Director of Leadership Giving
Montana State University-Billings, Billings, Montana, us, 59107
Position Details
Position Information
NBAPOSN Title
Working Title Director of Leadership Giving
Brief Position Overview
The Director of Leadership Giving (Full-time, Benefit Eligible) reports to the CEO and is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive program to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward individual major gift prospects in support of the Foundation's strategic priorities. This position manages a personal portfolio of donors and serves as a key ambassador for MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni, effectively representing its mission to a wide range of constituencies and stakeholders. The role includes leading targeted enhanced-level philanthropy initiatives and cultivating donors whose investments support significant opportunities for the University. In collaboration with senior leadership, the Director of Leadership Giving also organizes and advances campaign priorities by aligning donor interests with institutional need and fostering meaningful engagement among University partners and community stakeholders to secure transformational gifts that advance the Foundation's mission and long-term strategic plan. Primary responsibilities and relationships with other people in the institution are outlined below.
Position Number
Department MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni
Division MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni
Appointment Type Staff
Contract Term
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible
Compensation Annual
Salary Salary range of $ 65,000 to $ 70,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Other
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Duties and Responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Major Gifts Strategy Conduct research to identify major gift prospects by analyzing financial capability, business and organizational affiliations, personal interests, existing and past connections to the institution, close friends and advisors, and charitable giving history to other causes. Partner with the CEO and Board to design and implement tailored strategies that cultivate transformational gifts, with a focus on major and leadership-level giving. Manage a personal portfolio of 75-100 major donors/prospects which includes the identification, solicitation and stewardship of portfolio members. Stewards an advanced relationship portfolio that requires customized engagement strategies and greater depth of cultivation. Ensure integration of all fundraising channels into a cohesive donor experience. Develop and implement a prospect strategy with a particular focus on developing alumni, parents into long-term supporters. Ensure consistent, high-quality stewardship practices across all donor segments. Launch and grow a planned giving/legacy program to strengthen long-term sustainability. Campaign Priorities
Advances campaign priorities by developing and implementing strategies that align donor interests with institutional goals and inspire significant philanthropic investment. Collaborate with senior leadership to define, communicate and advance campaign priorities that drive fundraising success and long-term strategic impact. Provide insights on emerging major gift opportunities tied to University's priorities and capital projects. Fundraising Leadership & Collaboration
In partnership with the Development Team, engages, and strategically involves the Board Directors, Chancellor, Deans, senior academic leadership, University staff and key volunteers, as appropriate. Collaborate with marketing team to develop high-impact donor materials and engagement experiences. Collaborate with Data Management Specialist to utilize analytics from Raiser's Edge to build strategy, forecast results, and evaluate progress. Assist in the implementation of an effective Planned Giving Program, including marketing, budgeting, goal setting and strategy. Participate in monthly donor prospect strategy meetings with the Prospect Management Team to keep attention focused on the progress of donations. Maintain a timetable, checklist and reporting system within Prospect Management Team for each prospect, what the last action was what is the next step. Willing and able to travel as needed for cultivation of major donors according to the Development Team's strategic plan to achieve the Foundation's fundraising, financial goals and other objectives. Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Principal Giving. Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures. Maintains confidentiality at all times. Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Bachelor's degree required. Minimum two years' experience and skill in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding within an advancement organization. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated record of making direct solicitations and securing major gifts. A background in fundraising, including donor relationship management, campaign support, and/or philanthropic program oversight highly desirable. Excellent organizational skills to track moves management, document donor engagement history, and implement next steps while advancing a personal portfolio of donors. Exhibits a confident ability to build rapport and network with leadership-level donors. Possesses knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving, personal assets and estate planning, preferred. Maintains a strong commitment to organizational protocols while ensuring compliance with ethical fundraising principles. Demonstrated interest in all aspects of higher education and possesses a dedication in promoting the University's fundraising priorities through developing excellent working relationships with Foundation staff, University personnel, Board Directors and other external stakeholders. Familiarity with donor management systems, preferred (e.g., Raiser's Edge). Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Possesses excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills Represents the MSUB Foundation & Alumni and University in a professional, positive, informed and persuasive manner. Maintains the Foundation's reputation for integrity, responsibility, caring and prudent management of gifts. Exercises good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality. Efficient time management and appropriate prioritization of duties. Willingness to perform a range of duties and travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
The Successful Candidate Will
Special Requirements
Physical Demands
This position has supervisory duties?
Posting Detail Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 2600033P
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date 12/31/2025
Close Date 01/14/2026
Open until filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.
For consideration, please submit resume and cover letter to
foundationhr@msubfoundation.com . Applications will be reviewed as submitted and the position will remain open until filled.
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://employment.msubillings.edu/postings/7619
Diversity Statement
Montana State University Billings is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.
Montana State University Billings makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU Billings provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference or request accommodation, contact the Human Resources Office, Montana State University Billings, 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101-0298, 406-657-2278, employment@msubillings.edu.
MSU Billings Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Billings Website: http://www.msubillings.edu/humres/eeos.htm
Position Information
NBAPOSN Title
Working Title Director of Leadership Giving
Brief Position Overview
The Director of Leadership Giving (Full-time, Benefit Eligible) reports to the CEO and is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive program to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward individual major gift prospects in support of the Foundation's strategic priorities. This position manages a personal portfolio of donors and serves as a key ambassador for MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni, effectively representing its mission to a wide range of constituencies and stakeholders. The role includes leading targeted enhanced-level philanthropy initiatives and cultivating donors whose investments support significant opportunities for the University. In collaboration with senior leadership, the Director of Leadership Giving also organizes and advances campaign priorities by aligning donor interests with institutional need and fostering meaningful engagement among University partners and community stakeholders to secure transformational gifts that advance the Foundation's mission and long-term strategic plan. Primary responsibilities and relationships with other people in the institution are outlined below.
Position Number
Department MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni
Division MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni
Appointment Type Staff
Contract Term
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible
Compensation Annual
Salary Salary range of $ 65,000 to $ 70,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Other
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Duties and Responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Major Gifts Strategy Conduct research to identify major gift prospects by analyzing financial capability, business and organizational affiliations, personal interests, existing and past connections to the institution, close friends and advisors, and charitable giving history to other causes. Partner with the CEO and Board to design and implement tailored strategies that cultivate transformational gifts, with a focus on major and leadership-level giving. Manage a personal portfolio of 75-100 major donors/prospects which includes the identification, solicitation and stewardship of portfolio members. Stewards an advanced relationship portfolio that requires customized engagement strategies and greater depth of cultivation. Ensure integration of all fundraising channels into a cohesive donor experience. Develop and implement a prospect strategy with a particular focus on developing alumni, parents into long-term supporters. Ensure consistent, high-quality stewardship practices across all donor segments. Launch and grow a planned giving/legacy program to strengthen long-term sustainability. Campaign Priorities
Advances campaign priorities by developing and implementing strategies that align donor interests with institutional goals and inspire significant philanthropic investment. Collaborate with senior leadership to define, communicate and advance campaign priorities that drive fundraising success and long-term strategic impact. Provide insights on emerging major gift opportunities tied to University's priorities and capital projects. Fundraising Leadership & Collaboration
In partnership with the Development Team, engages, and strategically involves the Board Directors, Chancellor, Deans, senior academic leadership, University staff and key volunteers, as appropriate. Collaborate with marketing team to develop high-impact donor materials and engagement experiences. Collaborate with Data Management Specialist to utilize analytics from Raiser's Edge to build strategy, forecast results, and evaluate progress. Assist in the implementation of an effective Planned Giving Program, including marketing, budgeting, goal setting and strategy. Participate in monthly donor prospect strategy meetings with the Prospect Management Team to keep attention focused on the progress of donations. Maintain a timetable, checklist and reporting system within Prospect Management Team for each prospect, what the last action was what is the next step. Willing and able to travel as needed for cultivation of major donors according to the Development Team's strategic plan to achieve the Foundation's fundraising, financial goals and other objectives. Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Principal Giving. Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures. Maintains confidentiality at all times. Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Bachelor's degree required. Minimum two years' experience and skill in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding within an advancement organization. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated record of making direct solicitations and securing major gifts. A background in fundraising, including donor relationship management, campaign support, and/or philanthropic program oversight highly desirable. Excellent organizational skills to track moves management, document donor engagement history, and implement next steps while advancing a personal portfolio of donors. Exhibits a confident ability to build rapport and network with leadership-level donors. Possesses knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving, personal assets and estate planning, preferred. Maintains a strong commitment to organizational protocols while ensuring compliance with ethical fundraising principles. Demonstrated interest in all aspects of higher education and possesses a dedication in promoting the University's fundraising priorities through developing excellent working relationships with Foundation staff, University personnel, Board Directors and other external stakeholders. Familiarity with donor management systems, preferred (e.g., Raiser's Edge). Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Possesses excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills Represents the MSUB Foundation & Alumni and University in a professional, positive, informed and persuasive manner. Maintains the Foundation's reputation for integrity, responsibility, caring and prudent management of gifts. Exercises good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality. Efficient time management and appropriate prioritization of duties. Willingness to perform a range of duties and travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
The Successful Candidate Will
Special Requirements
Physical Demands
This position has supervisory duties?
Posting Detail Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 2600033P
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date 12/31/2025
Close Date 01/14/2026
Open until filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.
For consideration, please submit resume and cover letter to
foundationhr@msubfoundation.com . Applications will be reviewed as submitted and the position will remain open until filled.
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://employment.msubillings.edu/postings/7619
Diversity Statement
Montana State University Billings is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.
Montana State University Billings makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU Billings provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference or request accommodation, contact the Human Resources Office, Montana State University Billings, 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101-0298, 406-657-2278, employment@msubillings.edu.
MSU Billings Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Billings Website: http://www.msubillings.edu/humres/eeos.htm