Position: Executive Director
About BETA
Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) works to unite and strengthen our Adirondack communities through a diverse and welcoming network of bike and ski trails that bring us outside, together.
At its core, BETA is a member-supported, volunteer-driven, trail building and stewardship organization practicing "hands in the dirt" activism at the local and regional level. BETA is widely regarded as a leader in the trails community in the Adirondacks and New York State.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic vision, administrative leadership, and operational management for Barkeater Trails Alliance. The ED serves as BETA’s primary ambassador and face of the organization, advocating for sustainable multi-use trails while fostering strong partnerships with local towns, private landowners, regional tourism entities, and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Key Responsibilities
1. Regional Advocacy & Land Partnerships - Agency Relations: Cultivate strong working relationships with the NYS DEC, local town boards, and county planners regarding Unit Management Planning, trail permits, and Volunteer Stewardship Agreements.
- Community Advocacy: Represent mountain bikers and backcountry skiers in local government and regional recreation planning and policy discussions.
2. Strategic Growth, Fundraising & Membership- Membership & Events: Oversee membership recruitment and retention strategies, signature BETA events (e.g., trail work days, annual member meetings, group rides and community fundraisers). Foster relationships with members as well as a knowledge of BETA’s trail networks through events and rides.
- Donor & Sponsor Relations: Expand annual giving programs, major donor initiatives, and local business sponsorships throughout the Tri-Lakes and High Peaks regions.
- Grant Management: Identify, write, and administer grants from federal/state sources and regional philanthropic foundations.
3. Trail System Operations & Staff Leadership- Program Oversight: Supervise paid staff and independent contractors delivering seasonal construction and maintenance across summer singletrack and winter ski networks.
- Lead and Mentor: Empower a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, cultivating a culture of continuous growth, excellence, and shared passion to help every individual reach their full potential in driving our mission forward.
- Volunteer Mobilization: Support and scale BETA’s volunteer trail steward program, ensuring crews have necessary training, tools, and safety protocols for sustainable Adirondack trail building.
4. Administration, Finance & Board Governance- Financial Oversight: Manage BETA’s operating budget, payroll, bookkeeping, and annual financial reporting in collaboration with the Treasurer of the Board.
- Board Engagement: Collaborate and work closely with the Board of Directors to execute the strategic plan, set broad goals and metrics, and identify organizational priorities
Qualifications & Ideal Profile
- Passion: For mountain biking and ski touring.
- Leadership Experience: 3–5+ years in non-profit leadership, outdoor recreation management, land conservation, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders to build strong relationships based on trust and respect and to support organizational goals.
- Ability to work nights and weekends, and travel frequently to project sites and meetings across the region.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to positively and professionally engage with a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
- Adirondack Land Policy Literacy: Understanding of or ability to learn about public land management in the Adirondack Park.
- Proven Fundraising Track Record: Demonstrated success with grant writing, donor cultivation, and community fundraising campaigns.
- Multi-Season Trail Stewardship: Experience with sustainable trail design/maintenance and enthusiasm for both summer singletrack and winter multi-use trails.
- Deep Regional Commitment: Strong passion for, or willingness to learn about, the High Peaks/Tri-Lakes communities, local outdoor culture, and BETA's mission.
Compensation & Benefits
- $70,000, depending on experience
- An active and supportive Board of Directors committed to empowering your leadership.
- Talented staff who are passionate about BETA and our community
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Sick, family and bereavement leave
- Qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (QSEHRA)
- Flexible hours
- Professional development opportunities
How to Apply
We are accepting applications through September 30, 2026 and conducting interviews on a rolling basis with an anticipated winter start. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, we encourage you to apply. Please send a cover letter and resume to Patrick Carey, Board Co-Chair, president@betatrails.org.
