Executive Director for Center for Environmental SolutionsResearch OfficeFull TimeFiscal Year Contract:-12 month Appointment
$105,000 Annual
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
- Development
- 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 reasonable accommodation.
For full consideration application materials must be complete.Please include:
- Cover letter addressing qualifications,
- Resume
- Contact information for 3 professional references.
Application Requirements
For full consideration application materials must be complete.Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.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. 
