The University of Montana invites applications for the Director of the Center for Hunting and Conservation (CHC), who will provide visionary leadership to advance the Center’s mission of promoting science, education, and outreach at the intersection of hunting and conservation. The Director will be responsible for positioning the Center as a national leader in wildlife and natural resource management, with particular emphasis on the role of hunting in conservation. The CHC seeks to make a meaningful impact on wildlife management and the human dimensions of wildlife and the future of hunting in North America.

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic vision and leadership for CHC in alignment with its mission, vision, and values.
• Convene and foster collaborations across academic disciplines, state and federal agencies, NGOs, and stakeholder groups.

Research & Scholarship

• Facilitate and lead innovative research that addresses hunting’s role in conservation. Relevant research topics span game population and harvest management, human dimensions, and policy.
• Secure external funding through grants/contracts.
• Publish and disseminate peer-reviewed scholarship and prepare non-technical reports of research findings for broad dissemination to the public.

Education & Outreach

• Contribute to teaching within the Franke College of Forestry and Conservation with expectation of teaching one class per year.
• Lead outreach efforts that communicate CHC’s work to diverse audiences, including policymakers, the public, and the hunting community.
• Facilitate production and dissemination of press releases, white papers highlighting CHC work (e.g., best management practices), and stories that capture CHC’s value to the hunting public and society generally.

Administration & Development

• Manage the CHC operation, budget, and staff.
• Build and sustain relationships with foundations, agencies, and organizations.
• Coordinate with UM Foundation staff on donor cultivation and stewardship.

• A terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in wildlife biology, conservation, social sciences, natural resource management, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated record of scholarly activity related to hunting, wildlife management, and/or conservation
• Proven leadership experience
• Ability to build partnerships and convene diverse stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage scholarly, professional, and public audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of professional experience

Position is a full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.