About the role
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.
For full consideration application materials must be complete. Please include: * Cover letter addressing qualifications, * Resume * Contact information for 3 professional references.