Executive Director – Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited

About the organization

The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (PATU) is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring Pennsylvania’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds, especially wild trout resources. PATU is a unified voice for 49 local chapters across six regions, representing approximately 11,000 members statewide.

PATU’s signature programs include:

• The PA Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP), a collaboration with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, and PA Fish and Boat Commission. CHP provides administrative support and funds mini-grants for conservation and protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams.
• The Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program, a partnership with the PA Fish and Boat Commission, offering interdisciplinary environmental education for K-12 students, including raising trout in the classroom.

Learn more at www.patrout.org, www.coldwaterheritage.org, and www.patroutintheclassroom.org.

About the role

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership for PATU and oversees the Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) program. Reporting to the PATU President and Executive Committee, this role involves establishing long-range goals, fundraising, grant administration, and educational activities. The position offers significant independence for a candidate passionate about angling, the outdoors, and coldwater conservation, supported by an engaged volunteer board.

The Executive Director leads PATU’s involvement in CHP, serving as program director for the partnership focused on conserving Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams. Key priorities include grant writing, mini-grant administration, coordinating the biennial Keystone Coldwater Conference, and overseeing the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program. The role requires strong writing, organizational, and technical skills, including on-site assessments of grantee work and oversight of grant qualifications, planning, and implementation.

PATU provides a Council-owned computer and required software for this position.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage the Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) grants program.
• Coordinate the biennial Keystone Coldwater Conference.
• Support the Coldwater Heritage Partnership Committee.
• Administer and manage PATU’s support of the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) Program.
• Administer PATU’s pipeline settlement grant fund in coordination with the PA Office of Attorney General, ensuring full utilization in eligible counties.
• Lead and support fundraising and individual-giving development, including the annual appeal and donor cultivation, in partnership with the Development Committee.
• Supervise PATU program staff and contractors, including performance management and volunteer coordination.
• Provide regular written reports to the President and board; maintain timely, complete communication with funders, agency partners, chapters, and members.
• Provide technical support and guidance to Trout Unlimited chapters and eligible watershed groups on conservation and protection of Pennsylvania coldwater fisheries.
• Educate the public and promote conservation of PA’s coldwater streams.
• Assist the Conservation Committee with administration of the Forever Wild grant program.
• Serve as liaison between multiple agencies involved in PATU programs.
• Administer budgets and project reports.
• Represent PATU at trade shows and other conservation and fishing-related events.
• Additional duties as assigned by the PATU President and Executive Committee.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, nonprofit management, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience related to the duties of this position.
• Nonprofit experience preferred.
• Excellent people skills; self-motivated, flexible, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability and willingness to travel statewide, including field sites not accessible by public transportation. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required; mileage and approved travel expenses are reimbursed.
• Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends.
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check and required Pennsylvania child welfare clearances.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience with social media platforms preferred.
• Basic bookkeeping knowledge or experience with QuickBooks.
• Provide direct support to the PATU board of directors and committees.
• Work to strengthen relationships with the PA Fish and Boat Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Foundation for PA Watersheds.

Pay

The salary range is $62,000–$77,000 annually, with placement based on skills, experience, market rates, and budget. The position includes a full benefits package.