Created in 2015, and funded by the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, HIKEArmenia is a non-profit organization committed to the development and promotion of Armenia as a hiking and ecotourism destination for international visitors and locals alike. Whether a seasoned nature enthusiast or someone simply eager to begin exploring, HIKEArmenia helps connect everyone to all that Armenia has to offer through a free hiking app, website, and information center in downtown Yerevan.

All of our efforts are aimed at the primary goal of rural development, helping local communities by bringing in new opportunities and building a holistic ecotourism system. To ensure hikers have a great experience, we have helped to develop over 80 hiking trails accessible for free through our platforms, all of which adhere to internationally recognized trail development guidelines.

We have also curated a growing database of 75 accommodations, 20+ recommended guides, and 100+ points of interest which give hikers not just practical information but also historical and cultural information along every trail.

We also enact community development programs aimed at spreading the ideals of nature preservation, hiking culture, and ecotourism. A trail club for youth education and a volunteer trail maintenance group are just the start of community-focused initiatives in Armenia.

More at hikearmenia.org

 

Job Purpose: This position will oversee the daily operations of HIKEArmenia NGO in Armenia. The Director is responsible for overseeing multiple layers of project activities, therefore requiring a strong manager with experience overseeing detailed, logistical operations with high-level organization. Strong communication skills will ensure strategic information is shared with the funding organization, staff, key partners, local stakeholders, and RA governmental bodies in order to accomplish all outlined key responsibilities.

 

Description of Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead and manage a team of staff members, providing guidance and support to help them achieve their goals;
2. Develop and implement strategic plans to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the organization;
3. Create monthly, quarterly and annual budget projections, ensuring resource availability and allocation;
4. Review financial reporting and ensuring accuracy;
5. Measure project performance using appropriate systems, tools and techniques against key KPIs set together with and approved by the Board. The position will produce weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end qualitative, statistical and financial reporting;
6. Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation;

7. Encourage and lead collaborative efforts with partner member organizations and other players on the ground that would add value to our mutual interests of developing Armenia’s hiking industry and growing ecotourism, thereby connecting efforts to boost impact and eliminate duplication;
8. Maintain and work within the created systems and policies for the research, planning and implementation of trail development, maintenance of hiking trails, and the reporting and resolution of quality control related issues (occasional site visits to rural areas will be required);
9. Serve as primary liaison between advisory board and collaborating partners to ensure effective communication and collaboration with all the key players on the ground in Armenia;
10. Conduct outreach with local communities and its leaders where trails traverse, to ensure development in and surrounding the trails is inclusive, fair, and supports local economic development;
11. Oversee social media and marketing efforts of the Foundation communications team, including content and messaging, which is directly responsible for promotional efforts not just of HIKEArmenia but also of Armenia as a tourism destination;
12. Supervise and coordinate with developers and partner organizations on maintaining and enriching the HIKEArmenia ecosystem of platforms (website / mobile application / information center) that facilitates local and international users towards discovery and engagement with Armenia;
13. Maintain and regularly update a database of trail infrastructure, homestays, B&Bs, local artisans, entrepreneurs, guides, local government officials, transportation options, etc.;
a. Includes use of mapping tools such as CalTopo

14. Handle special requests as requested by the Foundation board chair and advisory as needed;

 

 

Job Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4-5 years project management experience required
• Must be a fluent speaker of English and Armenian; other languages are a huge plus
• Must have a solid understanding and appreciation of HIKEArmenia’s long-term vision and mission
• Strong understanding of nonprofit operations, including program development and financial management
• Strong written and oral interpersonal communication
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Proven ability to plan and execute long-term strategic development
• Experience with financial planning, tracking, and reporting skills
• Task oriented and reliable individual a must
• Ability to inspire and motivate others, and lead by example
• Appreciation for hiking and other ecotourism activities is a plus
• Experience with GIS software, database management and software development (optional)

 

INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SEND A COVER LETTER AND CV TO: [email protected]