiative promotes a healthy lifestyle and should attract new businesses and regional economic growth.

“We think Cave Country Trails has potential for a positive collaborative regional effort and the organization is seeking an individual to help coordinate the efforts needed to market all of our incredible existing recreational trail assets and work toward the ultimate vision,” Sandra Wilson, Cave Country Trails President, said.

Cave Country Trails is seeking a Project Director to work closely with the National Park Service’s representative and the board of directors to effectively market current trail assets and further the ultimate Trails Master Plan by seeking sponsorships, grant applications and generating creative ideas for area events. The Project Director will also be assisting in publicizing and coordinating details with a National Park Service representative in conducting Cave Country Trails informational workshops to be held in February and March in the participating counties. The Project Director will be expected to work comparable hours to that of a part-time position.

The Project Director’s responsibilities and recommended skills would include the following: -Internal tasks: maintaining records and finances, providing meeting assistance, initially working with the existing subcommittees to understand the efforts already being undertaken, and a working knowledge of area developments in trails/outdoor recreation -Communications tasks: tracking media coverage, managing an online presence via social media, drafting press releases, establishing relationships with community groups and organizations, working with the board of directors to disseminate information

-Fundraising and Events tasks: grant writing and administration, creating fundraising events and campaigns, coordinating event assistance

Anyone interested in applying for Project Director should submit a resume and a written description of the following information:

-Description up to two pages in length of how the applicant would approach achieving the goals of this project
-Expertise of general qualifications, including grant writing and administration, computer programs and database knowledge, social media and Internet skills, press release/media samples, and a demonstrated interest in health and wellness and trail use

-List of comparable project experiences including names of references and contact information, the current status of previous projects, and the nature of the applicant’s involvement in each

The ideal Cave Country Trails Project Director should also demonstrate strong experience in marketing and public relations, fundraising, solid written and oral communication skills, the ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups, self-direction and mission-driven motivation to achieve goals.

The Cave Country Trails hiring committee will evaluate submittals and request personal interviews. Due to the anticipated volume of responses, Cave Country Trails will only contact those candidates who most closely match the ideal requirements.

All submittals are due no later than Jan. 15, 2016. Please email all submittals or questions to Sandra Wilson at sandra@kygetaway.com.

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