Donor Stewardship and Communications Manager
Yellowstone Forever, Bozeman, MT, United States
Overview
Position: Manager, Donor Stewardship and Communications. Reports To: Chief Development Officer. Status: Full-time / Exempt. Location: Bozeman, MT or Remote.
Yellowstone Forever (YF) is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy. YF connects people to Yellowstone through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs and translates those experiences into lifelong support of the park and philanthropic investment in its future. Our educational programming and products help people enhance their understanding and appreciation of the wildlife, natural wonders, and cultural history of the park. YF’s operations include Park Stores in and around Yellowstone; the Yellowstone Forever Institute, which offers in-depth educational programing for people of all ages; and a supporter program which raises funds for priority park projects.
The
Manager, Donor Stewardship and Communications , plays a critical role in cultivating and sustaining meaningful relationships with donors through strategic stewardship and impactful communications. This position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive donor stewardship strategies that recognize generosity, demonstrate impact, and inspire continued engagement.
The Manager oversees donor recognition programs, manages stewardship communications, and ensures all activities align with YF’s fundraising objectives and strategic priorities. Working collaboratively across Philanthropy, Marketing, and Program (park project) teams, this role combines creativity, data-driven insights, and operational excellence to deliver personalized donor experiences that strengthen loyalty and advance philanthropic goals.
Primary Responsibilities Donor Stewardship & Recognition
Design and implement a comprehensive donor stewardship strategy for all levels of giving in coordination with all functional giving areas.
Oversee systemized donor recognition programs, including annual reports, donor walls, and acknowledgments.
Oversee tailored donor recognition and stewardship programs, including customized outreach and experiences for major, principal and planned giving donors
Collaborate with the individual and institutional giving teams to implement systemized impact reporting processes for major, principal and planned donors
Coordinate and finalize distribution for donor stewardship materials and mailings, including but not limited to in-house publications, newsletters, holiday initiatives.
Oversee general acknowledgement processes for donor contributions, ensuring best practices and providing copy review and updates as needed.
Coordinate Bear Box Program donor stewardship, including communication, tracking, and plaque delivery.
Event & Experience Management
In coordination with the Manager, Strategic Engagement, implement custom donor events and experiences, including in-person, in-park and virtual engagement opportunities.
Work with cross-functional teams and external vendors to create meaningful donor experiences.
Develop systems and processes to implement appropriate experiences and expectations across the organization for major, principal, and planned giving donors and prospects.
Donor Communications
Serve as the primary point of contact for donor stewardship communications, ensuring consistent and timely outreach across various channels.
Manage donor communications, including thank-you letters, newsletters, impact stories, and stewardship materials.
Ensure timely and personalized donor touchpoints post-gift.
Collaborate with the Director, Annual Giving to ensure alignment and support for all donor communications and stewardship projects. Including but not limited to copy and design sent to Annual Fund and Society donors for stewardship or cultivation purposes.
Coordinate with marketing and development team members to produce stewardship materials and donor communications.
In coordination with the Chief Program Officer, maintain and distribute timely project and program information relevant to donor advancements, including but not limited to one-pagers, the park project “wiki” and video/social content.
Data Management & Reporting
Manage the entry and tracking of donor stewardship actions and communications in the donor database.
Ensure clean, efficient, and accurate systems are in place to track and recognize donors at various giving levels.
Design and maintain complex reports, dashboards, and queries to support stewardship strategies and measure engagement effectiveness.
Prepare reports to estimate stewardship impact and inform business planning.
Systems & Process Improvement (in coordination with Philanthropy Operations)
Support the customization and usage of the CRM for stewardship and communications.
Implement and maintain systems, procedures, and documentation to ensure consistency and compliance in donor engagement activities.
Stay current with best practices and emerging technologies in donor stewardship and nonprofit communications.
Provide training and oversight for the Development Coordinator and other support staff in stewardship-oriented tasks, such as general acknowledgement letters and other systemized stewardship activities.
Work collaboratively with the Director of Annual Giving and other development team members to align stewardship and communications initiatives with overall fundraising goals.
Other Duties
Other tasks as assigned by supervisor or the Chief Development Officer.
Requirements
3–5 years of experience in donor stewardship, nonprofit communications, fundraising, or related roles
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience managing donor recognition programs, tailored donor experiences and stewardship communications
Proficiency with donor databases and CRM systems
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external vendors
Creative and data-driven approach to donor engagement
Commitment to Yellowstone Forever’s mission and values
Flexibility to work in Bozeman, Montana (preferred), or remotely
Compensation This is a full-time, exempt position, which will be based in Bozeman. MT or Remote. Travel between the Bozeman and Gardiner office, throughout the park, and for regional events may be required. Salary is based upon experience. Benefits of this position include knowing that your efforts directly benefit Yellowstone National Park and having the opportunity to work in one of the world’s premiere wilderness areas.
Position Review This position description will be reviewed at least annually to ensure content and responsibilities are current and documented.
Yellowstone Forever is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, political beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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Yellowstone Forever (YF) is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy. YF connects people to Yellowstone through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs and translates those experiences into lifelong support of the park and philanthropic investment in its future. Our educational programming and products help people enhance their understanding and appreciation of the wildlife, natural wonders, and cultural history of the park. YF’s operations include Park Stores in and around Yellowstone; the Yellowstone Forever Institute, which offers in-depth educational programing for people of all ages; and a supporter program which raises funds for priority park projects.
The
Manager, Donor Stewardship and Communications , plays a critical role in cultivating and sustaining meaningful relationships with donors through strategic stewardship and impactful communications. This position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive donor stewardship strategies that recognize generosity, demonstrate impact, and inspire continued engagement.
The Manager oversees donor recognition programs, manages stewardship communications, and ensures all activities align with YF’s fundraising objectives and strategic priorities. Working collaboratively across Philanthropy, Marketing, and Program (park project) teams, this role combines creativity, data-driven insights, and operational excellence to deliver personalized donor experiences that strengthen loyalty and advance philanthropic goals.
Primary Responsibilities Donor Stewardship & Recognition
Design and implement a comprehensive donor stewardship strategy for all levels of giving in coordination with all functional giving areas.
Oversee systemized donor recognition programs, including annual reports, donor walls, and acknowledgments.
Oversee tailored donor recognition and stewardship programs, including customized outreach and experiences for major, principal and planned giving donors
Collaborate with the individual and institutional giving teams to implement systemized impact reporting processes for major, principal and planned donors
Coordinate and finalize distribution for donor stewardship materials and mailings, including but not limited to in-house publications, newsletters, holiday initiatives.
Oversee general acknowledgement processes for donor contributions, ensuring best practices and providing copy review and updates as needed.
Coordinate Bear Box Program donor stewardship, including communication, tracking, and plaque delivery.
Event & Experience Management
In coordination with the Manager, Strategic Engagement, implement custom donor events and experiences, including in-person, in-park and virtual engagement opportunities.
Work with cross-functional teams and external vendors to create meaningful donor experiences.
Develop systems and processes to implement appropriate experiences and expectations across the organization for major, principal, and planned giving donors and prospects.
Donor Communications
Serve as the primary point of contact for donor stewardship communications, ensuring consistent and timely outreach across various channels.
Manage donor communications, including thank-you letters, newsletters, impact stories, and stewardship materials.
Ensure timely and personalized donor touchpoints post-gift.
Collaborate with the Director, Annual Giving to ensure alignment and support for all donor communications and stewardship projects. Including but not limited to copy and design sent to Annual Fund and Society donors for stewardship or cultivation purposes.
Coordinate with marketing and development team members to produce stewardship materials and donor communications.
In coordination with the Chief Program Officer, maintain and distribute timely project and program information relevant to donor advancements, including but not limited to one-pagers, the park project “wiki” and video/social content.
Data Management & Reporting
Manage the entry and tracking of donor stewardship actions and communications in the donor database.
Ensure clean, efficient, and accurate systems are in place to track and recognize donors at various giving levels.
Design and maintain complex reports, dashboards, and queries to support stewardship strategies and measure engagement effectiveness.
Prepare reports to estimate stewardship impact and inform business planning.
Systems & Process Improvement (in coordination with Philanthropy Operations)
Support the customization and usage of the CRM for stewardship and communications.
Implement and maintain systems, procedures, and documentation to ensure consistency and compliance in donor engagement activities.
Stay current with best practices and emerging technologies in donor stewardship and nonprofit communications.
Provide training and oversight for the Development Coordinator and other support staff in stewardship-oriented tasks, such as general acknowledgement letters and other systemized stewardship activities.
Work collaboratively with the Director of Annual Giving and other development team members to align stewardship and communications initiatives with overall fundraising goals.
Other Duties
Other tasks as assigned by supervisor or the Chief Development Officer.
Requirements
3–5 years of experience in donor stewardship, nonprofit communications, fundraising, or related roles
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience managing donor recognition programs, tailored donor experiences and stewardship communications
Proficiency with donor databases and CRM systems
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external vendors
Creative and data-driven approach to donor engagement
Commitment to Yellowstone Forever’s mission and values
Flexibility to work in Bozeman, Montana (preferred), or remotely
Compensation This is a full-time, exempt position, which will be based in Bozeman. MT or Remote. Travel between the Bozeman and Gardiner office, throughout the park, and for regional events may be required. Salary is based upon experience. Benefits of this position include knowing that your efforts directly benefit Yellowstone National Park and having the opportunity to work in one of the world’s premiere wilderness areas.
Position Review This position description will be reviewed at least annually to ensure content and responsibilities are current and documented.
Yellowstone Forever is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, political beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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