Description:
Trout Unlimited is a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. These dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 25 offices across the country. Our mission is to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams, so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon.
Position Summary
TU is hiring a motivated and highly capable person to manage and grow our Montana Water Program. This position advances TU's mission by reforming Montana and federal water policy to support instream flow and conserve coldwater fisheries. The Montana Water Director leads TU's water policy initiatives across Montana, supports the Montana State Director, and works closely with TU staff to advance water policy and streamflow restoration efforts across TU Priority Waters in the state. The Position supervises a team of attorneys and technical experts engaged in instream flow restoration and the policy work that supports it.
A successful candidate will conduct work professionally and effectively, be flexible and innovative with program activities, serve as a public representative for TU, and maintain excellent working relationships with TU staff, volunteers, and partners. This is an in-person or hybrid position based in one of TU's offices in Bozeman or Missoula, Montana. The Montana Water Director will report directly to the Montana State Director. The Montana Water Director will be required to travel frequently to project sites and meetings throughout the state and region.
Duties and Responsibilities
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with TU’s members and grassroots leaders.
- Prepare grant and permit reports summarizing activities, deliverables, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
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Develop and maintain accurate budgets and manage projects and programs within them.
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Cultivate successful partnerships to advance TU restoration and policy objectives in Montana.
Background check will be required prior to employment. This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.
Requirements:
- Seven or more years of conservation nonprofit leadership experience, or similar experience in the public or private sector.
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Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferred.
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Demonstrated success in building, leading, and managing interdisciplinary teams, particularly in a remote work environment.
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Understanding of western water law and experience working with water users and water management agencies.
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Understanding of coldwater fisheries conservation, including the concepts and practices of stream restoration and watershed function.
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Understanding and experience in natural resource policy and management issues related to watershed health and fisheries conservation.
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Understanding and experience working in the political context in Montana to advance TU’s conservation work and inform program goals, strategies, and tactics.
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Proven ability to fundraise and manage budgets.
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Experience managing contracts and funding agreements.
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Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
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Ability to work with multiple and diverse partners in a highly collaborative and inclusive manner on contentious issues.
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Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.
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Passion for the outdoors and Trout Unlimited’s mission.
Salary Description
Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important to personal health, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package, as well as reimbursement for work-related travel at standard state/federal rates.
The starting salary range is $90,000-$105,000 depending on experience, qualifications, and location. Title and compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications and experience level, internal equity, alignment with market data, and geographic differences.
At TU, we value a diverse representation of staff, and we actively seek candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically under-represented in conservation and those who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are committed to inclusion of all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean our shared waters.
How to Apply
Please provide a resume, cover letter, and list of three references to Trout Unlimited via our online job application system by July 21, 2026. Application will remain open until filled.
