The Policy Catalyst leads Trailnet’s strategic policy and advocacy agenda through coalition-building, community outreach and government relations, and advising on organizational effectiveness and strategic planning. The Policy Catalyst works on initiatives and policies that align with Trailnet’s values and position Trailnet within strategic partnerships and projects that advance Trailnet’s mission. The Policy Catalyst highlights the important role of Trailnet as a regional leader and advocate that advances safer streets for all.
The Policy Catalyst collaborates with managers and directors to identify and recommend strategic policy pushes, campaigns, and messaging that sustains and builds upon Trailnet’s position as a leading advocate for safer streets. The catalyst leads the process of building internal teams and external relationships necessary to assure success. The Policy Catalyst works under the direction of the CEO and works closely with other staff for support and collaboration.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Coalition Building & Management – 40%
Mobilizes, leads and supports coalitions to achieve advocacy priorities and strategic plan objectives.
Represents and manages Trailnet’s interests in policy coalitions:
Hands Free Missouri
Missourians for Responsible Transportation
St. Louis City Community Mobility Committee
St. Louis County Complete Streets Peer Advisory Group
Social Policy Election and Accountability Collaborative
Community Builders Network
Recruits and trains interns, volunteers, and community advocates as appropriate
Works with the Director of Programs to concept programs; build budget and revenue targets; and assemble appropriate staff teams to implement high impact projects and initiatives
Collaborates with communications staff and consultants as appropriate
Cultivates collaborations with organizations and movements whose values intersect
Government Relations & Community Outreach – 40%
Works with the Director of Programs, CEO, and stakeholders to develop Trailnet’s advocacy agenda, designing and implementing advocacy campaigns, and assuring and documenting advocacy strategies
Coordinates Trailnet’s efforts around a needs-based policy approach to traffic safety, leveraging Trailnet’s crash report and local advocates as support, and coordinating a two year messaging campaign to realize campaign success
Manages relationships with local, state and federal government officials and staff. (Includes semi-frequent travel to Jefferson City and limited travel to Washington D.C.)
Develops communication campaigns with staff and contractors to heighten public awareness of Trailnet’s policy priorities acting as the primary communications contact for policy efforts
Serves as a leader in time-sensitive policy and advocacy situations by advising the CEO on how to address issues and executes a messaging strategy
Assists CEO in the creation of organizational strategic plans
Collaborates with leadership team and staff on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Environmental Justice practices to advance the full integration of Antiracism practices in Trailnet’s work
Supports Trailnet Board of Directors subcommittee on advocacy
Works with the leadership team to identify new funding sources, pitch projects to potential funders, and develop appropriate relationships
Assures alignment with the organization’s mission and vision and Policy Principals
Assists with best practice education through workshops and presentations
CURRENT PROJECTS
STL City Community Mobility Committee
STL County Peer Advisory Committee
Energy Foundation Project Lead
Missouri Foundation for Health – Project Lead
Missourians for Responsible Transportation and Hands Free Missouri Coalition
Collaborates with Planning Program staff on Annual Crash Report
REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum of 4 years or more of project management, policy/ legislation and leadership experience. A Masters in Public Health, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or related field is preferred, but not required. Strong candidates will have experience in urban planning, community development/organizing, public health, or public policy
Knowledge and familiarity of bicycle, transit and pedestrian facility design, urban design, and urban planning best practices, local government, federal grants, and lobbying restrictions for 501(C)3
Ability to manage multiple projects with differing deadlines
Ability to think strategically, including systems-thinking and long-term initiative development
Ability to work independently and manage self and partners toward goals, while being a genuine “team player”
Ability to work in a fast-moving and at times intense environment
Must be highly computer literate – Google Workplace, Microsoft Office required
Must interface with a wide variety of stakeholders from elected officials to community residents
Must be comfortable facilitating meetings, making presentations, and speaking in public settings
Excellent writing skills
COMPENSATION
Salary range is $47,000-65,000
Salary is commensurate with experience– Salary is negotiable for qualified candidates with relevant (direct) experience exceeding 10 years.
This is a full-time, FLSA exempt position
The position is designed for full time 40hrs/week.
Benefits include medical insurance and dental insurance, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
New employees accrue 16 days of paid time off per year with 9 paid holidays.
Other benefits include flexible hours, a casual work environment, and an 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 support 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, faith background, 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.
WORK CONDITIONS
Office environment with work-from-home options and flexibility. For virtual work, a high-speed internet is required.
The Policy Catalyst will have a presence at 5-10 outdoor events in the bistate region, including community events, bike rides and community rides throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Fundraising and outreach events take place at a variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
Physical Responsibilities
Transport up to 25 lbs. of tabling or outreach materials to events
Work at a computer
Staff tables at outreach events
All employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to hr@trailnet.org
For questions, email Taylor March: taylor@trailnet.org
Join our team: Mobility Coordinator (part time)
About the Organization
Trailnet is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization with a 33-year history of advancing St. Louis as a place where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life. We work every day to make our region more sustainable by increasing active transportation options. If you share our mission and values, consider joining our team and help make St. Louis a premiere city for walking and biking
Position Overview
Come join Trailnet in its work to make St. Louis a better place to walk, bike, and use public transit! In the role of the Mobility Coordinator, you will create and coordinate Trailnet’s Education and Encouragement programming. The ideal candidate will be able to engage a wide and diverse audience in active transportation and bike riding whether in conjunction with a community, neighborhood, workplace, or university. The Mobility Coordinator works to address the needs of the population and provides the encouragement and education necessary to help people shift to a healthier more sustainable way of life. Major responsibilities include coordinating Bicycle Education Classes, Bike encouragement activities, building membership, multimodal commuting education, and community group rides.
Position is 20-30 hours a week, part-time and seasonal.
Reporting Relationship
The Mobility Coordinator reports to the Director of Programs and coordinates with all team members.
Responsibilities
The Mobility Coordinator will have primary responsibility for coordinating programs related to active commuting encouragement and education.
Responsibilities include:
Coordination and delivery of 10 Bicycle Maintenance Education Classes
Coordination and logistics of 6 Bike Safety Rodeos/Adult Learn to Ride Events
Coordination of 9 Try the Greenways / Connect Destinations Rides (45min out and 45min back greenway rides)
Helping in the logistics planning and executing of 4-5 Community Rides 10-12 miles in length with community partners contributing to learning on two wheels experiences.
Increasing public awareness of infrastructure improvements related to biking
Working to address the problem of poor air quality in the City of St. Louis by promoting biking for transportation
Promoting biking for transportation through social networks, partnerships, and events
Providing education regarding cycling skills for a wide range of people
Execute encouragement programming and evaluate impacts, help to develop concepts for 2023 Education Programs
Help with strategic development and planning of programs to create safer streets for all.
Coordination of logistics for Community Rides (day-of ride support, public safety support, vendors, bicycle shops, maps, etc.) (Event site logistics are part of the rides coordinator positions duties).
Help with sponsor activation and fulfillment on the event.
Support programming for Planning, Rides and Outreach.
Required
Bachelors degree or equivalent experience
Experience in program development and evaluation 1- 2 yrs
Excellent written and communication skills
Creative problem solver
Experience with Adobe InDesign and or ArcGIS a plus
Enthusiasm for and experience with bicycle commuting and transit
Ability to ride a bike and lift 25 pounds
Ability to have a flexible work schedule, with much of the work being after 5PM or on weekends
Qualifications
Knowledge of St. Louis area biking and transit conditions
Ability to manage multiple projects with multiple contacts and differing deadlines
Ability to work independently and manage self and partners toward goals, while being a genuine “team player”
Ability to engage with diverse populations in active commuting
Ability to work in a fast moving environment, and ability to work with fast-paced colleagues
Ability to lead by example
Systems thinker who recognizes the relationship between transportation, land use, health, and urban planning a plus
COMPENSATION:
Pay starts at $20 / hour, with stipend to attend League Cycling Instructor Training in a mutually agreed upon location
This is a part-time, seasonal position
The position is designed for part time work, no more than 30hrs/week.
Other benefits include flexible hours, a casual work environment, and an 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 support 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, faith background, 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.
WORK CONDITIONS:
Office environment with work-from-home options and flexibility. For virtual work, a high-speed internet is required.
The Mobility Coordinator should have a presence at 15-20 outdoor events in the bistate region, including community rides and education events throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Physical Responsibilities:
Transport up to 25 lbs. of education materials to events
Work at a computer
All employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
Application Process
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to hr@trailnet.org
For questions, email Taylor March: taylor@trailnet.org
Prop 1, April 5: Voters to weigh in on sidewalks, bike lanes and street repairs
A $50 million bond question including funding for sidewalk improvements, bike infrastructure and street repairs is will be on City of St. Louis voters’ ballots on Tuesday, April 5 vote.
The bond question, Proposition 1, would help pay for the backlog of infrastructure repairs and improvements that aren’t covered by federal assistance funds.
“This bond question is an important step to invest in safe, sustainable infrastructure. We need to see more funding focused on closing sidewalk gaps, improving accessibility for people with disabilities and supporting safer biking,” Kevin Hahn-Petruso Trailnet’s policy manager said.
Alderwoman Marlene Davis introduced proposal and it was passed without opposition by the Board of Aldermen and approved by Mayor Tishaura Jones in January 2022.
The debt from the bonds will be paid off using existing property tax streams and not result in a property tax increase.
In addition to street repair and biking and walking upgrades, the bonds would also help pay for a new emergency dispatch center and improving conditions at correctional facilities. Money from the bonds could also be used as matching funds for federal programs – including the transportation programs that help fund the city’s planned cycle tracks – and for repairs of city buildings.
Two-thirds of people voting in the election would need to support the bond issue for it to pass.
Community Engagement with Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood
Since 2015, Trailnet has worked alongside residents, elected officials, and organizations within the Jeff-Vander-Lou (JVL) neighborhood in North St. Louis to demonstrate and plan for several neighborhood improvements. Several improvements Trailnet and residents began planning and advocating for 2015 are finally came to fruition in 2021 and 2020.
The work in JVL kicked off in 2015 when Trailnet, the Missouri Chapter of the American Planning Association, the HEAL partnership, and the City of St. Louis hosted four pop-up traffic calming demonstrations across the City of St. Louis. Jeff-Vander-Lou, one of the four identified neighborhoods, demonstrated a neighborhood roundabout and chicanes (street narrowers) at the corner of Sheridan and Garrison Avenue with the goal of slowing down neighborhood traffic.
The demonstration proved extremely successful. Along Sheridan and Garrison, average traffic speeds dropped over 2 MPH, and complete stops increase from 48% to 63%, when compared to conditions before the demonstration. Several elected officials, like former Mayor Francis Slay, and key City staff, attended the demonstration. This allowed JVL residents to speak directly with the people responsible for funding and implementing traffic solutions across the City. Shortly after the demonstration in the Spring of 2016, several new speed humps were installed along Garrison Avenue in front of Dunbar Elementary and Ms. Tillies Corner, two JVL landmarks.
After the demonstration and the new speed humps, Trailnet continued to engage with partners and residents at community events throughout 2017 – 2019 like the annual Ms. Tillie’s Health Fair. 2020 brought revived momentum for traffic calming projects. Throughout the previous years, several residents noted excessive speeding and stop sign running throughout the neighborhood. The fence surrounding Ms. Tillie’s Corner was unfortunately hit by a driver speeding through the intersection of Garrison and Sheridan exposing that more infrastructure was needed throughout the neighborhood.
Trailnet staff attended several JVL neighborhood meetings and met with several residents and elected officials to determine which locations were of high priority and what types of infrastructure they preferred to slow down traffic. Through these conversations, an initial plan to implement a roundabout (similar to what was demonstrated during the 2015 pop-up) at the corner of Dayton and Glasgow, near the corner of Fresh Starts Community Garden and the Gamble Center. Trailnet and residents began an aggressive advocacy push to fund the roundabout project and other traffic calming solutions.
During this advocacy push, Trailnet worked with other partners in the JVL neighborhood to implement small-scale projects and identify gaps in the current sidewalk network. Trailnet partnered with the City of St. Louis Health Department and Columbia Elementary to purchase 20 new trees, “Stop for Pedestrian” signage to be placed in front of the school, and supplies to beautify two planter pots near the school. Trailnet staff also began an analysis of the existing sidewalk conditions in the JVL neighborhood to identify areas for sidewalk improvement. Every sidewalk from Natural Bridge Avenue to St. Louis Avenue (along Vandeventer to Glasgow Ave) was assessed and mapped by Trailnet staff.
New roundabout installed in 2022
The end of 2021 brought good news for JVL residents with secured funding for the roundabout at Dayton and Glasgow. The construction of the roundabout, which finished in February 2022, brought much-needed traffic calming to an intersection in which most cars did not stop at the stop sign. Even with the roundabout finally constructed after almost 7 years of advocacy the work in JVL is not complete. N. Grand, which runs right through the heart of JVL, has been identified as a high crash corridor by Trailnet’s Crash Reports and the intersection of Grand & Montogomery has been analyzed as the 7th most dangerous intersection in the United States. North Grand and several other neighborhood streets are in desperate need of traffic calming interventions in the near future and Trailnet continues to work with the JVL residents to push elected officials and city staff to fund and implement projects in JVL.
Weigh in on local walking, biking, and transit projects
Add your voice for better walking, biking, and transit!
Numerous local projects in the St. Louis Region are up for federal construction funding, and public comments are open for people to weigh in.
We’ve highlighted a few of these projects from local-government partners that will help connect key destinations and improve safety for walking and biking.
The deadline to submit comments is 5 p.m. Thursday, March 31.
There are many more projects than we have listed here. Most are for street repairs but some include sidewalk and crosswalk improvements. Check out the full listing here to see what your local community is working on.
Tower Grove Connector Phase 2
The City of St. Louis is applying for funding for the second phase of the Tower Grove Connector project.
The first phase of the project includes a 1.4 mile cycle track (a.k.a. protected bike lane) along Tower Grove Ave. and Vandeventer Ave. between Tower Grove Park and The Grove business district. Funding for Phase 1 was awarded in 2020 and is currently in the final design phase, moving towards construction in 2023.
Phase 2 would extend the cycle track .6 miles north along Sarah St. to the Brickline Greenway, and then continue north to Forest Park Parkway utilizing a low stress bicycle facility, the type of which is to be determined in the design phase.
Based on the project application, construction for Phase 2 would occur in 2025.
Great Rivers Greenway is seeking funding for a .5 mile segment of the Brickline Greenway in the City of St. Louis. The funding would support a greenway on Spring Ave. between Page Ave. and Washington Ave.
This grant would help extend the reach of the section of the planned Brickline Greenway from Fairground Park to Page Blvd, which was recently awarded federal funding. When combined, these two segments will create a walking and biking connection between Fairground Park and Grand Center.
The greenway will also provide enhanced safety for people walking and biking along the corridor, which currently has one of the highest rates of crashes injuring and killing pedestrians in the St. Louis region.
Based on the project application, construction would occur in 2026.
Deer Creek Greenway: Big Bend Blvd to River Des Peres Greenway
Great Rivers Greenway has submitted a project in Maplewood and the City of St. Louis to extend the Deer Creek Greenway 1 mile, linking it to the River Des Peres Greenway. The proposed project would extend the greenway from Big Bend Blvd. to the River des Peres Greenway.
When complete, it will create a new connection linking the Deer Creek Greenway to the wider network of greenways including the River des Peres, Gravois, and Christy Greenways. This will create 25 miles of connected, paved greenways.
Based on the project application, construction would occur in 2025.
The City of Kirkwood has proposed a 1.2 mile extension of Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail. Currently the trail ends at a trailhead and parking lot on S. Holmes Ave. in Kirkwood. This proposed extension would connect the trail into downtown Kirkwood at the Kirkwood Farmers Market, along the old railroad lines and paralleling surface streets.
The project is broken up into two phases. Based on the project applications, construction would occur for both phases in 2026.
The City of St. Charles is seeking funding for a .4 miles of improved sidewalk connections, curb ramps, and high visibility crosswalks along 2nd St. from Clark St. to Bayard St. The sidewalks would include curb extensions that shorten crossing distances for people walking and slow automobile speeds. This would also include a trail connection from the Katy Trail to the Boschert Greenway that crosses Second Street at Lawrence Street.
Based on the project application, construction would occur in 2026.
The City of Crestwood has applied for funding to construct a .2 mile multi-use path connecting Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail to Whitecliff Park and the Crestwood Community Center. The path would replace sidewalks along Pardee Rd. and Whitecliff Ln. and include crosswalk improvements.
Based on the project application, construction would occur in 2026.
The funding applications also include money to update the region’s bus fleet: including 10 Metro buses and three St. Clair County Transit District buses in 2025 as well as nine call-a-ride buses in 2026.
Follow this link, then click on “BI-STATE DEVELOPMENT/METRO” to weigh in on the bus purchases.
The Funding
These federal funds are administered by the East West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG). Funding for these projects come from two competitive federal programs. One program is aimed at improving air quality and reducing congestion: the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ). The other is the Surface Transportation Program – Suballoacated (STP-S) which provides flexible road funding for local governments.
The Missouri Senate’s Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee voted today to advance a bill that would limit phone-use while driving. The legislation that would limit distracted driving now moves to the full Missouri Senate for debate.
Important progress
This vote is a major step forward for efforts to pass distracted driving rules. Tuesday’s vote is the first time a distracted driving bill has been approved by a Missouri legislative committee since 2018. This progress is due in large part to the work of the Hands-Free Missouri Coalition, which Trailnet helped launch in 2019 and has been helping organize outreach at the Capitol.
Last week, Trailnet’s policy manager Kevin Hahn-Petruso testified along with victim advocates and statewide partners on the bill during a hearing on the bill:
“We all share some responsibility when we get on the road, whether we’re driving, or walking across the street. But that responsibility isn’t equal. We all have a duty, but the folks with more power and more authority have a greater duty to protect the health and safety of the people on our streets,” Hahn-Petruso said.
Hands-Free Missouri members and partners following the March 1 hearing at the Missouri Capitol
“Hands-Free” Legislation: Senate Bill 713
The legislation, sponsored by Greg Razer (Kansas City) restricting distracted driving would improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving.
However, the legislation allows people to use a device while in “Hands-free mode” if:
(1) it can be used without holding the device
(2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and
(3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road.
The bill also allows exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
Distracted driving puts everyone on our roads in danger, but the risk to people walking, biking is even greater. More than 2,500 crashes a year in Missouri involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020. Missouri is one of two states without distracted driving rules for all drivers.
How you can help:
Despite this important step forward, progress isn’t guaranteed and there is still lots of work to do.
Please help by contacting your state senators asking them to support Senate Bill 713 and sign on as a cosponsor.
Contact your representatives urging them to support similar distracted driving legislation.
Email kevinhahn@trailnet.org to get involved with our advocacy work to end distracted driving.
Below is a sample message for the emails or phone calls to lawmakers’ offices. Please take this and make it your own.
Senator/Representative ________ and staff:
My name is ______ and I’m reaching out to urge you to support hands-free legislation to help prevent deaths and injuries from distracted driving.
Distracted driving is a real problem across the state with a real human cost. More than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020. This has to stop.
I urge you to support SB 713 and similar hands free legislation.
The bill will improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving. However, the bill allows people to use a device while driving if (1) it can be used without holding the device, (2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and (3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road. The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
You should support this legislation because:
It will save lives and prevent injuries: similar laws passed in other states led to an average 15% reduction in fatal crashes within two years of passing the law.
It will save money: the financial costs from these crashes affect individuals, their families, communities, employers as well as insurance costs, lost wages, and the strain on our medical system. According to the FHWA, each fatal Missouri crash caused by distracted driving results in $9.9 million in comprehensive cost, including $1.5 million in economic costs like emergency services, legal cost, property damage and lost wages and benefits.
It is popular: in a 2020 poll, 69% of Missourians surveyed said they would support hands free legislation.
I hope you support this legislation and would love the opportunity to talk more with you or your staff. Sincerely,
_________
Work with us: Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Trailnet is looking for a communications professional to advance our work of making walking, biking and public transit a way of life in the St. Louis region. The Marketing and Communications Coordinator will guide our communications and marketing strategy to tell our story of success in achieving our mission, while maintaining and strengthening the Trailnet message and brand.
Trailnet has a wide audience of 1,700 members and more than 19,000 passionate constituents that follow and support our work. This position is highly collaborative, leading online, social media, print, PR, multimedia, and brand management initiatives.
The Marketing and Communications Coordinator reports directly to the Policy Manager, works closely with the leadership team, and coordinates communications with the program areas of membership, rides, planning, and advocacy.
About the Organization
Trailnet is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization with a 33-year history making walking and biking a way of life in the St. Louis region. Trailnet achieves its mission through a variety of programs that get people moving and help the region build for better walking, biking, and transit.
We’re a small, dedicated team focused on serving the needs of people in our community by improving safety and access to walking, biking and transit. We hope to improve our transportation systems’ impact on: people’s personal health, our local environment and the global climate.
Core Responsibilities
Content Development – (40% of time)
Work with staff to manage Trailnet’s brand messaging, and voice
Create and deliver communications plans for events, and programs
Lead the creation of content across social media platforms, email campaigns, and website
Consult with staff and contractors to create promotions and marketing materials/media for projects, programs, and events
Produce and manage email communications, including a regular newsletter, and project-specific communications
Provide copy editing and proofreading as needed
Social Media Management – (40% of time)
Work with staff to strategize, schedule, and manage Trailnet’s social media
Manage a budget for social media advertising
Monitor online engagement and respond to questions from the public
Review and maintain up-to-date content on all platforms
Ensure Trailnet is appropriately acknowledging sponsors and funders
Event Support – (5-10% of time, depending on the season)
Provide hands-on assistance at bike rides and fundraising events. This includes helping with setup, teardown, and providing customer service at events.
Cover events for communications needs: take photos, interview participants, record video, livestream, etc.
Engage with members of the public at in-person engagement events. Provide information on Trailnet’s mission and programs and answer questions or connect people with resources.
(Trailnet events and outreach include: 10-12 outdoor events in the bistate region, including distance bike rides and community rides throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.)
Tracking, Reporting (less than 5% of time)
Organize and manage marketing materials
Develop monthly reports
Track and document traditional media appearances
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree with commensurate experience (preferred degree programs include: communications, marketing, journalism, business, English, social science and other liberal arts)
1 to 2 years of relevant experience preferred
Required Skills
Content development, copywriting
Advertising and Marketing
Social media management
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and website tools
Proofreading and copywriting
Organizational skills in planning social media and contracted marketing activities and agreements
Self-motivation & problem solving —able to work alone and as a member of a team
Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced environment with a strong sense of prioritization
Able to interact with a diverse community of staff, partners, participants, and volunteers
Preferred Skills and experience- these are all a plus
Public Relations/ Media Relations
Graphic Design
Customer service
Photography and videography
WordPress experience
Mailchimp or email CRM experience
Compensation:
Salary range is $33,000-40,000
This is a full-time, FLSA exempt position
The position is designed for full time 40hrs/week. However, we are open to the potential to arrange for a reduced work week (30 hrs/week), which would still include benefits.
Benefits include medical insurance and dental insurance, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
New employees accrue 16 days of paid time off per year with 9 paid holidays.
Other benefits include flexible hours, a casual work environment, and an 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 support 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, faith background, 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.
Work Conditions:
Office environment with work-from-home options and flexibility. For virtual work, a high-speed internet is required.
The Marketing and Communications Coordinator should have a presence at 15-20 outdoor events in the bistate region, including bike rides and community rides throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Fundraising and outreach events take place at a variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
Physical Responsibilities:
Transport up to 25 lbs. of tabling or outreach materials to events
Work at a computer
Staff tables at outreach events
All employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
Application Information
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to hr@trailnet.org
For questions, email Kevin Hahn-Petruso: kevinhahn@trailnet.org
Legislation to limit distracted driving will be up for debate in a Missouri Senate hearing tomorrow, Tuesday March 1 and you have a chance to help move the bill forward.
Will you help?
Distracted driving puts everyone on our roads in danger, but the risk to people walking, biking is even greater. More than 2,500 crashes a year in Missouri involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020.
This has to stop.
A Missouri State Senate bill sponsored by Greg Razer (Kansas City) restricting distracted driving would improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving.
However, the legislation allows people to use a device while in “Hands-free mode” if:
(1) it can be used without holding the device
(2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and
(3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road.
The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
This legislation will be heard in committee tomorrow morning. This bill is one of several different initiatives in the Missouri Senate and House to limit distracted driving and the first to receive a hearing this year.
Stay tuned to Trailnet’s social media and newsletters for other opportunities to help advocate for distracted driving legislation this year.
Below is a sample message for the emails or phone calls to lawmakers’ offices. Please take this and make it your own.
Senator/Representative ________ and staff:
My name is ______ and I’m reaching out to urge you to support hands-free legislation to help prevent deaths and injuries from distracted driving.
Distracted driving is a real problem across the state with a real human cost. More than 2,500 crashes a year involve people using their phones while driving. Likewise, 407 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver between 2016 and 2020. This has to stop.
I urge you to support SB 713 and similar hands free legislation.
The bill will improve safety by restricting people from using electronic wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart phones, laptops, and other similar devices) while driving. However, the bill allows people to use a device while driving if (1) it can be used without holding the device, (2) it can be used with the push of a single button, and (3) it doesn’t take the driver’s attention away from the road. The bill also allows important exemptions for emergency calls, emergency vehicles, navigation, etc.
You should support this legislation because:
It will save lives and prevent injuries: similar laws passed in other states led to an average 15% reduction in fatal crashes within two years of passing the law.
It will save money: the financial costs from these crashes affect individuals, their families, communities, employers as well as insurance costs, lost wages, and the strain on our medical system. According to the FHWA, each fatal Missouri crash caused by distracted driving results in $9.9 million in comprehensive cost, including $1.5 million in economic costs like emergency services, legal cost, property damage and lost wages and benefits.
It is popular: in a 2020 poll, 69% of Missourians surveyed said they would support hands free legislation.
I hope you support this legislation and would love the opportunity to talk more with you or your staff. Sincerely,
_________
Two year, $200,000 Missouri Foundation for Health grant to support Trailnet advocacy
This month, Trailnet began work on a multi-year advocacy effort to reduce deaths and injuries from traffic crashes in the City of St. Louis.
This advocacy effort is funded through a new 2-year, $200,000 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH). The MFH grant supports advocacy efforts to address community-identify health needs.
This advocacy effort is an extension of Trailnet’s ongoing advocacy, planning and education programs.
With this funding, this concentrated effort will:
1. Advocate for a comprehensive, need-based policy for traffic safety
Currently, most traffic safety improvements are done on a ward-by-ward basis, with wards receiving equal shares of funding regardless of the level of need in each ward. This approach – as well as the region’s history – has resulted in a fragmented, inequitable system: leaving some neighborhoods with safer streets, sidewalks, and bike infrastructure while others struggling to address basic needs.
Comprehensive means a city-wide approach and should include all relevant departments and community stakeholders.
Need-based means that areas with the most need should receive the most support. This should be informed by data and shaped by the needs of residents.
2. Support community efforts to prioritize mobility and safety
Residents are the experts on their communities, and they stand to benefit or lose the most from traffic projects. With this funding from MFH, Trailnet will support neighborhood and resident-led efforts to improve traffic safety.
3. Advocate for funding to support traffic safety improvements. Improving funding for safety upgrades is necessary to make any meaningful improvements to the safety of our streets. Through this MFH grant, Trailnet will work with community partners to advocate for greater funding to support these changes.
We’re Hiring: Rides Coordinator
About the Organization
Trailnet is a not for profit 501 (c) 3 organization with a 34-year history of advancing St. Louis as a place where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life. By advocating for a network of safe, easy-to-access walking and bicycling routes across St. Louis, we aim to bridge transportation equity gaps and make it easier for all people to get from place to place. We work every day to make our region more sustainable by increasing active transportation options that curb greenhouse gas emissions. Trailnet brings people together throughout the bi-state region with a wide breadth of bicycle rides, educational events, and advocacy programs. Join our team and help make St. Louis a premiere city for walking and biking.
The Trailnet Classics are a series of supported, single-day, multi-distanced bike rides around the St. Louis Region. Every ride includes:
– Marked routes, maps and turn-by-turn navigation
– Multiple rest stops with water and snacks
– Support (SAG) vehicles on the route to assist with mechanical and basic first aid issues
Overview:
The Trailnet Rides Coordinator is integral to the planning and success of the Trailnet Classics Rides. The Rides Coordinator is primarily responsible for coordinating and managing Rides volunteers, working with the Rides Director to plan and execute rest stop setup and management, and route marking. The Rides Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the highest standards for volunteer/participant safety and a positive event experience.
A successful candidate will be self-motivated, team-centric, strategic, charismatic, detail-oriented, and highly organized. Familiarity cycling events in the St. Louis Metropolitan area is preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
Logistics Support
Coordinate and assist Ride Director with planning and logistics, specifically day-of logistics and execution
Work all Trailnet Classics Rides events and preparation days prior to the event (see Time Commitment below)
Work with Rides Director to mark routes prior to event
Work with Rides Director to plan rest stop logistics
Prepare rest stop equipment and supplies
Execute Rest Stop setup and break down on event day
Volunteer Management
Recruit, train and manage event volunteers, with special attention to Rest Stop Captains
Communicate with volunteers prior to events to deliver instructions and answer questions
Obtain Volunteer Consent Forms from each rest stop captain and other volunteers
Qualifications:
Must successfully complete a background check and driving record screening
Ability to lead others, provide great customer service, analyze situations and make sound decisions, organize people and processes, be friendly, approachable, and dependable
Recruitment, Training, Relationship Building experience preferred
Must be available at all (7) event weekends and the days prior to event day to prepare equipment and supplies
Attend meetings with Rides Team to discuss and strategize event logistics
Comfortable driving large vehicles (Passenger vans, U-Hauls, etc)
Comfortable pulling a trailer. Backing up a trailer is a plus
Time Commitment:
Full day-of route marking usually 2 days prior to event
3 warehouse preparation days the week prior to event day
Very early call times with some as early as 5am. Depending on the event, lodging may be provided for the night before, particularly for events farther from St. Louis City
Long hours on event days. Up to 14 hours in some cases.
April 9th – StG Gravel Classic in Ste. Genevieve, MO
May 22nd – Uphill Battle in Wildwood, MO
July 10th – I Scream for Ice Cream Ride in Edwardsville, IL
July 31st – Calhoun County Classic in Calhoun County, IL
August 21st – Bottleneck Bridge Ride in Festus, MO
September 4th – Giro Della Montagna in St. Louis, MO
October 1st – Ride the Rivers Century in St. Charles, MO
Physical Demands:
These include stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, grasping, pulling, pushing, standing for long periods of time, carrying, and lifting of light loads (up to 50 lb.). Working outside and in non-air conditioned settings and possibly in inclement weather.
Salary:
This is a part-time, contract position lasting from April through mid-October. Salary range: $7,000. Option for hourly but must commit to the entire rides season.
Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter to rides@trailnet.org
Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity
Trailnet is committed to support 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.
