What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Director, FLBS position at University of Montana Foundation?
Development Director, Flathead Lake Biological Station
At the University of Montana Foundation, the lives we change will change the world. We inspire donors to bolster UM’s mission of providing an accessible, affordable, and world-class education.
Today, we have an excellent opportunity for a fundraising professional to raise resources for the Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) – an ecological research and education center located on beautiful Flathead Lake in Northwest Montana.
The Development Director will advise donors through the giving cycle, working collaboratively at the intersection between donors’ philanthropic passions and FLBS’s greatest opportunities and needs.
The successful candidate may choose to be based primarily at either the Flathead Lake Biological Station near Polson or the University of Montana Foundation office in Missoula. This position requires regular travel between the two locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio and build relationships with prospective and current donors, with frequent travel around Flathead Lake and throughout Montana, and with occasional out-of-state travel
- Develop and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors
- Inspire philanthropic support from donors by learning and articulating the Flathead Lake Biological Station’s mission, values, programs, and fundraising opportunities
- Coordinate the participation of FLBS director, faculty, and staff in fundraising activities
- Work in collaboration with UM Foundation teams including Development, Prospect Research and Management, Marketing and Communications, Stewardship, and Gift and Fund Administration
Why Work for Us?
- Retirement 403(b) employer contribution of 11%
- Opportunity for a part-time remote work arrangement each week
- Generous time off – Team members accrue four weeks of vacation and 12 days of sick leave per year, with an additional 12 days of holiday leave
- Paid parental leave for new parents
- Short-term and long-term disability pay protection benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Wellness program and more
- Professional development opportunities, including fundraising training with Plus Delta Partners
- Competitive Pay – candidates can request the starting pay range by emailing humanresources@supportum.org
Ideal Candidate
We seek a candidate who excels in relationship-building, possesses a high level of self-motivation, and is team-oriented. Minimum qualifications include:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
- A minimum of three years of fundraising experience, with a preference for experience within the fields of environmental science and conservation in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
- Knowledge of the major gift process, and experience soliciting individuals for philanthropic gifts.
- Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Ability and willingness to drive and travel.
- The position requires an ability to work from both the Flathead Lake Biological Station, located at Yellow Bay on the east shore of Flathead Lake near Polson, Montana, and the University of Montana Foundation office in Missoula, Montana (80 miles apart) with opportunities to work partially remotely each week.
If you do not meet all the listed qualifications but feel you bring relevant skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.
The University of Montana Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process at the University of Montana Foundation, contact humanresources@supportum.org. All hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
Priority Application Date: Monday, February 18, 2025. Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration.
About the University of Montana Foundation
The UM Foundation connects donors’ passions with needs and opportunities at the University of Montana. Serving the University as an independent nonprofit, the UM Foundation manages the University’s private fundraising efforts, donations and investment of endowed gifts.
The UM Foundation is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the people and culture of the University it serves. UM Foundation employees enjoy a collaborative culture and inspiring mission to support the University and its students.
Our core values guide us in all that we do:
- We are passionate about delivering an exceptional donor experience
- We inspire each other to do our best work
- We act with integrity and respect
- We innovate thoughtfully and with purpose
About the University of Montana
As Montana’s flagship university and a top-tier R1 research institution, the University of Montana sets a high bar for academic studies, creative accomplishments, and scientific exploration. Students receive a world-class education in a broad range of subjects that include the trades, liberal arts, sciences, graduate and postdoctoral study and professional training.
About the Flathead Lake Biological Station
The Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) is a Center of Excellence and administrative unit of the University of Montana. FLBS is a world-renowned ecological research and education center specializing in aquatic ecosystems. FLBS is located on Flathead Lake in the Rocky Mountains, roughly an hour from both Glacier National Park and alpine skiing in Whitefish, MT. For over 125 years, FLBS has conducted college field ecology courses, graduate programs, community engagement, and research.
Students and researchers from around the world continue to come to FLBS to learn about ecology and limnology from experts in the field. FLBS’s flagship program is the long-term monitoring of Flathead Lake and its watershed, and FLBS scientists conduct novel research around the globe, helping people live in a healthy, sustainable environment, and helping managers and policy-makers make informed decisions.
The activities of FLBS help Flathead Lake and the waters of Montana remain clean and healthy for future generations.