Please note: The position is listed as full-time but we will also consider candidates in a part-time role. Our main office is in Helena, Montana but we will also consider remote work for this position (remote within Montana preferred).

The Development Officer will work closely with the Executive Director and the admin team to help coordinate Montana Audubon’s fundraising activities including donor cultivation, stewardship and solicitation, grant research writing and management. This also includes overseeing annual fundraising activities such as appeal letters, email solicitations, monthly giving program, corporate sponsors, membership program, and planned giving. This position is a key member of our administration team with a focus on cultivation and stewardship of supporters, ultimately nurturing and growing support for our work. We seek an energetic and enthusiastic person with a strong interest in relationship building that will help our organization better engage with members, foundations, corporations, donors and supporters. This position will be a key member of our Administrative Team (Executive Director, Operations Manager, Administrative Assistant, and Communications Specialist).

Major Responsibilities

• Create an annual Development plan to meet fundraising revenue goals for Montana Audubon. The plan will also address strategies and techniques for continual expansion and cultivation of prospective donors and long-term growth of the organization through our assortment of giving programs (Donor Advised Funds, Estate Gifts, IRA contributions, etc.).
• Oversees the foundation and grants program wherein relationships are well-maintained, and timely, setting up foundations meetings as needed, accurate grant proposals and reports are written and prepared for program-specific and operational grants.
• Secure corporate sponsorships and auction items to enhance the fundraising elements of all Montana Audubon events.
• Works with the Communication Specialist to ensure marketing and communications efforts have a consistent and compelling case for support including the production of materials designed for members, donors, foundations and corporations.
• Conducts research to identify donor prospects and to obtain information concerning financial capacity, special interests, past history and relationship with Montana Audubon. Identify prospects for increased gift potential.
• In coordination with Admin staff, maintains a system of donor information, donations, and interactions, including both electronic and confidential hard copy filing systems.
• Ensure appropriate and accurate donor and foundation recognition via thank you letters and reports including proper acknowledgement of donors, foundations, government agencies, partners and corporations in our annual report.
• Created accurate mailing list for all fundraising activities to ensure proper solicitation of donors including personalization when necessary by the Executive Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of professional experience in nonprofit development or related field. The ideal candidate would have experience either as a Development Director or Executive Director of a small nonprofit or as part of a development team of a larger nonprofit.
• Experience with institutional relationship building with different audiences, such as foundations and individual donors, both in one-on-one conversations and large event settings.
• A commitment to conservation and the mission of Montana Audubon.
• Experience in grant research, writing and management.
• Experience using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database – we currently use DonorPerfect.
• Possesses an even temperament, sense of humor, ability to take direction, and exercises good judgment and flexibility.
• Willingness and desire to be a team player within a collaborative work culture
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and stay within budget.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, overnights and willingness to travel statewide as needed.