Diversifying the outdoor industry and creating opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs is central to Path Ahead Ventures. The Program Specialist advances these goals by delivering impactful programs. They foster a supportive ecosystem for founders of color to grow their businesses. Through thoughtful operations and community initiatives, this role shapes a more inclusive future for the outdoor industry.

As Program Specialist, work closely with the Senior Program Manager. Collaborate across teams within REI Co-op, including Merchandising, Marketing, Retail Operations, Digital, Experience, and Impact. In this hands-on role, manage the daily operations of multiple Path Ahead Ventures entrepreneur programs. These include Embark, Ascent, Navigate, and Intensives. Ensure seamless execution of programming, events, and community-building efforts. Act as a vital resource and point of connection for founders. Help them access the tools, networks, and knowledge they need to succeed.

Your work should show an understanding of equity and inclusion. Recognize barriers to social and economic equity. Contribute to efforts that foster positive change in the outdoor industry. Approach your work with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Adapt to new ideas and feedback as you go. Collaboration is key. Work with others to create tactics that address challenges and maximize program impact.

This is a non-investing role focused on program execution, founder support, and community engagement. It offers the chance to work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. Contribute meaningfully to the success of a mission-driven initiative.

Learn more about Path Ahead Ventures here.

Program Operations

• Manages all logistics for Path Ahead Ventures programs. This includes application processes, scheduling, calendar management, and onboarding for founders, mentors, and advisors.
• Defines and manages application questions, submission processes, and applicant communications to ensure transparency and smooth candidate progression.
• Tracks applicant status and schedules interviews and pitch sessions.
• Develops all program documents, like curriculum resources, session outlines, and materials. Ensures they are updated, organized, and accessible for smooth program delivery.
• Partners with internal REI teams and external subject matter experts to support curriculum delivery and program alignment.
• Manages data and tracking systems in Affinity, Airtable, and other tools. Ensures data cleanliness at the start and end of each program.
• Develops program timelines, resources, and communications to ensure all stakeholders are fully informed and prepared.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for partners and external stakeholders during program execution, ensuring seamless coordination.
• Supports planning for key program events, including the annual Founder Summit and other in-person gatherings.
• Partners with the Senior Program Manager to track budgets, process invoices, and coordinate vendor payments for program events.

Community Engagement & Founder Support

• Facilitates connections between founders, REI stores, and local marketing teams.
• Manages and optimizes digital community platforms like Slack and the Founders Hub on SharePoint. This enhances resource accessibility and community engagement.
• Develops and maintains a knowledge-sharing infrastructure on SharePoint, ensuring founders have access to educational materials and industry insights.
• Onboards subject matter experts (SMEs) and manages their connections, logistics, and payments.
• Engages directly with founders to provide guidance, facilitate networking, and identify growth opportunities.
• Designs and implements strategies to engage program alumni through events and ongoing support.

Program Team Operations

• Maintains founder and program information in organization-wide data systems. Oversees administrative tasks related to founder asset collection and program documentation.
• Accountable for tracking and managing expenses, including invoice processing and vendor onboarding.
• Collects and examines data on key program metrics like engagement and satisfaction. Collaborates with the Senior Program Manager to assess program effectiveness.
• Gathers feedback from founders, mentors, and participants and collaborates with the Senior Program Manager to implement improvements.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in program management, community management, or event planning (3+ years)
• Experience working in startups, venture capital, accelerator programs, or a related entrepreneurial environment (1-3 years)
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting professional communications to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
• Exceptional project management skills, including the ability to manage complex projects and multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to build and nurture online and in-person communities, particularly in Slack.
• Experience with budgeting, vendor coordination, and invoice processing.
• Experience working on a small, dynamic team and wearing multiple hats.
• Willingness to travel on a ~quarterly basis for program events and team meetings
• Demonstrated understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion values, with a learning orientation and a co-creative approach to addressing systemic issues.
• Builds rapport with all kinds of people inside and outside the organization.
• Executes effectively by using resources efficiently, meeting deadlines, and keeping others informed of work plans and progress toward goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with no-code tools for managing data and processes (e.g., SharePoint, Smartsheet).
• Experience collecting, examining, and reporting on program metrics such as engagement and satisfaction.
• Proficiency with tools such as Affinity, Airtable, Slack, and Microsoft Suite.

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.