Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association accepting applications for Deputy Director role

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
                                                                                                                 
Title: Deputy Director
Reports to: Executive Director 
Works in coordination with the Board of Directors
Status: Full time
Salary: $55,000-$60,000 depending on experience

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership is searching for an engaging, detail-oriented leader with a talent for growing nonprofit capacity, securing new resources, and managing administrative needs while working with our Executive Director to maximize impact across a wide coverage area.

​The ideal candidate will show a consistency in integrity, creativity, and compassion for others, with a special interest in helping protect and promote our river and its resources.

Our Deputy Director will fill an essential core role with our Executive Director to build upon the association’s strong foundation and better serve the association’s mission across an expanded watershed.

About us
The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (MSRKA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. We strive to protect and promote the health and vibrancy of the Susquehanna River across an 11,000-square-mile watershed that starts in the main branch at Selinsgrove and moves north to the New York border, west to the headwaters of the West Branch and east to regions in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. We serve more than 20 counties in central, northcentral, and northeast Pennsylvania.

Core duties
30% Organization administration and HR. Work directly with the Executive Director to:

• Streamline office procedures to improve efficiency
• Manage calendars, meetings, and schedules related to programs and other events
• Oversee supply inventory and procurement
• Manage employee and volunteer clearances and reminders when updates are needed
• Hire, train, and evaluate additional team members in coordination with the Executive Director 
• Support resolution of staff concerns in coordination with the Executive Director
• Help Executive Director identify improved HR policy and procedures and implement them with board approvals
• Prepare operational reports and summaries for monthly board meetings and other situations as needed
• Work with interns and connect with groups that offer volunteer assistance (such as Americorps) to improve opportunities for efficient growth
• Coordinate daily administrative tasks between Riverkeeper and Vernal School initiatives as well as engaging with partnering groups.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation systems

30% Fundraising. Pursue grants and other lines of funding to support the overall association, program needs and other initiatives. 

• Engage with local businesses, individual donors, and other groups to secure sponsorships and other financial support for programs and initiatives, especially at the Montour Preserve
• Work closely with the Executive Director to expand fundraising efforts with additional grants and other streams of sustainable long-term income
• Work with the association’s accountant and board treasurer to help manage financial records
• Support budgeting and financial tracking

20% Scheduling and communications. Help with coordinating events and programs on a master schedule and communicate with partners to expand opportunities in coordination with the Executive Director. This will include:

• Help manage Vernal School partner contacts and communications to diversify programs and expand calendar of events at the preserve using partnering presenters/volunteers
• Help invite and coordinate with presenters for standing programs such as our Floating Classrooms, as well as with volunteers
• Assist with blog post creation, social media posts, and other communication areas in conjunction with the Executive Director

10% Program assistance. Assist the Executive Director in managing core program offerings and assist with environmental education opportunities, tabling efforts and other details, including:

• Help cover the association at shows and festival via a booth and educational opportunities as available and needed. This may include expanding resources with local public schools, state parks, and other venues
• Help with environmental education programs as available, needed, and time allows. This includes our HERYN kayaking and fishing day camps, Floating Classrooms, Vernal School offerings, etc.
• Assist with field trips and other education opportunities as they become available.

10% Additional responsibilities. Help cover other needs under the greater Riverkeeper umbrella, including, but not limited to:

• Engage with watershed associations across the region to improve communication and identify trends and needs that our association can help tackle
• Compile and analyze data for special projects, including research on specific topics
• Handle confidential information with discretion
• Assist with water sampling and responding to pollution reports as needed
• Help with legal cases, connecting with lawmakers and other aspects of our work in raising awareness and changing policy

Benefits/perks
• Full-time salary of $55,000-$60,000 with room to grow as resources increase
• Stipend toward healthcare insurance
• Starting with two weeks paid vacation on top of paid national holidays
• Flexible schedule and opportunities based on strengths and interests (as possible)
• Additional professional development through conferences and trainings (as approved)
• Satisfaction of making a real difference for our river and other natural resources
• Mileage reimbursed forwork-related travel

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with experience and demonstrated success in administrative and supervisory roles required
• Ability to exercise good judgment and remain calm in crisis situations
• Confident with public speaking at events, conferences, and on social media platforms
• Personal integrity and the ability to use sound judgement with confidential situations and high-pressure moments 
• Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form
• Work will require at least one day a week at our main office in Sunbury, PA, and/or our Vernal School base at the Montour Preserve. 
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of checks of criminal background, child abuse registry and references
• Candidate must live within greater watershed or be willing to move into it upon hiring. 

Timeline and how to apply
Position will remain open until filled, with initial review of applications to begin on March 23, 2026.Applying process
If interested in applying for this opening, please submit a cover letter,  resume, and contact information for three professional references as a single document to John Zaktansky at [email protected]. Questions can be sent to the same address, or addressed via a call or text to 570-768-6300.

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors and clients.
​

Printable job description

Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.