Corridor Coordinator, Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State

In April 2023, the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State received funding through the New York State EDA Tourism Partner Sub-Awards Grant Program for the development and promotion of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Corridor (Corridor). The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Corridor will be managed by URCNYS. Through collaborative programming, marketing, and economic development, URCNYS promotes New York State’s historic role in the struggle to end slavery in New York State and the nation – an indispensable component of the Empire State’s history and its contemporary relevance that positively impacts the historic, cultural and educational programs within the State. The Corridor will run a contiguous 450-mile route connecting New York City to Niagara Falls with several loops extending to the far corners of the State, and ending at the location where freedom seekers, including Harriet Tubman, crossed the international border to freedom into Canada. Downstate, the Corridor will connect to the existing 125-mile Maryland and Delaware Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. Connection at the New York State border will include the currently under consideration portion of New Jersey, with the overall objective to create an All American Road.

The Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State seeks a professional independent contractor to serve as the Corridor Coordinator for a two-year contracted period. The Corridor Coordinator will oversee the development of the Corridor Management Plan, develop digital assets, lead promotional and tourism related initiatives, as well as oversee administrative functions. The Corridor Coordinator will help to ensure the detailed processes that URCNYS is responsible for managing throughout the development of the Corridor Management Plan. The Corridor Coordinator will serve as an integral member of the Corridor development team, reporting to the Board of Directors, and collaborating with various consultants. URCNYS is a highly autonomous and hardworking organization that includes consultants, partners, historians, volunteers, interns, and the local communities. This person will have the opportunity to help build the foundation for the Corridor and eventually Byway across the State.

Essential Responsibilities:

This role has three essential functions: administration, management plan coordination, and digital assets development.

Administration

• Lead and collaborate with the team on the development and implementation of workflow processes and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Coordinate meetings across the State (virtually and in-person) with stakeholders, municipalities, and community groups.
• Serve as lead for all operational processes and systems related to the development of the Corridor and the Corridor Management Plan.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Management Plan Coordination

• Coordinate and work directly with the Corridor Management Plan consultant, and reporting to the URCNYS Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Corridor Committee, the URCNYS board and URCNYS membership.
• Develop and plan for visitor services at sites and locations along the Corridor.
• Develop and build-out programs and events that aid in the expansion of the project beyond CMP development.
• Identify and seek additional funding for the next phase of implementation of the Corridor Management Plan.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Digital Assets Development

• Manage and develop content for all communications and marketing, including social media updates and occasional email communications, related to the development of the Corridor.
• Administer weekly website updates and content management, work with digital tech team to employ digital content.
• Compile digital research of sites, programs, artists, outdoor recreation spaces, etc., to aid in the development of the CMP.
• Assist with the development of graphics and materials for digital, and sometimes, print distribution.
• Conduct research and report on industry trends.
• Manage collections of archives and content to support all areas of the Corridor.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree is required, and a master’s degree in tourism management, non-profit
  management or a related field is preferred.
• At least five years of work experience in a nonprofit or tourism environment with similar responsibilities is expected.
• Strong administrative experience, coupled with a deep interest and background in history and cultural heritage experiences, is desired.
• Exceptional writing abilities and verbal presentation skills are critical.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, time management skills, and problem-solving ability.
• A passion for social justice, and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Commitment to team processes and collaborative working environments.
• Ability to be an energetic leader that models best practices for staff, volunteers, stakeholders and community.

Special Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle to perform job-related tasks.
• Must be available to travel throughout New York State on a 20% basis; travel expenses will be covered by URCNYS.
• Must be available to work occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Qualified candidates should submit an application consisting of both a resume and a cover letter demonstrating their qualifications. Incomplete applications will be considered unfavorably. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, October 10th, 2023.

Submit to:
Ally Spongr, President, Underground Railroad Consortium of New York
State at ally@discoverniagara.org.

For more information on the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State, please visit http://urcnys.org.