Executive Director for Center for Environmental Solutions

Montana Tech; Butte (MT); On-site; USD 89,250 - 115,500; Full time

Job summary

Montana Tech invites applications for Executive Director for the Center for Environmental Solutions. This full-time, 12-month fiscal year contract leads strategy, research, and outreach to align with university priorities.

You will secure external funding, develop a regional and national presence, and build partnerships with agencies and industry while guiding interdisciplinary teams and shaping a cohesive center.

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

• Provide strategic leadership for the Center for Environmental Solutions.
• Develop and implement a unified vision integrating research and K-12 outreach programs.
• Grow externally funded research programs via grants and contracts.
• Oversee outreach to K-12 education and workforce development.
• Build partnerships with state/federal agencies, industry, and education partners.
• Manage budgets, reporting, and program evaluation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD in environmental sciences/engineering/ecology/geochemistry/related field

Job description

Executive Director for Center for Environmental Solutions

Research Office – Full Time. Fiscal Year Contract: 12 month appointment. Salary: $105,000 Annual.

Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.

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

Duties

• Strategic Leadership
  • 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
• 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
• Outreach & K‑12 Education Leadership
  • Pathways from K‑12/undergraduate/graduate programs
  • Oversee and expand K‑12 outreach programs
  • Strengthen K‑12 teacher training and curriculum initiatives
• 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
• Partnerships & External Engagement
  • 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
• 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

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

Benefits

Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package that may include: medical, dental, vision insurance, employer contributions to health care, retirement contributions, holidays, annual leave, sick leave, tuition waivers, life and disability insurance, wellness program, workplace flexibility, and optional retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Montana Tech is committed to a working and learning environment free from discrimination. The University does not discriminate in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. Applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech provides accommodation for disabilities and offers preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans as per the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act.

Employment Eligibility

All new employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment.

Applicants may need to review H‑1B sponsorship limitations. Veterans may claim preference by completing the appropriate form and contacting the Human Resources department.