Interested in our mission? Passionate about biking in Manchester? Know all about communicating?
Then, we’re looking for you!
QC Bike has received generous funding to focus our efforts on communication and advocacy.
See below for more details!
Queen City Bicycle Collective
Communications & Support Manager
Organization Description:
The mission of Queen City Bicycle Collective (QC Bike) is to get – and keep – the Manchester community riding bicycles, safely and affordably. Our primary project is “Open Shop,” which provides tools, parts, and expertise, in a do-it-together, hands-on training format that teaches users how to maintain their own bicycle. Secondly, by accepting donations, our organization is able to provide a low-cost, but high-quality option for refurbished bicycles, in our community. Thirdly, in partnership with The Manchester Health Department, we provide bikes (with lights, locks, and helmets) to 4th & 5th graders at Beech Street & Gossler Park Elementary schools for students who complete the Earn-A-Bike curriculum.
Our original, pre-COVID model was heavily volunteer-dependent and shop-focused. Last year, we pivoted to a greater reliance upon paid staff and are hoping for a blended staffing model, with a wider base of support, into the future. Our efforts to expand operations – beyond the walls of our shop – are beginning to bear fruit, with the FixIt station project, the bike community SWOT analysis, and the absorption of Bike MHT.
Job Summary:
The Communications & Support Manager is a new and critical position for QC Bike, and will be part of the Collective’s management team, including: the acting Executive Director, the Shop Manager, and the officers of the Board of Directors. This team is responsible for overseeing the planning, administration, and execution of programming to achieve QC Bike’s mission.
The broad goal of this position is to help QC Bike secure a path to achieve our current and expanded work plans, in a sustainable fashion. The Communication & Support Manager will be responsible for: the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy; increasing volunteer involvement and engagement; outreach to and strengthening of collaborations with biking organizations, and the wider Manchester community; ongoing support of non-mechanical, day-to-day operations of the bike shop; exploring options for bicycle advocacy in Manchester; and assistance with identifying and securing ongoing funding.
This position is grant funded for nine months, as a full time position. QC Bike offers a flexible work schedule and may be able to accommodate less than full time, if the goals can be met. At the end of the grant period, the organization will determine what resources are available, and needed, to meet organizational goals and plan accordingly.
Job Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain proficiency in QC Bike’s mission, vision, and current operations, and comfortably serve as spokesperson, where & when appropriate.
- Provide non-mechanical support for “Open Shop”, including at least two shifts of 3-4 hours/week to maintain knowledge of operations and coordinate with QC staff/team.
- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive communications strategy that: includes QC Bike’s website & online presence; enhances donor giving capabilities; and increases community awareness of organizational activities, with special focus on the rollout of the new bike repair fixit stations.
- Strengthen recruitment, engagement, and coordination of volunteers, by: interviewing current and past volunteers; exploring opportunities for volunteers; and implementing volunteer onboarding.
- Improve engagement in the cycling community by organizing, scheduling, and promoting group rides and other events, in coordination with other groups, as appropriate, with particular attention paid to coordinating Bike Month activities, in May
- Support the identifying and securing of ongoing funding, through: researching and writing grants; major donor cultivation (corporate, private, public); and small donor solicitation, including bike donations.
- Support the Earn-a-Bike program through: donor relations; coordination with other organizations; communication strategy; and hands-on, “day-of” support.
- Maintenance of shop based bookkeeping and databases.
- In coordination with the Board and appropriate committee(s), explore options and opportunities within the realm of bicycle advocacy, for QCBike to engage in.
- Other duties as determined by the management team.
Qualifications:
Passion for QC Bike’s mission and a deep interest in working with community groups and volunteers. Must be resourceful, independent, and able to work with a team.
Associate’s degree in community organization, communications, or related field, with two years nonprofit experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
To Apply:
Send an expression of interest and resume to Abby Easterly, acting Executive Director, abby@qcbike.org or make a “drop-off” appointment, here.