Water Program Director

Jobtailor; Bozeman (MT); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a senior leader to oversee Montana’s Water Program, guiding a diverse team and multi-million dollar budget. You will coordinate with agency partners, secure funding, and advance water policy and restoration goals in Montana.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and grant management, with collaboration across legal, science, and policy teams. Remote-friendly and Montana-focused, this position champions TU’s mission.

Qualifications

• Requires successful leadership of interdisciplinary teams, including remote work environments.
• Experience in government/industry funding and grant administration is essential.
• Strong understanding of water policy, fisheries conservation, and natural resource management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Montana Water Program staff and a $1-2M annual budget.
• Align work plans and performance expectations; facilitate staff development and inclusive environment.
• Coordinate with State Director, Restoration Director, and staff to set goals and priorities and assist with project implementation.
• Identify and secure program funding from government, corporate, and philanthropic sources; write grant proposals.
• Coordinate closely with leadership to identify and implement water policy initiatives and legislative priorities.
• Supervise and coordinate litigation strategies with the legal team.
• Establish relationships with decision makers, policymakers, donors, and conservation organizations.
• Maintain strong relationships with TU members and grassroots leaders.
• Prepare grant and permit reports, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage budgets and projects.
• Cultivate partnerships to advance TU restoration and policy objectives in Montana.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Policy knowledge

Communication

Collaboration

Project management

Grant writing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and guide priorities for TU’s Montana Water Program, which includes supervision of four or more staff and a budget of $1-2M per year
• Align work plans and performance expectations, facilitate staff professional development opportunities, and create an inclusive, supportive work environment
• Work in coordination with the State Director, Restoration Director, and functional area staff (e.g., legal, science, finance, human resources, and communications), to develop complementary goals, establish coordinated workplans, provide performance feedback, and assist with task prioritization and project implementation
• Coordinate with the State Director, VP of Rocky Mountain Region, and Development staff to identify and secure program and project funding from government, corporate and philanthropic sources, which includes writing grant proposals and communicating directly with funders
• Coordinate closely with the State Director, Montana Policy and Advocacy Manager, and Montana TU staff to identify and implement water policy initiatives and legislative priorities
• Supervise and coordinate litigation strategies with the legal team
• Establish and maintain productive and strategic relationships with decision makers and partners, such as key elected officials, policymakers, the media, resource managers, property owners, donors, and conservation organizations
• Build and maintain strong relationships with TU’s members and grassroots leaders
• Prepare grant and permit reports summarizing activities, deliverables, and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Develop and maintain accurate budgets and manage projects and programs within them
• Cultivate successful partnerships to advance TU restoration and policy objectives in Montana

Requirements

• Seven or more years of conservation nonprofit leadership experience, or similar experience in the public or private sector
• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferred
• Demonstrated success in building, leading, and managing interdisciplinary teams, particularly in a remote work environment
• Understanding of western water law and experience working with water users and water management agencies
• Understanding of coldwater fisheries conservation, including the concepts and practices of stream restoration and watershed function
• Understanding and experience in natural resource policy and management issues related to watershed health and fisheries conservation
• Understanding and experience working in the political context in Montana to advance TU’s conservation work and inform program goals, strategies, and tactics
• Proven ability to fundraise and manage budgets
• Experience managing contracts and funding agreements
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences
• Ability to work with multiple and diverse partners in a highly collaborative and inclusive manner on contentious issues
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently
• Passion for the outdoors and Trout Unlimited’s mission