Program Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Virginia.

📋 Description

• Oversee the development and execution of a long-term strategic vision for Trout Unlimited’s Virginia conservation program.

• Direct long-term planning and implementation for Priority Waters initiatives, including Upper James/Shenandoah, Grayson Highlands, and Blue Ridge watersheds.

• Manage a team of 2–4 Trout Unlimited employees.

• Identify, develop, initiate, and oversee assessment, protection, restoration, and research projects.

• Coordinate multiple conservation projects simultaneously across Virginia’s Priority Waters.

• Create and implement strategies for landscape-scale conservation partnerships and agreements.

• Coordinate watershed-scale conservation plans that integrate restoration, science, volunteer engagement, communications, and public funding opportunities.

• Assess organizational staffing and capacity models to facilitate future growth in Priority Waters.

• Identify strategies for diversifying and sustaining funding sources for the program.

• Develop and manage annual budgets for Virginia projects and programs.

• Provide leadership to staff, partners, agency officials, contractors, and other stakeholders involved in Virginia initiatives.

• Build networks with community members, volunteers, businesses, and agency partners within Virginia.

• Oversee communications and outreach initiatives.

• Manage grassroots engagement and support for volunteer efforts.

• Collaborate with development staff on fundraising, grant proposals, and maintaining funder relationships.

• Work alongside government affairs and policy teams on advocacy and policy activities at both Virginia and federal levels.

• Manage staff workloads and schedules.

• Supervise contracted work and ensure compliance with contract terms.

• Communicate progress, challenges, operational hurdles, and program performance to supervisors.

• Ensure compliance with safety and workplace procedures for contractors, staff, volunteers, and partners.

• Serve as a recognized leader in fisheries and coldwater conservation within Virginia, providing technical guidance to partners, stakeholders, funders, and staff.

• Represent Trout Unlimited in strategic discussions regarding conservation priorities, fisheries management, and restoration investments.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.

• Master’s degree is an advantage.

• 10 years of experience in coordinating or managing restoration projects or initiatives.

• Working knowledge of fisheries principles, aquatic resource management, geomorphology, or restoration design and engineering.

• Proven success in developing and implementing multi-year program strategies.

• Experience in building and maintaining extensive partnership networks across agencies, NGOs, private landowners, and funding organizations.

• Demonstrated success in securing and managing significant federal, state, or philanthropic funding programs.

• Experience in assessing program growth opportunities and aligning staffing, budgets, and resources with strategic priorities.

• Ability to integrate science, policy, communications, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement into cohesive conservation strategies.

• Strong supervisory skills to effectively communicate with and guide staff in achieving program objectives.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling constructive collaboration with a diverse range of partners.

• Prior experience working with local communities in the watershed is a plus.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Previous experience in media, outreach, or education is beneficial.

• Capacity to work with diverse partners in a collaborative and inclusive way, even on contentious issues.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and take the initiative to coordinate multiple partners.

• Willingness to travel within the watershed and region as needed.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office computer programs.

• A passion for protecting and restoring trout habitats and watersheds.

• Requires a valid driver’s license.

🏝️ Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement.

• Frequent local and occasional overnight travel.