Water Program Director

Trout Unlimited

Montana Water Director managing TU’s water policy initiatives and team. Leading efforts on water conservation and instream flow policies in Montana.

Posted 6/30/2026full-timeBozeman • Montana • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $90,000 - $105,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

What you’ll need

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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous benefits package
Reimbursement for work-related travel at standard state/federal rates

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

Budget ManagementGrant Proposal WritingProject ManagementRegulatory ComplianceWater Law UnderstandingFisheries ConservationStream RestorationWatershed FunctionNatural Resource PolicyContract Management

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsCollaborative WorkLeadershipInclusivity

Certifications

Bachelor’s DegreeAdvanced Degree Preferred