Description

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking an energetic, passionate, experienced and collaborative Executive Director to provide visionary leadership to its dynamic staff, board and partners. 

Founded in 1976, NCAT is a national, private non-profit organization providing trusted assistance and education nationally on acclaimed projects in sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency, and related topics that reduce poverty, increase healthy communities and protect natural resources. NCAT employs nearly 60 staff across 14 states. The organization has an annual budget exceeding $15 million. 

This position will report to NCAT’s Board of Directors and be responsible for overall programmatic, administrative, and fiscal supervision of the organization while empowering and entrusting Executive Team members to provide day-to-day management and administration.

The Executive Director will maintain and grow successful local, regional, and national projects that advance NCAT’s mission, including increasing sustainable funding to ensure that NCAT continues to be a vibrant organization well into the future.

The experienced professional will, with the Board of Directors, assure that the organization has a long-term strategy to achieve its mission in alignment with its values. The Executive Director will lead the organization’s senior leadership to chart NCAT’s growth and strategic response to demands for the organization’s services. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

The position requires either: 

      a Master’s degree in a related field, plus a minimum of 10 years of non-profit management experience, or 

      a Bachelor’s degree in a related field along with a minimum of 15 years of non-profit program and organizational management experience. 

The position also requires a proven track record of delivering superior results and strategic plan implementation. Applicants must have experience in acquiring and managing large institutional donor-funded projects from the U.S. government and foundations. Preference will be given to applicants with background and experience in sustainable agriculture; sustainable energy; or rural development. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

      Exceptional capacity for managing and leading people; developing leaders; building teams and modeling flexibility, adaptability and commitment to foster a positive work environment; and connecting to staff both as individuals and team members.

      A commitment and passion for NCAT’s mission, work, and high standards, through outstanding interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills. 

      A thorough understanding of non-profit organizational operations, from board of directors to staff roles; risk management; finance; business functions and systems, including business development, budgeting, and human resources. 

      Ability to think critically, articulate strategic vision, and anticipate future consequences and trends in order to incorporate them into organizational planning. 

      A proven track record of obtaining federal, state, and foundation grants, major gifts, and funding from other sources; experience preparing and managing organizational budgets.

      Knowledge of local, state and national political landscapes including funding, public policy, pragmatic collaborations and best practices. 

      A demonstrated history of developing and nurturing effective collaborations with partners to optimize an organization’s mission. 

      Being a self-starter and courageous, with spark, imagination and creativity; and remaining focused in the face of pressure, unintimidated by tasks, timelines and limitations.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

      Build, cultivate and nurture a strong partnership with the Board of Directors built on mutual respect and trust. 

      Lead and direct the organization, providing a vision that inspires  passion. Build, lead and retain an effective and diverse team dedicated to the mission and with the requisite competencies to be successful in their work.

      Establish effective decision making at all levels to ensure that voices are heard and that short and long term goals are met.

      Ensure the organization is resting on a fiscally sound foundation and that relevant parties are informed about fiscal status and that financial information is communicated in a manner accessible to all.

      Oversee a programmatic portfolio that is designed with a deep understanding of the communities NCAT serves and that aligns with the organizational mission and long-range plans.

      Direct the fundraising strategy that has a diverse base of institutional and individual donors with relevant staff and board members.

      Build, develop and maintain productive working relationships with collaborators and partners for NCAT’s work. 

      Promote a safe, secure, and respectful work environment where everyone feels valued and included.

      Develop and sustain relationships with partners and stakeholders.

      Execute all other reasonable requests from the Board of Directors. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: $135,000 - $170,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits include paid vacation and holidays, health, life and disability insurance, a cafeteria and 401(k) plan. 

LOCATION: NCAT is headquartered in Butte, Montana with staff in 14 states across the US. The position requires a major travel commitment of up to 40% time. In addition to expected monthly travel to the Butte office, the ED will travel to work with staff across the NCAT footprint, and represent NCAT at industry events.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are encouraged. All persons interested in being considered for the position must submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their experience and skills at: Current Openings | Recruitment

Questions about the application process can be directed to: Cassie Lindau, Human Resources Manager, e-mail: jobs@ncat.org.

NCAT’s mission is to advance practices in sustainable agriculture and clean energy, reducing poverty, so that both people and the environment can flourish. Our work brings together diverse partnerships and communities to help reduce poverty and protect our natural resources. 

NCAT is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We believe that a variety of perspectives strengthens our work and mission, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

For additional information about NCAT, please visit our website at www.ncat.org.

Requirements

      Build, cultivate and nurture a strong partnership with the Board of Directors built on mutual respect and trust. 

      Lead and direct the organization, providing a vision that inspires  passion. Build, lead and retain an effective and diverse team dedicated to the mission and with the requisite competencies to be successful in their work.

      Establish effective decision making at all levels to ensure that voices are heard and that short and long term goals are met.

      Ensure the organization is resting on a fiscally sound foundation and that relevant parties are informed about fiscal status and that financial information is communicated in a manner accessible to all.

      Oversee a programmatic portfolio that is designed with a deep understanding of the communities NCAT serves and that aligns with the organizational mission and long-range plans.

      Direct the fundraising strategy that has a diverse base of institutional and individual donors with relevant staff and board members.

      Build, develop and maintain productive working relationships with collaborators and partners for NCAT’s work. 

      Promote a safe, secure, and respectful work environment where everyone feels valued and included.

      Develop and sustain relationships with partners and stakeholders.

      Execute all other reasonable requests from the Board of Directors.