Montana Water Program Director

Trout Unlimited•Bozeman, MT

1h•$90,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Trout Unlimited (TU) is seeking a motivated and highly capable individual to manage and grow its Montana Water Program. This role is crucial for advancing TU's mission by reforming Montana and federal water policy to support instream flow and conserve coldwater fisheries. The Montana Water Director will lead TU's water policy initiatives in Montana, support the Montana State Director, and collaborate with staff to advance water policy and streamflow restoration efforts across TU Priority Waters. The position involves supervising a team of attorneys and technical experts focused on instream flow restoration and related policy work. The successful candidate will represent TU publicly, maintain strong relationships with staff, volunteers, and partners, and conduct work professionally, effectively, flexibly, and innovatively. This is an in-person or hybrid position based in Bozeman or Missoula, Montana, reporting to the Montana State Director, and requires frequent travel throughout the state and region.

Requirements

Seven or more years of conservation nonprofit leadership experience, or similar experience in the public or private sector.
Bachelor’s degree required.
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.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, manage, and guide priorities for TU’s Montana Water Program, including supervision of four or more staff and a budget of $1-2M per year.
Align work plans and performance expectations, facilitate staff professional development, and create an inclusive, supportive work environment.
Coordinate with the State Director, Restoration Director, and functional area staff 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, including writing grant proposals and communicating 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.