VP, Eastern Region – Water & Conservation Programs

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & vision

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Comp time

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) seeks a Vice President of Eastern Region & Water Programs to drive statewide water initiatives and regional leadership across Eastern Pennsylvania. This senior role supervises staff, guides policy priorities, and advances conservation, recreation, and community revitalization in alignment with PEC’s mission.

The role reports to the President, participates in the senior leadership team, and collaborates with program staff to secure funding, manage budgets,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in environmental studies, natural resource management, public policy, planning, recreation, sustainability, communications, business, or 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership experience

Fundraising

Environmental policy

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Project management

Public speaking

MS Office

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) seeks a Vice President of Eastern Region & Water Programs to drive statewide water initiatives and regional leadership across Eastern Pennsylvania. This senior role supervises staff, guides policy priorities, and advances conservation, recreation, and community revitalization in alignment with PEC’s mission.

The role reports to the President, participates in the senior leadership team, and collaborates with program staff to secure funding, manage budgets,