Overview

Executive Director Jobs in Pennsylvania at Pennsylvania Lake Management Society

Executive Director, Pennsylvania Lake Management Society (PALMS)

Part-Time | Contract Position | Remote

Estimated Annual Compensation: 35,000–55,000, with opportunities for additional compensation and growth

Make a Difference for Pennsylvania’s Lakes and Watersheds

Are you passionate about protecting Pennsylvania’s lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and watersheds and looking for an opportunity to turn that passion into meaningful action?

The Pennsylvania Lake Management Society (PALMS) is seeking a motivated, organized, and entrepreneurial Executive Director to lead the organization’s day-to-day operations and help advance its statewide mission. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys bringing people and ideas together, managing projects, developing partnerships, securing funding, and helping shape the future of lake and watershed management in Pennsylvania.

The Executive Director will work closely with the PALMS Board of Directors, members, volunteers, agencies, conservation organizations, lake associations, and other partners. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help expand PALMS’s programs, strengthen its membership and funding base, develop new initiatives, and increase the organization’s visibility and impact across Pennsylvania.

About PALMS

The Pennsylvania Lake Management Society (PALMS) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding, protection, restoration, and responsible management of ponds, lakes, reservoirs, impoundments, and their watersheds.

PALMS works to advance informed lake and watershed management by:

  • Providing a forum for sharing factual information and experiences related to the scientific, administrative, legal, and financial aspects of lake and watershed management.
  • Supporting the development of local lake and reservoir protection and restoration programs based on appropriate management strategies and techniques.
  • Encouraging support for local, state, and national programs, policies, and legislation that promote effective lake and watershed management.
  • Fostering cooperation among organizations, agencies, governmental bodies, professionals, and individuals concerned with lake and watershed protection and improvement.
  • Encouraging the development and enforcement of laws and policies that provide adequate protection for lakes, reservoirs, and their watersheds.

Position Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for carrying out the mission of PALMS, overseeing project administration, and managing the organization’s day-to-day operations in accordance with policies established by the Board of Directors.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and working closely with the President and other Board members, the Executive Director will provide organizational leadership while helping PALMS build its programs, partnerships, membership, funding, and statewide presence.

This is a part-time, contract position with no permanent office location. The position is primarily remote and requires an individual who can work independently, manage competing priorities, communicate effectively, and take initiative. Periodic travel throughout Pennsylvania will be required for Board meetings, the PALMS annual conference, other events, and organizational business.

Key ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Leadership & Board Support

  • Keep the Board of Directors informed of significant organizational activities, accomplishments, challenges, opportunities, and changes in plans.
  • Work closely with the President and Board of Directors to implement organizational priorities and advance PALMS’s strategic goals.
  • Participate in quarterly Board meetings and coordinate additional meetings as needed.
  • Support and coordinate PALMS committees and working groups, including committees focused on legislation, legal matters, outreach, fundraising, education, communications, public relations, membership, and the annual conference.
  • Help identify opportunities to expand PALMS’s programs, partnerships, and statewide impact.

Financial Management & Administration

  • Prepare the annual PALMS operating budget for review and approval by the Board and monitor the budget throughout the year.
  • Assist the Treasurer with financial reporting and other financial matters.
  • Responsible for fundraising, grant administration, project management, invoicing, and financial tracking.
  • Manage contracts with consultants and independent contractors.
  • Ensure required local, state, and federal filings are completed accurately and on time.
  • Recommend and purchase equipment and services within approved budget parameters.

Grants & Project Management

  • Identify potential funding opportunities and develop grant proposals in collaboration with the Board and appropriate PALMS committees or partners.
  • Manage PALMS grants, contracts, and mini-grant programs.
  • Oversee grant-funded projects and ensure that project requirements, timelines, budgets, and reporting obligations are met.
  • Develop and manage additional projects and programs as funding opportunities arise.

Events & Conference Management

  • Plan and coordinate the annual PALMS conference, including:
  • Program and agenda development
  • Speaker recruitment and coordination
  • Facility and vendor contracts
  • Registration
  • Communications and promotion
  • On-site coordination
  • Coordinate other PALMS-sponsored events and activities.

Communications & Outreach

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for communications received through PALMS email, telephone, website, and social media.
  • Maintain and enhance the PALMS website and social media presence.
  • Produce and distribute the PALMS newsletter, email communications, and other organizational updates.
  • Develop and oversee educational fact sheets, publications, and other outreach materials.
  • Respond to requests for organizational information, advice, and guidance from business, civic, educational, recreational, conservation, and lake-management organizations regarding lake-related environmental issues.
  • Represent PALMS on appropriate state councils, committees, work groups, and other collaborative efforts. Meetings may occur virtually or in person.

Membership & Fund Development

  • Work with the Board to build a stable and diversified financial base for PALMS.
  • Recruit, retain, and expand organizational membership.
  • Develop relationships with individual, corporate, foundation, and major donors.
  • Maintain an accurate and current membership database.
  • Coordinate membership renewals and recruitment of new members.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities for sponsorships, grants, donations, and other sources of organizational support.

Skills & Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated, organized, and resourceful professional who is comfortable working independently and taking ownership of projects from concept through completion.

Applicants should possess:

  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong computer and organizational skills.
  • The ability to work effectively in a remote environment with limited direct supervision.
  • Excellent time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Strong project-management and problem-solving abilities.
  • The ability to build productive relationships with volunteers, Board members, members, partners, agencies, and community organizations.
  • A willingness to travel periodically throughout Pennsylvania.
  • A demonstrated ability to take initiative, identify opportunities, and move projects forward independently.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:

  • Grant writing and grant administration
  • Nonprofit management or organizational development
  • Fundraising and membership development
  • Project management
  • Environmental science
  • Limnology, lake management, or watershed management
  • Environmental education or outreach
  • Event or conference planning

A background in environmental science, limnology, lake management, or nonprofit development is preferred but not required. PALMS welcomes applicants who bring strong organizational, leadership, communication, project-management, or nonprofit experience and have a demonstrated interest in advancing the protection and management of Pennsylvania’s lakes and watersheds.

Compensation & Opportunity

This is a part-time contract position with an annual compensation currently estimated at 35,000–55,000. Compensation has the potential to grow as PALMS expands its grant-funded projects and programs. PALMS currently has funding available for several projects and programs that will be managed by the Executive Director, with additional grant funding opportunities pending. Opportunities may also exist for additional income through membership recruitment and related performance-based incentives.

Why Join PALMS?

This position offers an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the future of Pennsylvania’s lakes and watersheds while working with a statewide network of professionals, volunteers, lake associations, agencies, conservation organizations, and community leaders.

For the right candidate, this is more than an administrative position. It is an opportunity to help grow a statewide organization, build partnerships, secure resources, champion sound lake-management practices, and make a lasting difference for Pennsylvania’s aquatic resources.

If you are a self-starter who enjoys making things happen, building relationships, and turning ideas into action, PALMS wants to hear from you.

Please include Cover Letter and Resume. Note: Interviews will begin in 2 weeks and continue until the position is filled.

Pay: $35,000.00 – $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule

Work Location: Remote

Title: Executive Director

Company: Pennsylvania Lake Management Society

Location: Pennsylvania

Category:

 

Apply

Upload your CV/resume or any other relevant file. Max. file size: 800 MB.