Programs Coordinator

Job Overview

Location: Bellingham, WA

Hours: 20 hours per week, flexible schedule. Evening and weekend hours required. 

Position Type: Part-time, non-exempt, hourly

Direct Reports: Volunteers and Trip Leaders

Reports To: Executive Director

Hourly Wage: $22.00 to $24.00, depending on qualifications

Desired Start Date: May 1, 2025

Priority Application Deadline: April 1, 2025

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To receive priority consideration, please apply before the deadline. The position will be removed from our website when filled.

About Shifting Gears

Founded in 2017, Shifting Gears empowers all women through outdoor recreation and education to remove barriers and foster belonging. Our programs focus on breaking down barriers that stand between women and their outdoor aspirations. We envision a world where women lead, fostering transformative change and nurturing inclusive communities.

About the Position

Shifting Gears is hiring a Programs Coordinator who possesses experience in inclusive outdoor program coordination and understands the logistics of operating programs for a small community-based organization. 

This position will work to grow and strengthen Shifting Gears’ programs by running effective, engaging, inclusive, and safe outdoor programming in collaboration with our community partners. They will be responsible for running and coordinating programs, ensuring all logistical details are handled, communicating with community partners, and recruiting and managing volunteers and trip leaders. The Program Coordinator will work in partnership with the Programs Committee of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to continue to grow and sustain successful programs, and assist with fundraising efforts as needed. Shifting Gears is in an exciting phase of growth and this position will have the opportunity to grow alongside the organization.

Job Objectives

• Implements safety protocols for programs and ensures they are properly implemented by volunteers, and participants. Ensures that safety and well-being are an integral piece of every program. 
• Manages volunteer relationships and training and solicits feedback on both volunteer and program performance.
• Coordinates and implements Shifting Gears programming and ensures they are run efficiently, safely, and align with Shifting Gears mission, maintaining a positive community presence and relationships with our community partners. Programs currently include mountain biking, road riding, bike packing, backpacking, climbing, day hiking, and backcountry skiing and riding. 

• In collaboration with the Executive Director and the Programs Committee of the Board, the Programs Coordinator is responsible for the development and oversight of Shifting Gears’ Summer and Winter programs and educational and skills workshops. 

• Manages Shifting Gears’ program registration and enrollment.
• Plays a key role in observing and addressing program challenges and successes in order to sustain healthy growth for future programs.
• With the support of the board and Executive Director, deliver two annual program-related events (Wild Women Week and Bike Swap).
• Maintains necessary training certifications for self and applicable program leaders.
• Promotes, identifies, and cultivates beneficial community partnerships.
• Prioritizes an inclusive and encouraging environment, helping to increase access and remove barriers, ensures programming aligns with Shifting Gears’ mission and continues to elevate and empower women in outdoor spaces 

Job Skills & Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle.
  • Must be willing and able to work in adverse weather and conditions, frequently move weight and gear up to 50lbs, spend 4-8+ hours standing and moving on feet during the day.
  • At least three years of experience developing and delivering outdoor recreational programming.

• Preferred Experience:

• • Three or more years of experience developing and delivering outdoor recreational programming. Shifting Gears’ programs include mountain biking, road riding, bike packing, backpacking, climbing, day hikes, and backcountry skiing and riding.
  • Up to date Wilderness First Responder and BICP Level 1 certification.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  • Experience leading Shifting Gears programs.

• Preferred Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to develop and maintain good relationships with program participants, community partners, staff, board of directors, and volunteers 
  • Excellent computer skills in Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides). Experience with Zeffy is a plus! 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills: in-person, email, phone, and virtual
  • Ability to work as a team member and promote a collaborative work environment 
  • Ability to work independently and autonomously make decisions
  • Demonstrate skills that promote equity and inclusion in a culturally diverse environment

This is a part-time (20 hours per week) position that pays $22.00 to $24.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. Benefits include a flexible work schedule and 10 days of PTO per year. Shifting Gears does not have a dedicated workspace and all non-program work hours will be completed on a remote, “work from home” basis. Shifting Gears provides stipends for home internet/phone and mileage reimbursement for required travel during programs. Shifting Gears is in an exciting phase of growth and this position will have the opportunity to grow alongside the organization. We have a priority application deadline of April 1; the position is open until filled. 

To Apply:

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. In your cover letter, please address how your experience aligns with the job description above and why you believe you would be a good fit for the role. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement. Shifting Gears is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every single qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Shifting Gears is an equal opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds are considered. As an organization that values equity and inclusion, we highly encourage people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply.