Executive Director for Center for Environmental Solutions

Montana Technological University; Butte (MT); On-site; USD 94,500 - 115,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off 3 weeks annually

Tuition benefits for dependents

Flexible work options with supervisor

Job summary

Montana Technological University in Butte, MT, seeks a driven leader to guide an externally funded research center focused on environmental science and related fields. The role emphasizes strategic vision, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and robust partnerships with agencies and industry.

The position oversees outreach, education leadership, funding initiatives, and center operations, with a strong track record in securing grants and managing diverse teams.

Qualifications

• Strategic leadership experience and ability to unify research and outreach programs.
• Experience securing external funding from diverse sources.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams and programs.
• Strong communication across technical and public audiences.

Responsibilities

• Grow externally funded research programs in environmental areas.
• Oversee Outreach & K-12 Education Leadership initiatives.
• Ensure Funding & Sustainability of the center.
• Build and maintain Partnerships & External Engagement.
• Manage Team & Operations.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Proposal Development

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

External Engagement

Team Management

Communication Across Audiences

Education

PhD in environmental science or related field

Job description

Position Overview

Full Time, 12‑Month Fiscal Year Contract. Salary: $105,000 Annual. Location: Montana Technological University, Butte, MT.

Duties

• Grow externally funded research programs in areas such as environmental remediation, ecological restoration, environmental engineering, water and soil systems, and drone program.
• Oversee Outreach & K‑12 Education Leadership initiatives.
• Ensure Funding & Sustainability of the center.
• Build and maintain Partnerships & External Engagement.
• Manage Team & Operations.

Required Qualifications

• Strategic Leadership experience.
• Develop and implement a unified vision integrating research and K‑12 outreach programs; align Center activities with university research priorities (Natural Resources, Environment, Workforce).
• Build a recognizable brand for the Center regionally and nationally.
• Support faculty in proposal development and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Expand capacity from bench‑scale toward applied/pilot‑scale environmental solutions, and develop pathways from K‑12 to undergraduate to graduate programs.
• Oversee and expand K‑12 outreach programs; develop strong teacher training and curriculum initiatives.
• Secure external funding from federal, state, industry, and philanthropic sources; develop a diversified funding portfolio (grants, contracts, donations) and achieve financial self‑sufficiency within 2 years.
• Build partnerships with state agencies (DEQ, NRDP, MBMG), federal agencies (DOE, EPA, NSF), industry (mining, environmental consulting, remediation firms), K‑12 schools, and community organizations.
• Represent the Center in public and professional settings.
• Supervise outreach staff and coordinate with research center leads.
• Integrate currently separate centers into a cohesive structure.
• Manage budgets, reporting, and program evaluation.
• 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

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

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles.
• Employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits.
• 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees.
• 11 Holidays per year.
• 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start.
• Generous sick leave policy for personal or family needs.
• 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.

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.