Executive Director

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.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • 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 via NCAT’s recruitment webpage.

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 home page at www.ncat.org.

Technical Assistance Provider (4)

NCAT is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance solutions in regenerative agriculture and clean energy so that both people and the land can flourish. NCAT operates locally, with deep ties to the communities and regions we serve. We share knowledge, build skills, craft practical solutions, and cultivate networks through workshops and convenings, an online resource hub, and multimedia communications. We are known for providing trusted, human-centered technical assistance in agriculture and energy.

NCAT is seeking four (4) full-time Technical Assistance Providers who will be on the implementation team of a multi-year project focused on wool producers in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming to strengthen their market access. Technical Assistance Providers work directly with targeted wool producers with resources for improving wool quality, soil health, drought resiliency, and market access improvement

This position is remote, and the employee must be based in one of the following states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Relocation support is not provided.

This position is tied to a grant-funded project that is scheduled to conclude March 2028. Employment is contingent upon the continuation of project funding.

QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires a BA/BS degree in agriculture, animal science, natural resource management, conservation, or related fields. Experience in building soil health through regenerative ranching and farming; and demonstrated competence/certification in whole farm planning, such as NRCS conservation planner certification.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Commitment and passion for the NCAT mission.
  • Strong knowledge of animal agriculture in the West and familiarity with ag-related organizations and government agencies.
  • Understanding or willingness to learn about the sheep and wool industry.
  • Experience working for or with the NRCS.
  • Experience in providing technical assistance for conservation agriculture practices.
  • Experience working with land managers and agricultural producers in conservation planning, soil health planning, and implementation.
  • Competence in GIS mapping, data management, and using software such as the Web Soil Survey and the Rangeland Analysis Platform.
  • Competent with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of western ecology, plants, wildlife, soils, and climate.
  • Excellent attention to detail and demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
  • Exceptional ability to communicate and build relationships with farmers, ranchers, community organizations, government agencies, partners, private contractors, and the general public.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Self-directed and organized with the ability to multitask to meet multiple deadlines.
  • Exceptional ability to work productively both independently and in a collaborative team setting.
  • Familiarity with the sheep and wool industry is preferred.
  • Ability to conduct on-farm fieldwork in challenging terrain, weather, and climate conditions while carrying up to 30 pounds.
  • Willingness and ability to travel around the region. Travel may involve flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends. Some overnight travel will be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Promote and support NCAT’s mission.
  • Enroll woolgrowers in the program and ensure producer eligibility by gathering necessary documents.
  • Assist woolgrowers to implement conservation practices, best practices to improve wool quality, and increase market access opportunities.
  • Complete NRCS Environmental Evaluations in accordance with NRCS standards.
  • Provide regionally appropriate technical assistance to woolgrowers via in-person site visits, phone, and email.
  • Monitor conservation practice implementation, monitoring, and measure and report on necessary information to the USDA.
  • Collect data and contribute to quarterly project reports towards benchmarks and goals.
  • Work closely with producers to gather necessary documentation and administer incentive funds, such as but not limited to the Wool Quality Improvement Fund and Market Innovation Fund.
  • Present at conferences, producer association meetings, stakeholder meetings, and other appropriate forums.
  • Administer program details to project participants and maintain their confidential records and information.
  • Develop and maintain positive, productive, professional relationships with producers, partner organizations, agencies, research institutions, and Tribes as part of program delivery.
  • Create outreach and promotional materials, such as press releases, blog posts, and podcasts.
  • Cultivate positive, inclusive, and productive relationships internally with teammates, working collaboratively within the NCAT team and across NCAT as a whole. Teamwork is an essential function of this job.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
This position offers a salary range of $63,000 to $67,000 based on experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.ncat.org to learn more about NCAT.

All interested applicants must apply by submitting a current resume and cover letter that highlights relevant skills and experience aligned with the listed qualifications.

To apply, please visit our workforce page and choose Technical Assistance Provider.

Questions about the application process can be directed to:
Cassie Lindau, Human Resources Manager
jobs@ncat.org
(406) 494-8644

NCAT is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.