The NorthWest Avalanche Center (NWAC) is experiencing a period of significant evolution, marked by strategic growth within its non-profit team and a deepening commitment to its core mission of providing avalanche forecasting and education. At the heart of this advancement is the organization’s Development and Communications Manager, whose role has expanded to encompass a more strategic focus on fundraising, outreach, and storytelling. This transition reflects NWAC’s dedication to enhancing its capacity to support forecasters, engage with the public, and ultimately, improve safety in the winter backcountry.
A Passion for the Backcountry and Mission-Driven Impact
The individual, who recently transitioned from Membership & Communications Coordinator to Development & Communications Manager, was drawn to NWAC by a dual desire: to become more deeply immersed in the winter backcountry community and to contribute to a mission-driven organization. This synergy has proven to be a powerful catalyst, fostering an environment where a diverse set of skills can be utilized, community engagement can flourish, and creativity can be actively encouraged. "I feel fortunate to have landed in a job where I have the opportunity to utilize a variety of skills, be immersed in community, and tap into creativity at work," the manager stated. "I’ve learned so much and met many incredible people through this job. I am grateful to be a part of a talented team of creatives, educators, innovators, and avalanche professionals."
This sentiment underscores a fundamental aspect of NWAC’s operational philosophy: its people are its greatest asset. The organization prides itself on cultivating a team that brings together a wide array of expertise, from the scientific rigor of avalanche forecasting to the creative acumen required for effective communication and engagement. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for tackling the complex challenges of avalanche safety and for building a robust support network for both the public and NWAC’s vital forecasting operations.
Evolving Role: From Coordination to Strategic Leadership
The recent shift in the manager’s title signifies a significant evolution in responsibilities. While the core realm of membership and communications remains, the emphasis has pivoted towards a more strategic outlook. This includes not only the day-to-day execution of communication tasks but also the development and implementation of long-term strategies for fundraising and public engagement.
A typical day for the Development and Communications Manager is characterized by its dynamism and its responsiveness to the seasonal nature of NWAC’s work. The scope of activities is broad, encompassing the creation of compelling social media content and email newsletters, the capture of evocative photos and videos of forecasters in action during their field days, the logistical management of membership gear distribution, the meticulous upkeep of the organization’s Salesforce CRM database, and the meticulous planning of NWAC events. This multifaceted role demands adaptability, strong organizational skills, and a keen understanding of both the organization’s operational needs and its external messaging.
Championing NWAC’s Voice and Storytelling
Over the past two seasons, the Development and Communications Manager has played a pivotal role in shaping NWAC’s public voice. This has involved the creation of visual and narrative content designed to align with and amplify the organization’s overarching mission. The impact of this work has been demonstrably significant, directly contributing to the success of fundraising campaigns and NWAC events. "I have really enjoyed playing a role in NWAC’s voice and communications over the past two seasons," the manager shared. "It’s been fun and interesting to create images/videos and tell stories in a way that supports and aligns with NWAC’s mission. The content that our team created over the past two years helped drive the success of fundraising campaigns and NWAC events, which feels really worthwhile. I’m excited to take on a more strategic role in NWAC’s communications next season."
This emphasis on storytelling is crucial for building awareness and fostering a deeper connection between NWAC and its diverse stakeholders. By effectively communicating the importance of avalanche safety, the dedication of its forecasters, and the impact of its work, NWAC can cultivate stronger support, attract more resources, and ultimately, expand its reach and influence. The strategic focus on communications for the upcoming season signals an intent to further leverage these storytelling capabilities to achieve organizational goals.
Deep Roots in the North Cascades and Emerging Connections
While the manager acknowledges having "barely dipped [their] toes into all of our zones," their connection to the Pacific Northwest’s winter landscapes is deeply rooted. Having previously resided in the Methow Valley, the North Cascades hold a special place in their heart. However, recent relocation to Roslyn has opened up new avenues for exploration and engagement, particularly within the East Central zone. The experience of participating in a hut-based AIARE 2 course at the Fortune Peak huts in the Teanaway this past winter further solidified this emerging connection.
This personal connection to various regions within NWAC’s operational area is invaluable. It provides firsthand insights into the diverse conditions and challenges faced by backcountry users across different geographies. This understanding informs the communication strategies and helps tailor messaging to resonate with specific user groups and regional concerns. The expansion of NWAC’s operational zones, from the familiar terrain of WA Pass and Crystal backcountry to the iconic slopes of Mount Hood, highlights the growing reach and the increasing need for localized and nuanced avalanche safety information.
Empowering Backcountry Users: A Message of Agency
A core tenet of NWAC’s educational outreach is empowering individuals to make informed decisions in the backcountry. The manager articulates this philosophy with a powerful and inclusive message: "I want every backcountry user to know that you get to decide how you interact with the backcountry. Whether you’re out for a leisurely stroll, tearin’ it up on a sled, or chasing big lines, you get to choose your style and flavor of getting out there."
This statement emphasizes personal agency and responsibility within the context of backcountry recreation. It acknowledges the diverse motivations and styles of backcountry users, from those seeking a serene experience to those pursuing more adrenaline-fueled activities. The underlying message is that regardless of one’s chosen pursuit, a fundamental understanding of avalanche hazards and safe practices is paramount. NWAC’s role, therefore, is not to dictate how people recreate, but to provide the essential information and education that enables them to do so safely, according to their own chosen approach. This message aims to foster a culture of informed risk management, where individuals are equipped to assess conditions, understand their own capabilities, and make responsible choices.
Future Horizons: Expanding Capacity and Strengthening the Team
Looking ahead, the manager expresses significant optimism regarding the evolution of NWAC’s non-profit team. The recent addition of a new team member is anticipated to substantially increase the organization’s capacity to support its dedicated forecasters and to enhance its engagement with the broader community. "I am most excited about the recent evolution of the non-profit team," the manager stated. "We’re stoked to bring on an additional team member who will support the non-profit’s work and increase our capacity to support our forecasters and engage with our community. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish with a larger team, more experienced staff (Devon, Liz, and I have worked together for 2 seasons now!), and a continually evolving dynamic."
This expansion of the non-profit team is a strategic move to bolster NWAC’s infrastructure, allowing for more comprehensive program development, more effective fundraising initiatives, and more robust community outreach. The synergy of experienced staff, such as Devon and Liz who have worked collaboratively for two seasons, combined with new talent, promises to foster a dynamic and innovative environment. This strengthened team is poised to further NWAC’s mission by providing enhanced support to the forecasters who are on the front lines of avalanche monitoring and by deepening the organization’s connection with the public it serves. The implications of this growth are far-reaching, suggesting an enhanced ability for NWAC to expand its educational offerings, refine its forecasting models, and advocate more effectively for avalanche safety awareness.
A Memorable Day on Snow: The Unvarnished Reality of Forecasting
One particularly memorable day on snow from the past season offered a vivid illustration of the dedication and challenges faced by NWAC forecasters. While accompanying forecaster Payton on a field day in Icicle Creek, the experience evolved into an unexpected adventure. The day was characterized by extensive hiking with skis carried on backs, navigating through areas with significant dirt, wind-scoured surfaces, and dense tree cover. A humorous video captured the essence of the day, with Payton humorously remarking amidst downed trees, "This is what we get paid for!"
This anecdote, while lighthearted, serves as a powerful testament to the arduous nature of avalanche forecasting. It highlights that the valuable forecasts and advisories provided by NWAC are the result of considerable effort, often involving challenging terrain, demanding physical exertion, and a deep commitment to gathering accurate data. This firsthand experience reinforces the manager’s appreciation for the forecasters and underscores the importance of public support for their critical work. The behind-the-scenes reality of avalanche forecasting, as depicted in this memorable day, emphasizes the dedication required to provide the public with timely and reliable information, especially in remote and challenging environments. It serves as a poignant reminder that the safety of backcountry users is directly underpinned by the tireless efforts of these dedicated professionals.
