Trailnet is seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as the Membership Coordinator. The Membership Coordinator will lead by example promoting membership, providing excellent customer service, and stewarding members into longtime donors.
The ideal candidate will have a philanthropic mindset, enthusiastically seeking opportunities to connect people to our mission. They should find joy in meeting and working with people from diverse backgrounds with a shared vision of a safer region for walking, biking and using public transit.
Reporting Relationship:
The Membership Coordinator reports to the Development Director and works in collaboration with fundraising, marketing, planning, finance, rides, and program staff.
About the Organization:
Trailnet is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization with a 33-year history of making walking and biking a way of life in the St. Louis region. We believe everyone should have access to safe, comfortable walking and biking connections where we live, work, and play in our communities. Trailnet works within the St. Louis region and across the state to respond to the demand for improved walking and biking networks that attract and retain talent, strengthen our economy, and connect people to the places they love. We are leading the way by developing policy and on-the-ground solutions to help people of all ages and abilities reach community and cultural destinations by walking, biking, or taking transit.
Our team includes community planners, advocates, educators, bicyclists, transit users, and staunch supporters of local business. We advocate for spaces that are designed to encourage people to walk, bike, and take public transit. We believe that creating communities begins with understanding and appreciating the unique differences of all who live and work there. We embrace diversity and want to move our region forward with safe, equitable ways to get around that improve everyone’s quality of life.
Overview of the Position
Membership and Solicitation Programs:
Serves as the first point of contact for members and prospective members, and makes excellent customer service a priority
Executes routine and special initiative programs to acquire, retain and upgrade members to achieve financial and administrative goals
Works closely with the Director of Development to coordinate at least two annual membership drives and two online appeals including overseeing large scale-mail piece design, coordinating with a mail house, list exchanges, etc.
Implements membership renewal process with timely donor reminder letters and outreach to lapsed donors
Produces direct mail, personalized correspondence and online giving documents
Produces accurate and complete membership rosters in adaptive and intuitive formats
Monitors, analyzes and proactively reports on membership results using trends in member type, average giving, member total, total giving, and suggests corrective strategies
Maintains supplies and stationery for all membership correspondence and fulfillment
Supports annual member t-shirt ordering
Gift Processing and Tracking:
Provides excellent donor stewardship by quickly and accurately receiving, tracking, and acknowledging all gifts
Adheres to and updates gift processing policies and procedures
Creates and maintains transparent and easy-to-navigate paper and electronic files
Works with the Development Director to create insightful and accurate reports to the CEO, Development Committee and Board
Donor Database and List Management:
Maintains the donor database to ensure its highest possible function
Routinely updates donor records with information from a variety of sources
Provides timely, high-quality data output for a variety of requests and purposes
Updates data entry and management procedures
Works with Rides Director and ride registration program to ensure ride registration supports membership recruitment and provides an excellent experience for members
Assemble targeted mail and email lists and share with partners as needed
Development and Fund-Raising Activities:
Supports Development Director for annual Gala and donor recognition events
Serves as a resource for volunteer recruiting and registration; collects and tracks volunteer hours in the donor database
Provides energetic, donor-focused support at fundraising and member events
Determines Trailnet’s involvement at community and corporate wellness fairs, and coordinates staffing for those events, working the events as needed
Strategically promotes Trailnet’s brand and membership in all aspects of work
Co-chairs annual volunteer and member recognition events with Rides Director
Finance and Administration:
Serve as back-up to Office Manager for phones and bank deposits
Works closely with the Finance Manager to ensure an accurate interface between Development and Finance
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required, relevant field (Marketing, Communications, Business, Administrative Studies, Human Resources, Fundraising/Philanthropy, or other Social Sciences) preferred
One year of experience working in an office setting, preferably in a non-profit organization in fundraising or communications
Experience and knowledge of donor database systems preferred (Trailnet uses DonorPerfect and will provide training specific to its use)
Computer literate with the ability to effectively use technology (Google workplace, Microsoft Office, printer-copier, postage meter)
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Exceptional organizational and time management skills
Self-motivated—able to work alone, and as a member of a team
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a strong sense of prioritization
Strong customer service orientation with the desire to interact with a diverse community of staff, partners, participants, and volunteers
Able to work weekends and some evenings throughout the year supporting Trailnet events and outreach: 10-12 outdoor events in the bistate region, including distance bike rides and community rides throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Physical Responsibilities:
Transport up to 25 lbs. of tabling or outreach materials to events
Work at a computer
Staff tables at outreach events
Make phone calls
Work Environment
As of January 2022, the majority of our staff is in a remote-work environment, with limited time in the office. All employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
Compensation
Full-time, Exempt
Salary range is $33,000- $40,000.
Eligible for full-time benefits including Medical and Dental Insurance
Competitive benefits package, salary commensurate with experience, flexible hours, casual work environment, office located in downtown St. Louis, a short walk from MetroLink. A company car is available for some business-related local and regional travel. Free membership to the Downtown Bike Station.
Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity
Trailnet is committed to supporting diversity and equal opportunity in its services, administration, and employment, as well as research and activities. We strive to foster a working environment that values contributions from team members including those based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or veteran status. We work with a wide range of external partners and stakeholders, and we seek candidates that are committed to their own cultural competency. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.
Application Information
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to hr@trailnet.org. Applicants are encouraged to apply by February 27, 2022. The position will remain open until filled.
Corinne Austin: Our new Development Director
Trailnet is so excited to welcome Corinne back to the Trailnet team as our new Development Director! Corinne looks forward to getting to know Trailnet members, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and all of the incredible people who make up the Trailnet community.
She hopes to connect people who share our values and vision with opportunities to make our region safer for biking, walking and public transit. She brings 6 years of fundraising and relationship-building experience to the team, previously serving at the Humane Society of Missouri, Trailnet, and Pedal the Cause. Many members may recognize her from her time as Trailnet’s Membership Manager a few years ago.
Q & A with Corinne…
1) Talk about all your experience in non-profit development and career achievements you want to share…
I started my career at the Humane Society of Missouri, where I worked in the Development Department, where I experienced the joy of giving and the impact of philanthropy. I decided to continue to pursue a career in nonprofit fund development. In 2018, I had the wonderful opportunity to join the Trailnet staff as Membership Manager, where I got to meet Trailnet members and connect them with opportunities to support advocacy, education and community planning programs. For the last few years, I served as the Development Manager at Pedal the Cause where I recruited, trained and partnered with team captains and participants to raise critical funds for cancer research through an annual community cycling challenge. As a cancer survivor, I am proud to still be a part of the #PedalFamily.
I’m passionate about giving back to the nonprofit sector and the profession of fundraising. Last year, I was honored as the Association of Fundraising Professionals St. Louis Chapter’s 2021 National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Emerging Fundraiser. A few weeks ago, I earned a credential as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). I’ve had the opportunity to speak about engaging millennials in philanthropy at several professional conferences, including the 2018 AFP St. Louis Conference and 2019 AFP ICON International Conference.
2) What drew you to Trailnet?
I went to college in Boston, where I relied entirely on biking, walking, and public transit to get around. I loved getting to spend more time outside, staying active, and exploring the city. I felt like I got to know the city so much more intimately than I could have from behind a car window. One day while I was still in college, I stopped by the Trailnet office with my dad when he picked up his packet for Ride the Rivers, and I was drawn to the energy of the staff. I remember saying to my dad “It would be so cool to work there someday!” I got to fulfill that dream in 2018 as the Membership Manager, and now I get to continue it in a new way as Director of Development.
I share Trailnet’s vision of a more connected, equitable, healthy and sustainable community. That is the kind of place I want to work, live and play. I’m so honored to join our members, sponsors, donors, volunteers, board and staff in making that dream a reality, one day at a time.
3) What is your educational background?
Well, since I’m from St. Louis I guess I should tell you where I went to high school — Cor Jesu Academy. I went on to graduate with a BS in political science from Northeastern University in 2015. I continue to seek continuing education in my field of nonprofit management and fundraising.
4) What do you do for fun?
My husband and I have a menagerie of senior pets — our dog Rex, three cats (Kevin, Matilda and Elsa), and a tank of fish. I love staying active by biking, hiking, rowing, and lifting heavy stuff.
5) Anything else you want to share with our audience!
I can’t wait to get to know more of the Trailnet community, reconnect with our members, and spend more time on my bike!
Trailnet’s 33rd Birthday!
Today, November 29 Trailnet turns 33! That means 33 years of dedicated work in the community.
From the early days rehabbing the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and developing Grant’s Trail, to our work advocating for better biking, walking and public transit safety across the St. Louis region: We appreciate all our friends, members and partners who have supported our mission along the way!
33 years of your support helps us:
Bring awareness and advocacy for safer streets for all. We’re preparing for another year of committed advocacy, fighting distracted driving and connecting our St. Louis community.
Create a network of low-stress connections for people to get around the region by foot or or by bike. More than 6 miles of protected bike lanes are on track for construction in the coming years. Our work to champion this vital progress is thanks to support from people like you!
Advocate for policy changes to limit distracted driving in Missouri and improve safety for people walking and biking.
Host bike rodeos where kids and adults practice safe bike skills. We also get adults moving by hosting education sessions to build confidence commuting by bike and riding in all conditions.
Celebrate and support Trailnet
To celebrate Trailnet’s 33 years, our $55 friend-level membership will be $33 all day today! Support us by becoming a member to improve biking, walking and public transit in the St. Louis region. Become a friend-level member or gift a membership to a friend by: 1) Clicking here or the button below 2) Selecting the option “Join/Renew with a One-Time Gift” 3) Typing in $33 on the “Other” line
Share with us any of your favorite Trailnet photos, stories and memories by emailing communications@trailnet.org or connecting with us on our social media!
Trailnet is honored to offer enriching internships every year that allow people to gain experience building a better, more connected St. Louis. Trailnet interns come from dynamic backgrounds and are immediately plugged in to our exciting work. This month, we’re highlighting Hannah Hirsch, one of our talented 2021 summer interns.
Read on to learn about how Hannah is dedicated to working towards a more sustainable planet with active transportation options for all.
Hannah Hirsch
1) What you did this summer (outside of Trailnet)?
Outside of my work at Trailnet, I enjoyed my first summer in St. Louis where I was able to get to know the city without the stress of academics. I met a bunch of new, great people with whom I explored different local shops, neighborhoods, and events. To name a few examples, I spent a lot of time in Forest Park where I got to witness cool areas I had never seen before and enjoy nature in an urban environment. I love thrifting and I explored new shops where I enjoyed both browsing and the occasional purchase. I also attended live music shows in Tower Grove Park and frequented the farmers market.
2) What you’re studying in school?
I am pursuing a double major in Environmental Studies and Economics at WashU. I hope to use my knowledge in the future to play a role in developing climate solutions that challenge current norms and transition ourselves to a more circular economy.
3) What drew you to intern at Trailnet?
My interest in the environment both personally and academically drew me to intern at Trailnet as I desired to dig deeper into the organization’s efforts to connect neighborhoods and make streets safer for biking and walking, which are important carbon-neutral alternatives to most popular forms of transportation. My initial interest grew into an understanding of street connectivity as a goal not only to better the climate, but as a must for equity and a more cohesive city.
4) What about your time at Trailnet was valuable to your career?
Having an opportunity to work hands-on with a grant writing project is a unique experience that I was provided at Trailnet, which I cannot say I would have been offered elsewhere. I felt valued as a team member during meetings and working one-on-one with staff despite my role as an intern, challenging me to think more critically, quickly, and creatively. Taking ownership of a project and its timeline from beginning to end will prove to be critical experience in any career I ultimately pursue.
5) What has been the most fun Trailnet project to work on or learn about?
Apart from my grant writing project, I enjoyed accompanying Sam to tabling events and getting to know different St. Louis neighborhoods. In addition to immersing myself in local community events, it was interesting to take speed data at the same intersection over time and see for myself how infrastructure changes have the power to calm traffic and create safer streets.
6) What do you do like to do for fun?
In my free time I enjoy reading, listening to music, exploring and spending time with friends, and other relaxing activities. It has been harder to make time for these as the school year has started, but I’ve been doing my best to keep in the loop with local events. Recently I’ve seen live music at Blueberry Hill, visited the farmers’ market on the Delmar Loop, and explored the Hill, to name a few..
Thank you so much Hannah for you time and work at Trailnet! You are so wonderful, and we all wish you a wonderful school year!
Traffic Calming and Pop-up Park on MLK
On September 10, 4theVille hosted a pop-up park on MLK and North Sarah to celebrate the Ville’s heritage, highlight talented Black artists and history, and imagine the Ville’s potential.
Trailnet helped out with a traffic calming demonstration with brightly colored tires, traffic cones, and tape to create bump-outs on MLK & North Sarah and MLK & Whittier in the Ville. The temporary curb bump-outs and high-visibility crosswalks create a safer and more comfortable street for all users by making a safer and shorter distance for people walking along the street to cross.
Even though the lane configuration of the street remained the same, by bumping-out the curbs and reinforcing the intended traffic patterns, there was a noticeable decrease in speeding along the corridor during the demonstration. This temporary change helped Trailnet and 4theVille engage residents on what changes they would like to see at this and other locations in the future to make it easier for people to get around safely.
This pop-up is part of a larger effort by 4theVille and Trailnet to engage residents in conversations about how the built environment could make it easier for people in the neighborhoods to get around.
The pop-up event provides side benefits in highlighting local history and addressing stormwater runoff, through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Justice – Collaborative Problem Solving program. Additional support was provided through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services “Missouri Livable Streets” Program, an effort to advance complete and livable streets in communities across the state and connect people to every day destinations through connected communities that prioritize people getting around in many different ways.
Trailnet is grateful to have been part of such an amazing effort by 4theVille, “It was really terrific to be a part of this collaborative effort to highlight the unique history of one of the countries most historic Black neighborhoods, and help engage residents in ways that history can be elevated and celebrated for future generations,” Taylor March, Trailnet’s Director of Policy said.
We look forward to how we can continue to help make the streets places for people, and help highlight all the amazing history of the Ville Neighborhood!
Tuesday, December 7 (snow date Dec. 16th) 5:30-7:30PM,All About Winter Riding – Come learn with the experts all about winter riding. This class will cover winter clothing suggestions, bike maintenance, riding conditions and how to choose the proper gear and routes for those snowy days.
Thank you to everyone who came and participated in Trailnet’s 2021 Bicycle Education classes! It’s been so much fun to meet new people and teach new skills! Stay tuned for future bike education classes in 2022.
As we continue to collect count data each consecutive year, we are able to show changes in bicycling and pedestrian activity. Documenting these changes is essential to shaping infrastructure projects that make our region more livable for all.
We need volunteers who can commit to counting bicyclists and pedestrians at designated locations from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 14th and/or Sept. 15th.
The counts are a simple tally form. You’ll need to print a copy of the tally form for each “screen line” shown for your location.
You can check out the locations and the screen lines on our map before you sign up. Two weeks prior to the counts you will receive an email with more instructions, as well as the tally form. You will need to print out the tally form(s) prior to the count. You will need one tally form for each screen line at your location (most locations have two).
Bringing sunscreen and a chair will increase your enjoyment of the counts. If you are at a particularly busy location (ex. Skinker and Forest Park Parkway) you may want to ask a friend to join you to help count, besides everything is more fun with a buddy!
Note that in cases of inclement weather, such as thunderstorms, Trailnet will reschedule this event to the following week as a policy. Please use your best judgment and seek shelter if the weather becomes threatening.
Also check our Twitter and Facebook pages for ongoing updates or if you have any questions. In the event of a cancelation, counts will be done the following week on September 16th and 17th.
Trailnet is honored to offer enriching internships every year that allow people to gain experience building a better, more connected St. Louis. Trailnet interns come from dynamic backgrounds and are immediately plugged in to our exciting work. This month, we’re highlighting Aidan Gillespie, one of our talented 2021 summer interns.
Read on to learn about how Aidan is dedicated to working towards a more sustainable planet with active transportation options for all.
Aidan Gillespie
1) What you did this summer (outside of Trailnet)?
Well, perhaps most significantly, my wife and I added a new childto our family when our son was born this July. He has been an absolute joy to be around. Aside from that, I’ve spent time exploring some new biking and walking routes in my neighborhood.
2) What you’re studying in school?
I’m a student in SLU’s Master of Urban Planning and Development program. I’m finishing up my second year in the program as a part-time student.
3) What drew you to intern at Trailnet? I have always been fascinated by transportation planning issues and the way transportation intersects with so many other facets of a community’s livability. Trailnet has been the perfect place to work alongside people so mission-driven and so passionately engaged in making Saint Louis a safe place for all people to use low-stress transportation modes. In particular, I was drawn to Trailnet because of its reach. Trailnet collaborates with so many communities and organizations that I’ve been able to see the vast web of individuals and groups committed to active transportation.
4) Can you tell us about your planning involvement at SLU? I participate in the SLU Urban Planning Association events and I’m a student member of the APA.
5) What about your time at Trailnet was valuable to your career? First, the internship definitely offered opportunities to get to know some of the leading advocates for active transportation in Saint Louis. Second, I had hands-on experience with real planning projects that benefit communities.
6) What has been the most fun Trailnet project to work on or learn about? As someone who enjoys exploring maps, I really liked working with Sam to compile and plot data for the quarterly crash report. Also, since Trailnet is hoping to create a program for partners to adopt a bike lane, I spent time reaching out to other communities with similar programs to learn best practices. I learned that people in this field really love their work and are eager to share what they’ve learned along the way. 7) What do you do like to do for fun? I enjoy taking my sons on walks to new places, running, traveling to the National Parks, genealogical research, and playing subway mapping games like Mini Metro.
Thank you so much Aidan for you time and work at Trailnet! You are so wonderful, and we all wish you a wonderful school year!
The Real Cost of Distracted Driving
CW: Car crash, death
This is hard and important.
In 2019, Randall Siddens was helping pick up cones after a triathlon in Columbia, MO. when he was hit and killed by a person driving while looking at their phone.
The video produced by our partners at Mercy Injury Prevention – Springfield worked with Randall’s wife and the first responders who were there to tell Randall’s story. Randall’s story is a real and tragic reminder of the risk whenever someone is on their phone while driving.
(This video contains dash cam footage from immediately before and after the crash, as well as emotional testimony and may not be appropriate for all viewers)
Dangerous, distracted driving poses one of the biggest threats to people walking and biking in our community. In Missouri more than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving.
Trailnet is working with partners across the state to curb distracted driving and pass legislation that limits phone use by people driving. This bi-partisan coalition, Hands Free Missouri, is pushing for driving rules that limit people from using their phones while driving to only, push-button voice activated, or hands free modes.
These hands-free cell phone rules have been shown to save lives in other states and are working to pass life-saving legislation here.
Trailnet is helping organize and plan these efforts for the upcoming legislative session. This month, Trailnet staff visited the Missouri Capitol to meet with state legislative staff and statewide partners with the goal of passing legislation to curb distracted driving.
It is vital that Missouri lawmakers pass meaningful distracted driving legislation and each of us realize the real, human risk that comes from distracted driving.
If you want to get involved and help fight distracted driving:
Set an example for the people in your life by not using your phone while driving
Get involved with Trailnet’s advocacy work by emailing our Policy Manager: kevinhahn@trailnet.org
Radical Adventure Riders (RAR) Cycling Industry Pledge
Earlier this year, Trailnet joined with 160 other bike businesses and nonprofits pledging to help make the cycling industry a more welcoming and inclusive space.
The Cycling Industry Pledge is an effort of Radical Adventure Riders (RAR), a group dedicated to improving gender and racial equity in the world of bikes. It focuses on improving representation, comfort and access to the cycling industry for women, LGBTQIA+ folks, and people of color.
Taking this pledge is one small but important step to help get more people on bikes and create spaces where people of all backgrounds can enjoy riding together.
This commitment parallels our work focused on improving core transportation (walking, biking, and transit) access and community engagement grounded in racial equity and focused on communities with greater needs.
