What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Great Lakes Fishery Trust (Trust Manager) position at Public Sector Consultants Inc?
Director, Great Lakes Fishery Trust (Trust Manager)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Status: Full-time; exempt
Location: Lansing (Hybrid option available)
Who We Are
At Public Sector Consultants (PSC), we believe in the power of good public policy shaped by thoughtful discourse and rigorous research for the benefit of all. Our work helps state and local leaders make informed decisions that improve the quality of life throughout Michigan.
We are a close-knit, mission-driven consulting firm where people know each other’s names, support each other’s growth, and take pride in producing work that matters. If you’re motivated by complex challenges, thrive under deadlines, and want to grow a career while shaping Michigan’s future, you’ll find a home here.
The Opportunity
The Great Lakes Fishery Trust (GLFT) has contracted with Public Sector Consultants to provide management services since 1996. The Fishery Trust is an independent nonprofit corporation that provides grant funding to offset unavoidable fisheries damages caused by the operation of the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant. Since its creation, the GLFT has awarded more than $90 million and awards $3–$4 million in new grants each year.
As director of the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to advance the GLFT’s mission to enhance, protect, and rehabilitate Great Lakes fishery resources. This is an ideal role for an experienced leader seeking:
- A meaningful opportunity to lead a mission-driven grantmaking organization with significant environmental impact
- Direct engagement with board leadership, scientific experts, and policymakers
- Opportunities to lead complex programs, influence policy and science-based decision-making, and engage diverse stakeholders
- A collaborative and mission-driven work environment that values leadership, curiosity, and impact
You’ll lead the Fishery Trust’s strategy, grantmaking, and operations while serving as the primary liaison between PSC and GLFT stakeholders.
What You’ll Do
Executive Leadership and Governance
As the primary leader and liaison for the Fishery Trust, you’ll:
- Serve as the main point of contact between PSC and the GLFT Board of Trustees and Scientific Advisory Team
- Partner with board and committee leadership to plan and facilitate meetings and guide funding priorities
- Provide strategic counsel to support informed decision-making and long-term positioning
Organizational and Financial Management
To ensure strong governance and operational effectiveness, you’ll:
- Serve as corporate secretary and signatory, maintaining strong internal controls and governance practices
- Manage annual work plans, budgets, and long-term financial projections
- Oversee external vendors, including accounting and investment services
Grantmaking and Program Leadership
To drive impactful funding strategies, you’ll:
- Lead and oversee all grantmaking programs to ensure alignment with strategic priorities
- Serve as grant manager for the Habitat and Research programs and the Lake Whitefish Initiative
Collaboration and Coordination
To ensure high-quality execution across partners, you’ll:
- Lead and coordinate PSC staff and external partners to ensure high-quality, timely execution of GLFT priorities
- Provide guidance on complex programmatic and stakeholder issues
- Collaborate across PSC teams to align resources with GLFT priorities
Strategic Leadership and External Relations
To strengthen the Fishery Trust’s impact and visibility, you’ll:
- Lead implementation and evolution of the GLFT’s strategic plan
- Build and maintain relationships with grantees, policymakers, researchers, and nonprofit partners
- Represent the GLFT in external settings and communicate program impact to diverse audiences
What We’re Looking For
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
Experience
- At least ten years of relevant experience in grantmaking and foundation or nonprofit management, preferably in the natural resources field
- Experience working with or advising boards, committees, and diverse stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives across teams, partners, or contractors
Technical Skills
- Strong facilitation, relationship management, and influence skills
- Experience managing complex programs or initiatives with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
- Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data, science, and policy into clear, actionable insights
Core Qualities
- Strategic and adaptive leader
- Strong business acumen and decision-making skills
- Excellent communicator able to translate complex science and policy into clear insights
- Highly organized with strong project management capabilities
- Curious, collaborative, and mission-driven
Compensation and Benefits
Starting Salary Range: $107,770–$130,000 (based on education and experience)
Benefits Include
- Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
- Employer 401(k) contribution
- Paid parental leave
- Paid parking
- Nine paid holidays
- Office closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Paid time off starting upon hire
Work Style
While PSC does not have strict in-office expectations, this role should anticipate spending two to three days per week in our Lansing office for client and firm meetings. We strongly believe that we deliver better outcomes for Michigan when we spend time with our clients and colleagues, and that developing and nurturing the collegial culture we strive to maintain is a team effort.
Why PSC?
Working at PSC means:
- Your work has real-world impact
- You’ll learn from experienced policy professionals
- You’ll be supported, not siloed
- You’ll grow your career in a firm that values people as much as results
We’re looking for someone who wants to build a career, not just take a job.
How to Apply
Submit a resume and cover letter (including salary requirements) in PDF or Word format.
Applications must be received by May 4, 2026.
Questions may be directed to: pschr@publicsectorconsultants.com
Salary : $107,770 - $130,000