Vice President, Eastern Region

Pennsylvania-Environmental-Council; Pittston (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and prescription coverage

Dental and vision plans

Vacation, holidays, and sick leave

403(b) retirement savings

Life insurance

Comp time

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) seeks a Vice President of the Eastern Region & Water Programs to advance PEC’s mission across Eastern Pennsylvania and provide strategic direction for statewide water and watershed initiatives. Reporting to the President, you will oversee Northeast and Southeast regional programs and coordinate staff.

You will lead fundraising and partnerships, manage budgets and grants, supervise senior staff, and represent PEC with government agencies, funders, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in related fields.
• 8–10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Strong fundraising, grant development, and relationship-building experience.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania environmental policy and water management.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with budgeting, contracts, and program administration.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regularly in PA.

Responsibilities

• Direct Northeast and Southeast regional programs and align with statewide priorities.
• Develop conservation, recreation, watershed, and community initiatives.
• Expand regional partnerships and program impact; contribute to strategy.
• Lead statewide water priorities and support water trails and policies.
• Oversee staff, manage budgets, grants, and contracts; ensure compliance.
• Represent PEC with government, funders, coalitions, and stakeholders.
• Cultivate foundations, agencies, donors, and corporate partners.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Public speaking

Project management

Contract administration

Communication

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that protects and restores natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education, and advocacy. We partner with government, businesses, communities, and individuals to improve quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.

Our work advances outdoor recreation and equitable access, natural resource conservation, sustainable community development, and environmental policy throughout the Commonwealth.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Eastern Region & Water Programs advances PEC’s mission throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and provides strategic direction for statewide water and watershed initiatives.

Reporting to the President and serving on PEC’s senior leadership team, this position oversees Northeast and Southeast regional programs, integrating watershed protection, conservation landscapes, trails, outdoor recreation, community development, and policy advancement.

The Vice President directly supervises the Northeast Regional Director and Director of Water Programs and coordinates staff working on related Eastern Region initiatives. The role also supports organizational strategy, fundraising, financial management, and external partnerships.

Primary Responsibilities

Regional Leadership

• Direct Northeast and Southeast regional programs and align initiatives with PEC’s statewide priorities.
• Develop conservation, watershed, recreation, trail, and community revitalization initiatives.
• Strengthen coordination among regional offices and statewide teams.
• Expand PEC’s regional partnerships, visibility, and program impact.
• Contribute to organizational strategy and decision-making as a senior leadership team member.

Water Programs and Policy

• Guide statewide priorities for water quality, watershed restoration, source water protection, stormwater management, sustainable water management, and recreational access.
• Collaborate with the President, Senior Vice President for Legal & Government Affairs, and program staff to advance policy priorities.
• Direct PEC’s statewide Water Team and support the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program and other water initiatives.
• Represent PEC before government agencies, elected officials, funders, coalitions, advisory groups, and other stakeholders.

Conservation Landscapes, Trails, and Recreation

• Oversee PEC’s work supporting the Poconos Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape.
• Build partnerships connecting conservation, outdoor recreation, watershed protection, economic development, and community revitalization.
• Advance projects that improve public access while protecting natural resources.

Fundraising and Partnerships

• Cultivate relationships with foundations, agencies, corporations, donors, and community partners.
• Develop fundraising strategies supporting regional programs and statewide water initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Development team to secure grants, sponsorships, contracts, and philanthropic support.
• Prepare and review proposals, funding applications, budgets, work plans, and reports.
• Represent PEC at conferences, public events, meetings, and fundraising functions.

Staff and Financial Management

• Supervise, mentor, and support staff while encouraging collaboration, innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
• Set priorities, monitor progress, and support successful program delivery.
• Participate in hiring, performance management, succession planning, and staff development.
• Contribute to organizational budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Manage program budgets, grants, contracts, expenditures, and revenue.
• Ensure compliance with funding requirements and PEC policies.
• Perform other duties assigned by the President.

Qualifications and Desired Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in environmental studies, natural resource management, public policy, planning, recreation, sustainability, communications, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in environmental, conservation, watershed, recreation, policy, or nonprofit management.
• Demonstrated success supervising professional staff and managing complex programs, multidisciplinary teams, and partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania environmental policy, water resource management, watershed organizations, conservation partnerships, and outdoor recreation.
• Proven fundraising, grant development, and relationship-building experience.
• Strong written, verbal, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strategic planning, project management, budgeting, financial management, and contract administration experience.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex partnerships with an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and results-oriented approach.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related business software.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly throughout Pennsylvania.
• Commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable communities, and improving quality of life for Pennsylvanians.

Compensation and Benefits

This salaried position offers $95,000–$120,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

• medical and prescription coverage
• voluntary dental and vision plans
• vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• 403(b) retirement savings
• life insurance
• comp time
• flexible scheduling as needed

Location and Travel

The position may be based in PEC’s Northeast or Southeast Region office

Regular travel throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and periodic statewide travel are required.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity Employment

PEC seeks candidates who reflect the region’s diverse communities in race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and ability. We are committed to inclusive and equitable recruitment and retention practices and value diverse perspectives and backgrounds as we continue building a welcoming workplace for all.