Executive Director for Center for Environmental Solutions

montanatechuniversity; Butte (MT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer contrib.

Partial tuition waiver

Wellness program

Job summary

Montana Technological University in Butte invites applications for Executive Director for the Center for Environmental Solutions. This full-time, year-long research leadership role directs strategic vision across research, K-12 outreach, and external partnerships to advance environmental solutions.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD, a proven track record of securing federal funding, and experience leading interdisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in environmental science, engineering, ecology, geochemistry, or related field.
• Demonstrated success securing external funding (federal grants preferred).
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams or programs.
• Strong communication skills across technical and public audiences.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership to unify vision for research and K12 outreach.
• Grow externally funded research programs in remediation, restoration, water systems, drone program.
• Oversee and expand K-12 outreach and teacher training.
• Manage budgets, reporting, and program evaluation; supervise staff.
• Build partnerships with state/federal agencies and industry.

Skills

External funding success

Interdisciplinary leadership

Public communication

Education

PhD in environmental science/engineering/ecology/geochemistry

Job description

Executive Director for Center for Environmental Solutions

Research Office

Full Time

Fiscal Year Contract: -12 month Appointment

$105,000 Annual

Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.

Applications received by 07/31/2026 will be guaranteed full review and consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

DUTIES:

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement a unified vision integrating research and K12 outreach programs
  • Align Center activities with university research priorities (Natural Resources, Environment, Workforce)
  • Build a recognizable brand for the Center regionally and nationally
• 2. Research Grow externally funded research programs in areas such as:
  • Environmental remediation
  • Ecological restoration
  • Environmental engineering
  • Water and Soil Systems
  • Drone program
• Support faculty in proposal development and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Expand capacity from bench-scale toward applied/pilot-scale environmental solutions
• 3. Outreach & K-12 Education Leadership
  • pathways from K–12/undergraduate/graduate programs
  • Oversee and expand K–12 outreach programs
  • Develop Strengthen K-12 teacher training and K-12 curriculum initiatives
• 4. Funding & Sustainability
  • Secure external funding from federal, state, industry, and philanthropic sources
  • Develop a diversified funding portfolio (grants, contracts, donations)
  • Achieve financial self-sufficiency within 2 years
• 5. Partnerships & External Engagement
  • Build partnerships with:
  • State agencies (i.e. DEQ, NRDP, MBMG)
  • Federal agencies (i.e. DOE, EPA, NSF)
  • Industry (mining, environmental consulting, remediation firms)
  • K–12 schools and community organizations
  • Represent the Center in public and professional settings
• 6. Team & Operations Management
  • Supervise outreach staff and coordinate with research center leads
  • Integrate currently separate centers into a cohesive structure
  • Manage budgets, reporting, and program evaluation

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in environmental science, engineering, ecology, geochemistry, or related field
• Demonstrated success securing external funding (federal grants preferred)
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams or programs
• Strong communication skills across technical and public audiences

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with K–12 STEM outreach and workforce development programs
• Background in applied environmental research (remediation, restoration, water systems)
• Experience working with state/federal agencies or industry partners
• Administrative or center leadership experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must possess the ability to navigate stairs, remain stationary for extended periods, and lift up to 25 lbs, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Montana Tech is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, Montana Tech provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at Montana Tech as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). Montana Tech will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring.

• Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.

Why Work at Tech?

Help meet the changing needs of society by providing a transformative student experience by helping develop leaders for tomorrow by advancing science, engineering and technology.

Benefits Package

In addition, Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package* which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
• Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
• 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
• 11 Holidays per year
• 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
• Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
• 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
• Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
• Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.

*Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.

About Montana Tech

Montana Technological University, Butte Montana, is nestled in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, where I-15 and I-90 intersect. We are home to the largest National Historic District in the country. Montana Tech is a special focus institution with a reputation for excellence and value. Montana Tech is ranked #1 in the nation by CollegeNET.