Director of Development

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 

Reports to: Deputy Director  

Location: GYC Office: Bozeman, MT; Driggs, ID; Jackson, WY; Cody, WY; Lander, WY; Fort Washakie, WY 

Supervises:    Development Staff  

Status: Regular, 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week), Exempt  

Last Update: October 2024  

For more than 40 years, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC) has been “America’s Voice for a Greater Yellowstone.” As the only on-the-ground conservation group working solely to protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), we strive passionately, professionally, and strategically to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of this remarkable area. Greater Yellowstone’s 22 million acres comprise one of the last and largest intact temperate ecosystems on Earth. It is also home to vibrant communities with varied economies and unique cultures in the three states of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.  

As a place-based conservation organization, GYC uses the full range of tools available to achieve durable conservation outcomes. We believe in the power of working together. We are creative thinkers and aren't afraid to think big when it comes to achieving our goals and advancing our mission. We build authentic and trusting relationships. We believe in what we do. 

Scope of Responsibilities 

The Director of Development works closely with the Development team (all of which are currently based in GYC’s Bozeman office) and other colleagues to implement fundraising plans and secure financial support. This position will have primary responsibility for grants management (grant writing, deadline tracking, stewardship, and prospect research) and manages a team of approximately four staff, providing oversight for individual and annual giving, database management and gift processing. The Director of Development is an important member of GYC’s Leadership Team and ensures development functions are well coordinated across all parts of the organization, including conservation programs, marketing and communications, and finance.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

• Manage the grant process for foundation, family foundation, and government grantmaking entities. Produce or co-create original content or tailor existing content into engaging and appropriate material for donors and prospective donors. Track and meet deadlines. Steward current and prospective foundation donors. Work with the finance team to prepare budgets and financial narratives for proposals and reports. 
• Implement and manage development plans to meet goals for individual and foundation giving, campaigns or special initiatives, planned giving, and events. Participation in the overall budgeting process is critical to ensuring development plans meet organizational goals.  
• Supervise and manage the Development team, which includes hiring, training, coaching, goal setting, and overseeing the execution of day-to-day work. This position ensures accountability of direct reports’ annual work plans, strategic benchmarks, and of budgets and cash flow projections.  
• Participate as a member of GYC’s Leadership Team and other internal committees as needed.  
• Oversee alignment of development functions across conservation, marketing and communications, and finance teams to foster long-term financial stability and growth.  
• Oversee the individual giving team and direct a thorough strategy for individual donors. Ensure coordination between the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Development Manager. Oversee the strategic use of GYC’s donor and constituent database.  
• Ensure coordination with the Communications and Marketing team and provide oversight of print and digital appeals, thank-you letters, and other donor-centered communications. Coordinate donor stewardship efforts of staff and board.  
• Provide status reports on fundraising efforts, performance metrics, and actual to budget revenue goals.  

Qualifications  

• 7-10 years of recent experience leading successful fundraising teams.  
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; master’s degree a plus.  
• Commitment to and understanding of Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s mission and goals.  
• Track record of raising substantial funds for nonprofit organizations.  
• Proven success in envisioning, initiating, carrying out, and finishing special fundraising initiatives or campaigns.  
• Demonstrated ability to effectively empower teams and strategically lead, collaborate, supervise, and manage.  
• Strong knowledge of philanthropic best practices, principles, and ethics.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
• Experience with grant proposal writing and reporting.  
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.  
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a diversity of individuals and institutions.  
• Demonstrated experience building and managing budgets.  
• Commitment to understanding shifting trends in charitable giving and embracing continued learning.  
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  
• Ability to travel within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and out of the region on a regular basis.  

Compensation and Benefits  

• Salary range is $105,000-135,000 depending on experience.  
• Employer-paid health premiums for employees and contributions for dependents, spouses, and domestic partners 
• Employees can elect to have additional premiums for vision, dental, life, and accident policies 
• Employer-paid long-term disability 
• Generous time-off: vacation, sick, personal, paid holidays, and sabbatical 
• Tuition reimbursement program  
• Paid parental leave 
• Paid volunteer hours 
• Lifestyle spending account  
• Employer contribution and match to 401k retirement plan. 
• Hybrid work model 

Physical Working Conditions  

GYC is committed to honoring and improving accommodations within our existing infrastructure.  

• Business office environment with moderate noise.  
• Will sit or stand at a desk and move between offices. Accommodations can be made.  
• Work on a computer, use a telephone, and other general office equipment.  
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds. The use of a dolly, cart, etc. is available. Accommodations honored and assistance from other staff are strongly encouraged.  
• This position will be up to 20% travel, mostly by car and occasional air.