Director of Development
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Bozeman, Montana, us, 59772
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
The Station Foundation | Bozeman, Montana
Position: Full-time, exempt
Salary: $100,000-$125,000
Location: Bozeman preferred; remote considered
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, generous PTO
Start Date: ASAP
Apply: Submit resume and cover letter to kstacy@thestationfoundation.org
Organizational Overview The Station Foundation provides genuine healing for U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their families. Founded in 2011 and headquartered near Bozeman, Montana, we offer immersive programs for Warriors, Spouses, Children, and Gold Star Families through three pillars: Homecoming (Montana-based programs), Legacy (Gold Star Families), and Interwoven (community programming nationwide). Our work honors the quiet professionalism of the SOF community through authenticity, depth, and lasting transformation. Learn more: www.thestationfoundation.org
Opportunity The Director of Development is a pivotal leadership role responsible for advancing The Station Foundation's mission through strategic fundraising, relationship cultivation, and revenue development. This position demands a seasoned leader and fundraiser to spearhead our efforts into the next phase of sustainable growth. It requires a proven major gifts professional who can move seamlessly between major gift solicitation, family office engagement, foundation partnerships, and grassroots campaigns—all while embodying the gravitas and emotional intelligence required to represent our organization to high-net-worth donors and community leaders.
The ideal candidate is a driven, mature professional with demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising who understands that transformational philanthropy is built on trust, authenticity, and genuine connection. You will lead fundraising strategy, manage donor portfolios, oversee development operations, and work directly with the Executive Director to expand our base of support and secure the resources necessary to serve more SOF families.
This is an opportunity to join a mission-driven organization at a pivotal growth stage, where your leadership will directly shape our impact for years to come. You will have the autonomy to build systems, cultivate transformational relationships, and create meaningful change for a community that has given everything in service to our nation.
Primary Responsibilities Strategic Fundraising Leadership (30% of time)
Develop and execute comprehensive annual fundraising plan with revenue targets and metrics
Present quarterly reports to Executive Director and Board on fundraising progress
Design and implement moves management system to track donor relationships
Build forecasting tools and dashboards that bring predictability to revenue planning
Design and execute multi-channel annual fund campaigns (direct mail, email, social media, peer-to-peer)
Plan and manage fundraising events including donor cultivation experiences and campaigns
Oversee digital fundraising platforms (Classy, social media, website giving)
Enhance monthly giving programs and recurring revenue strategies
Create compelling communications that tell our story and inspire action
Partner with Executive Director on long-term development strategy
Major Gifts & Donor Relations (50% of time)
Personally manage portfolio of 50-75 major gift prospects and donors ($25K-$250K range)
Conduct 10-15 donor meetings monthly (in-person visits and virtual cultivation calls)
Research, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational gifts
Create compelling, personalized proposals tailored to donor interests and values
Design stewardship experiences that demonstrate impact and deepen engagement
Build donor recognition programs that honor contributions while respecting SOF culture
Support Executive Director with touchpoints for top 20 donor relationships
Foundation & Corporate Partnerships (10% of time)
Identify and pursue foundation and corporate grant opportunities
Lead grant writing efforts (LOIs, proposals, reports) with Grants Specialist
Cultivate relationships with program officers and foundation leadership
Manage grant calendars, deadlines, and compliance requirements
Explore corporate partnerships including sponsorships and matching gifts
Team Leadership & Operations (10% of time)
Lead, mentor, and develop Development Coordinator and future development hires
Establish clear goals, expectations, and accountability structures
Oversee CRM management (Virtuous) including data integrity and automation
Ensure timely gift processing, acknowledgment, and donor communications
Develop and manage development budget with attention to ROI
Create standard operating procedures for all development functions
Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Required:
Experience & Track Record
7-10+ years of progressively responsible development experience with major gifts success
Proven track record of personally securing multiple gifts of $100,000
Experience managing a portfolio of 50+ donors with disciplined moves management
Strong understanding of donor psychology, cultivation cycles, and transformational philanthropy
Experience leading or mentoring development staff (even small teams)
Success working in entrepreneurial nonprofit environments ($1M-$10M budget range)
Skills & Competencies
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to craft compelling narratives
Confidence engaging with high-net-worth individuals and family offices
Proficiency with CRM systems (Virtuous preferred), donor research and online fundraising tools
Experience with data analysis, metrics, forecasting, and performance dashboards
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Leadership & Character
Emotional intelligence and cultural competency to navigate diverse relationships
Gravitas and maturity to represent organization to sophisticated donors
Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build systems while executing hands-on work
Authentic, non-transactional approach rooted in genuine relationships
High integrity, accountability, and commitment to ethical fundraising
Resilience and adaptability in fast-paced, evolving environments
Strongly Preferred
Experience with capital campaigns or comprehensive multi-year campaigns
Grant writing experience securing five- and six-figure foundation/corporate grants
Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and complex gift structures
Familiarity with military culture, veterans' issues, or mission-driven nonprofit work
CFRE certification or commitment to pursuing certification
Membership in Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
The Right Candidate
Has successfully closed multiple six-figure gifts and can walk us through your strategy
Thrives in environments where you can build something meaningful vs. maintain status quo
Understands major gifts fundraising is about listening, patience, and authentic connection
Can be both strategic (building systems) and tactical (making the asks and closing gifts)
Wants to work with a mission that matters deeply—not just collect a paycheck
Can learn the SOF culture and honor the unique values of this quiet, professional community
Location & Work Environment Preferred Location: Bozeman, Montana (headquarters).
Why Bozeman matters: Daily interactions with the Executive Director and team, immersion in SOF culture through program exposure, and real-time collaboration on donor strategy all happen best in-person. Development Coordinator is in-office and can serve as a bridge, but the director's presence accelerates integration and effectiveness.
Remote considered for exceptional candidates outside Montana with significant commitment to in-person presence:
Monthly 2-3 day visits to Bozeman
Quarterly week-long strategic planning sessions
Daily phone/video contact with Executive Director and team
Regular travel for donor cultivation (estimated 25% overall travel)
Work Schedule: requires flexibility to meet supporters when available, to include evenings and weekends. Travel is frequent.
How To Apply Submit the following to the Executive Director (Kevin Stacy) at kstacy@thestationfoundation.org :
1. Resume/CV
2. Thoughtful cover letter
3. Three professional references (at least one from a donor you've successfully cultivated)
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled; priority consideration for applications received by February 28, 2025
Questions? Contact Kevin Stacy, Executive Director, at kstacy@thestationfoundation.org
The Station Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including veterans and military spouses.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position: Full-time, exempt
Salary: $100,000-$125,000
Location: Bozeman preferred; remote considered
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, generous PTO
Start Date: ASAP
Apply: Submit resume and cover letter to kstacy@thestationfoundation.org
Organizational Overview The Station Foundation provides genuine healing for U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their families. Founded in 2011 and headquartered near Bozeman, Montana, we offer immersive programs for Warriors, Spouses, Children, and Gold Star Families through three pillars: Homecoming (Montana-based programs), Legacy (Gold Star Families), and Interwoven (community programming nationwide). Our work honors the quiet professionalism of the SOF community through authenticity, depth, and lasting transformation. Learn more: www.thestationfoundation.org
Opportunity The Director of Development is a pivotal leadership role responsible for advancing The Station Foundation's mission through strategic fundraising, relationship cultivation, and revenue development. This position demands a seasoned leader and fundraiser to spearhead our efforts into the next phase of sustainable growth. It requires a proven major gifts professional who can move seamlessly between major gift solicitation, family office engagement, foundation partnerships, and grassroots campaigns—all while embodying the gravitas and emotional intelligence required to represent our organization to high-net-worth donors and community leaders.
The ideal candidate is a driven, mature professional with demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising who understands that transformational philanthropy is built on trust, authenticity, and genuine connection. You will lead fundraising strategy, manage donor portfolios, oversee development operations, and work directly with the Executive Director to expand our base of support and secure the resources necessary to serve more SOF families.
This is an opportunity to join a mission-driven organization at a pivotal growth stage, where your leadership will directly shape our impact for years to come. You will have the autonomy to build systems, cultivate transformational relationships, and create meaningful change for a community that has given everything in service to our nation.
Primary Responsibilities Strategic Fundraising Leadership (30% of time)
Develop and execute comprehensive annual fundraising plan with revenue targets and metrics
Present quarterly reports to Executive Director and Board on fundraising progress
Design and implement moves management system to track donor relationships
Build forecasting tools and dashboards that bring predictability to revenue planning
Design and execute multi-channel annual fund campaigns (direct mail, email, social media, peer-to-peer)
Plan and manage fundraising events including donor cultivation experiences and campaigns
Oversee digital fundraising platforms (Classy, social media, website giving)
Enhance monthly giving programs and recurring revenue strategies
Create compelling communications that tell our story and inspire action
Partner with Executive Director on long-term development strategy
Major Gifts & Donor Relations (50% of time)
Personally manage portfolio of 50-75 major gift prospects and donors ($25K-$250K range)
Conduct 10-15 donor meetings monthly (in-person visits and virtual cultivation calls)
Research, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational gifts
Create compelling, personalized proposals tailored to donor interests and values
Design stewardship experiences that demonstrate impact and deepen engagement
Build donor recognition programs that honor contributions while respecting SOF culture
Support Executive Director with touchpoints for top 20 donor relationships
Foundation & Corporate Partnerships (10% of time)
Identify and pursue foundation and corporate grant opportunities
Lead grant writing efforts (LOIs, proposals, reports) with Grants Specialist
Cultivate relationships with program officers and foundation leadership
Manage grant calendars, deadlines, and compliance requirements
Explore corporate partnerships including sponsorships and matching gifts
Team Leadership & Operations (10% of time)
Lead, mentor, and develop Development Coordinator and future development hires
Establish clear goals, expectations, and accountability structures
Oversee CRM management (Virtuous) including data integrity and automation
Ensure timely gift processing, acknowledgment, and donor communications
Develop and manage development budget with attention to ROI
Create standard operating procedures for all development functions
Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Required:
Experience & Track Record
7-10+ years of progressively responsible development experience with major gifts success
Proven track record of personally securing multiple gifts of $100,000
Experience managing a portfolio of 50+ donors with disciplined moves management
Strong understanding of donor psychology, cultivation cycles, and transformational philanthropy
Experience leading or mentoring development staff (even small teams)
Success working in entrepreneurial nonprofit environments ($1M-$10M budget range)
Skills & Competencies
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to craft compelling narratives
Confidence engaging with high-net-worth individuals and family offices
Proficiency with CRM systems (Virtuous preferred), donor research and online fundraising tools
Experience with data analysis, metrics, forecasting, and performance dashboards
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Leadership & Character
Emotional intelligence and cultural competency to navigate diverse relationships
Gravitas and maturity to represent organization to sophisticated donors
Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build systems while executing hands-on work
Authentic, non-transactional approach rooted in genuine relationships
High integrity, accountability, and commitment to ethical fundraising
Resilience and adaptability in fast-paced, evolving environments
Strongly Preferred
Experience with capital campaigns or comprehensive multi-year campaigns
Grant writing experience securing five- and six-figure foundation/corporate grants
Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and complex gift structures
Familiarity with military culture, veterans' issues, or mission-driven nonprofit work
CFRE certification or commitment to pursuing certification
Membership in Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
The Right Candidate
Has successfully closed multiple six-figure gifts and can walk us through your strategy
Thrives in environments where you can build something meaningful vs. maintain status quo
Understands major gifts fundraising is about listening, patience, and authentic connection
Can be both strategic (building systems) and tactical (making the asks and closing gifts)
Wants to work with a mission that matters deeply—not just collect a paycheck
Can learn the SOF culture and honor the unique values of this quiet, professional community
Location & Work Environment Preferred Location: Bozeman, Montana (headquarters).
Why Bozeman matters: Daily interactions with the Executive Director and team, immersion in SOF culture through program exposure, and real-time collaboration on donor strategy all happen best in-person. Development Coordinator is in-office and can serve as a bridge, but the director's presence accelerates integration and effectiveness.
Remote considered for exceptional candidates outside Montana with significant commitment to in-person presence:
Monthly 2-3 day visits to Bozeman
Quarterly week-long strategic planning sessions
Daily phone/video contact with Executive Director and team
Regular travel for donor cultivation (estimated 25% overall travel)
Work Schedule: requires flexibility to meet supporters when available, to include evenings and weekends. Travel is frequent.
How To Apply Submit the following to the Executive Director (Kevin Stacy) at kstacy@thestationfoundation.org :
1. Resume/CV
2. Thoughtful cover letter
3. Three professional references (at least one from a donor you've successfully cultivated)
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled; priority consideration for applications received by February 28, 2025
Questions? Contact Kevin Stacy, Executive Director, at kstacy@thestationfoundation.org
The Station Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including veterans and military spouses.
#J-18808-Ljbffr