Application Guide
How to Apply for Executive Director
at Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire
🏢 About Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire
Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire (BWANH) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to making New Hampshire a safer, more accessible place for walking and biking. As a remote-first, part-time organization, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of active transportation in the state, working with a passionate board and community partners to create real, lasting change.
About This Role
As Executive Director, you'll be the driving force behind BWANH's strategic vision, leading fundraising, communications, and advocacy efforts. Working closely with the Board, you'll implement annual work plans, expand the organization's reach, and build relationships that amplify the impact of safe streets and trails for all Granite Staters. This is a unique leadership opportunity to grow an organization from a part-time, board-driven entity into a more robust and influential voice.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start by checking emails and reviewing the latest advocacy news in New Hampshire, then you might meet virtually with the board president to finalize a grant proposal. Afternoon could involve writing a newsletter, updating the website, and preparing a presentation for a potential sponsor, while also mentoring a part-time communications coordinator. You'll likely spend parts of the week attending coalition meetings or representing BWANH at local events, balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire Is Looking For
- A strategic and hands-on leader with experience in nonprofit management, including developing and executing annual work plans and budgets.
- A proven fundraiser with a track record of diversifying revenue streams, cultivating donors, and securing grants to support organizational growth.
- An excellent communicator and marketer who can craft compelling stories, manage social media, and engage diverse audiences to build a strong supporter base.
- A collaborative relationship-builder who can work effectively with a board, supervise part-time staff/contractors, and represent the organization to policymakers, media, and community partners.
- A self-starter who thrives in a remote, part-time environment, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail for managing finances and databases.
📝 Tips for Applying to Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire
In your resume and cover letter, quantify your achievements in fundraising, communications, and organizational growth (e.g., 'Increased annual fundraising by 30%', 'Grew email list by 50%').
Showcase your experience working with a board of directors, especially in a part-time or volunteer capacity, to demonstrate you can navigate that dynamic.
Highlight any specific knowledge of active transportation, bike/pedestrian advocacy, or New Hampshire's political landscape; if you lack direct experience, emphasize your ability to quickly learn and your passion for the mission.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Asana) and your ability to manage projects independently.
Tailor your cover letter to address the organization's need for growth: how would you help BWANH increase its reach and impact? Provide concrete ideas, not just generic enthusiasm.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your alignment with BWANH's mission to promote walking and biking, and why this cause is personally meaningful to you.", "Your specific experience in fundraising and development, with examples of how you've successfully secured resources for a nonprofit.", "Your ability to be a 'player-coach'—strategic in planning but also willing to handle day-to-day tasks like social media, newsletters, and donor management.", "Your vision for growing BWANH's membership and supporter base, mentioning innovative marketing or engagement strategies you'd like to implement."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Visit BWANH's website and social media channels to understand their current messaging, programs, and recent advocacy wins.
- → Review New Hampshire's current biking and walking infrastructure, recent legislation (e.g., complete streets policies), and active transportation plans to speak to specific challenges and opportunities.
- → Look into BWANH's financial health and membership model if available (e.g., via public filings or annual reports) to understand their funding base and potential for growth.
- → Familiarize yourself with the board members' backgrounds and the organization's history to show you've done your homework and understand their governance style.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't apply with a generic cover letter that could be for any executive director role; avoid vague statements about 'passion for mission' without specific knowledge of BWANH's work.
- Avoid overlooking the part-time nature of the role in your application—if you're looking for full-time work, this may not be a fit, and highlighting that you're available for part-time hours is key.
- Don't underestimate the need for hands-on skills like social media management and donor database maintenance; even if you're a big-picture leader, you must show you're willing and able to handle operational tasks.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire!