Ohio RiverCorps Program Development Manager

Organization: Ohio River Way

Role: Ohio RiverCorps Program Development Manager

Location: Hybrid (remote with travel in Hamilton and Lawrence counties, OH, as well as other Ohio River communities)

Duration: Part-time from October 2026 to July 2027 (around 20 hours/week with a flexible schedule); potential extension to full-time in August 2027

Compensation: $40/hour plus travel expenses (no benefits)

Start date: Target of Sept. 30

Job Summary: 

The Ohio River Way is seeking a part-time Program Development Manager to design a proposed “Ohio RiverCorps” program. This role is primarily funded through a planning grant from ServeOhio, and it will culminate in the submission of a request for operational funds for FY2027-FY2029. The proposed RiverCorps will focus on building and maintaining natural-surface trails while providing workforce development to our service members.

The Program Development Manager will coordinate with potential host sites, plan member recruitment, plan for the necessary trail-building training and workforce development programming, build the financial management systems and internal controls needed for the Ohio River Way to successfully administer an operational AmeriCorps grant, and draft at least one Application for operational funding. If awarded operational funding, this position may transition into a full-time Program Manager. This position may also be required to assist the Ohio River Way with the development of similar AmeriCorps operational funding requests in other states. 

Ohio River Way description:

The Ohio River Way is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people find adventure, inspire care for the land and water, and to grow the economies of Ohio River communities. As a coalition of river communities, we currently connect and serve communities in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia. This project aligns with our strategic objective of growing a braided network of land and water trails along the Ohio River. We currently have two full time employees, a team of contractors, as well as active volunteers and other in-kind supporters.

Examples of Duties:

• Manage the development of all aspects of the proposed “Ohio RiverCorps” program, including coordinating with potential host sites, writing member position descriptions, developing the member training program, creating management systems.
• Develop program budget and refine organizational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Prepare and submit application(s) for operational funding, including developing the program logic models and performance measures.
• Implement systems to track outreach, recruitment, member applications, timetracking, attendance, program expenses, reporting, and other administrative items needed to launch and operate the program.
• Build relationships and lead meetings with community partners, project collaborators, state service commission staff, and potential host sites.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Must have experience managing federal reimbursement-based funding
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable means of transportation
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a hybrid team
• Based near the Ohio River, preferably in Ohio
• A passion for the outdoors

Preferred:

• Prior experience building or maintaining natural-surface trails (either personally or as a manager)
• Prior experience managing AmeriCorps members
• Experience writing grant applications, grant reports, budgets, and preparing relevant supporting documentation
• Experience with managerial accounting and/or nonprofit financial management
• Bachelors Degree in relevant field, or five years of relevant experience
• Once hired, attendance at the Ohio River Way’s Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 summit in Ironton, OH

Additional Details:

• Hours flexible to accommodate personal schedule
• Some travel along the Ohio River required
• Position supervised by Ohio River Way Executive and Deputy Directors