ABOUT TROUT UNLIMITED AND THE HEADWATERS YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAM 

Trout Unlimited (TU) brings together diverse interests to care for and recover the rivers and streams on which we all depend. It is a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. These dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists. 

The Trout Unlimited Headwaters Youth program is dedicated to creating the next generation of conservation-minded anglers. We welcome both experienced and new youth anglers to the sport to grow  communities on a local, regional and national level that are committed to conservation and sustainable practices. With the goal of reaching young people where they are, Headwaters Youth Programs offers an array of programs targeted to youth with age-appropriate activities and communications, a model we call the Stream of Engagement. In addition to our in-school and education-focused programs in the Stream of Engagement, our fly fishing focused programs, TU Student Clubs, TU Costa 5 Rivers, and council-run camps, aim to create meaningful entry points into conservation via fly fishing. Through the fly fishing programs, we create experiences and activities that enrich these participants and engage whole communities. Ultimately, these programs provide the foundation for a lifelong passion for fly fishing and conservation, giving teens and college students the tools and connections to take part in the long-term health of the rivers and streams on which we all depend. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Trout Unlimited Headwaters Youth Education program seeks a dynamic and visionary individual to join our team as the Youth Fly Fishing Programs Coordinator. This position will play a key role in shaping and leading our youth education initiatives to inspire and empower young people as fly anglers and coldwater conservationists. The Coordinator works closely with the Youth Programs Manager to promote, grow, and sustain TU’s youth fly fishing programs.  

The TU Youth Fly Fishing Programs Coordinator will lead our high school and college fishing focused programs as they reach a new level of engagement across the country. The Coordinator will bring a combination of passion for the outdoors, fly fishing and conservation; leadership; resourceful organization skills; and the ability to engage with and inspire a diverse group of people. You will educate, organize, and support high school and college-age fly anglers across the country, serving a mentor while connecting them with local, state and national communities and opportunities. But you won’t do it alone. You will collaborate with the TU staff and hundreds of volunteers across the country to bring to life programs, digital engagement campaigns and put together events.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Strategic Leadership 

• Serve as an ambassador for our fly fishing programs to ensure 5 Rivers, TU Student Clubs, and camps are integrated into local staff, council, and chapter engagement strategies, from grant procurement to program execution. 

Program Development, Implementation, and Budgeting  

• Oversee the design, development and implementation of the high school and college programs. 
• Work closely with the high school and college clubs and engage in member recruitment and club organization and operations. 
• Support fly fishing program growth through lead generation, club onboarding, and ongoing year-round support. 
• Conduct outreach and collaborate with grassroots volunteers to identify and recruit new college club programs. 
• Engage both new and existing 5 Rivers and TU Student Club leaders via regular communications and virtual meetings with members and leaders. 
• Plan and oversee annual in-person events such as the 5 Rivers Regional Rendezvous series and the Ambassador Summit. 
• Support state-level camp directors through quarterly conference calls, material development and distribution, and running volunteer background checks. 
• Manage TU Memberships for the Student Club, 5 Rivers and camp networks. 
• Develop and implement strategies to grow and engage the 5 Rivers Alumni network. 
• Develop and manage program budgets. 

Program Leadership and Development  

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting cross-functional teamwork, knowledge sharing and a culture of continuous learning. 
• Provide guidance and support to the 5 Rivers Social Media Intern to coordinate effective social media outreach. 
• Collaborate with the Emerging Podcast Intern to support network growth and effective messaging. 

Fundraising  

• With support from TU’s development staff and the Youth Programs Manager, assist with program specific fundraising operations which may include stewarding established individual donors, foundations, and corporations. 
• Cultivate alternative forms of fundraising such as crowdfunding, raffles, and sweepstakes. 
• Cultivate new and existing TU Student Clubs and 5 Rivers partnerships in the outdoor industry. 

• A bachelor’s degree. 
• Proven ability to plan and oversee logistics for multiday in-person events. 
• Passion for fly fishing. 
• Strong public speaking skills. 
• Effective communicator, both in writing and conversation. 
• At least one year of experience in youth education, youth outreach, volunteer management, community organizing, nonprofit programming or related work. 
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with minimal supervision. 
• Creative, strategic and collaborative “problem-solver.” Ability to listen to and reconcile diverse viewpoints/ conflict management skills. 
• Strong networking and partnership development abilities, with experience collaborating with educational institutions, government agencies, NGOs and community organizations. 
• Ability and desire to establish and build strong relationships with teammates and diverse partners. 
• Commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• Passion for TU’s mission. 
• Passion for trout and salmon and the places they live. 
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, good sense of humor. 
• Ability and willingness to travel for approximately 5-6 events annually. Valid driver’s license required. 
• Ability and willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings with overtime pay when applicable.  
• Wilderness First Aid certification or higher or a willingness to obtain. 
• Background check required.