Executive Director – Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited

 About PATU

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 our wild trout resources. We are a unified voice for 49 local chapters in six regions across the state and represent approximately 11,000 TU members statewide.

PATU’s two signature programs are the PA Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) and Trout in the Classroom (TIC). CHP is a collaboration between PATU, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, and PA Fish and Boat Commission. The CHP provides administrative support and funds mini-grants for conservation and protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams. The TIC program, a partnership between PATU and the PA Fish and Boat Commission, is an interdisciplinary environmental education program in which students (grades K-12) learn about current and past impacts, management, and protection and enhancement opportunities of Pennsylvania’s watersheds and coldwater resources, while raising trout in the classroom.

Information about the PA Council of Trout Unlimited can be found at www.patrout.org. Coldwater Heritage Partnership information can be found at www.coldwaterheritage.org. Trout in the Classroom information can be found at www.patroutintheclassroom.org. 

Position Summary

The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (PATU) is seeking a full-time Executive Director to oversee the Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) program. The Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, working with the PATU Executive Committee to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies to support fundraising efforts, grant programs and educational activities. The next Executive Director joins at a pivotal moment, with a new 2026–2030 strategic plan under development and the opportunity to shape the Council’s next chapter.

The Executive Director leads the PATU’s involvement in the CHP, serving in the role of program director of the partnership that targets the conservation and protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams that is a joint effort of PATU, the PA Fish & Boat Commission, the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The priorities of CHP are grant writing, mini-grant administration and reporting, coordinating the biennial Keystone Coldwater Conference and overseeing the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program.

The Executive Director will be an energetic, self-starter with excellent writing and organizational skills, and preferably an individual who understands the DCNR grant system portal. Grant administration includes the technical skills necessary to monitor and report on grant results; the candidate will need to complete on-site assessments of the technical work completed by grantees. They will have oversight of grant qualifications, planning, and implementation.

This position offers significant independence for a candidate who brings a passion for angling, the outdoors, and coldwater conservation, supported by an engaged volunteer board and a clear performance framework. The ideal candidate has a finger on the pulse of conservation issues and can bring impactful changes within a statewide conservation organization.

The Executive Director must have a range of skills to effectively execute varied responsibilities, which include staff and program management, strategic planning, the ability to provide technical support and guidance to council, chapters, and other conservation organizations, conduct meetings and trainings, and oversee communication of the Council. PATU provides a Council-owned computer and required software for this position.

The position reports to the PATU President and the Executive Committee’s Staff Oversight Committee.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer and manage the Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) grants program.
• Coordinate Keystone Coldwater Conference every other year.
• 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 assistance and technical support to Trout Unlimited chapters and eligible watershed groups on the conservation and protection of Pennsylvania coldwater fisheries.
• Work to educate the public and promote the 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.
• Additional duties as assigned by the PATU President and Executive Committee.

• 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.
• Must be 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 means of transportation are required; mileage and approved travel expenses are reimbursed in accordance with PATU and grant funder policies. 
• Represent PATU at trade shows and other conservation and fishing related events.
• Willing to work occasional nights and weekends to support directives.
• Employment is 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 our relationship with the PA Fish and Boat Commission, PA Department of Conservation of Natural Resources and the Foundation for PA Watersheds.

Compensation

The salary range is $62,000–$77,000 annually; placement within the range is commensurate with the candidate’s skills and experience, current market rates and overall budget.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Sunday, August 9, 2026, 11:59 PM; the position will remain open until filled.

To apply, submit a resume and a cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience via the Trout Unlimited careers portal. A cover letter is required for consideration.