Director of Development, Strategic Initiatives

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.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the people and culture of the University we serve, fostering an environment allowing us to inspire each other to our best work. We act with integrity and respect, and work to create a team where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

Why Work for Us?

• Retirement Planning: 403(b) employer contribution of 11%, no employee match required!
• Flexible Work Arrangement: Opportunity for a hybrid remote work arrangement each week
• Generous Time off Benefits: Team members accrue four weeks of vacation and 12 days of sick leave per year, with an additional 11 days of holiday leave
• Family Support: Paid parental leave for new parents
• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, wellness program, and short-term and long-term disability pay protection benefits
• Career Advancement: Professional development opportunities, including a 9 month fundraising training with Plus Delta Partners  
• Competitive Pay: Candidates can request the starting pay range by emailing humanresources@supportum.org  

About the Opportunity:

The University of Montana Foundation (UMF) seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial Director of Development – Strategic Initiatives to build and grow philanthropic support for strategic and emerging institutional priorities. This role is critical to advancing fundraising for UM programs, schools, and colleges that have strategic projects and initiatives underway.

Reporting to a senior leader on the development team, this position serves as a frontline fundraiser and strategic partner to UMF and campus leadership, building a portfolio of engaged donors and identifying new opportunities for transformational support. The Director will work closely with assigned campus stakeholders to develop, assess and advance well-defined fundraising priorities.

This position is ideal for a self-starting, relationship-focused fundraiser who thrives in a dynamic environment and is motivated by building new pipelines and partnerships across a range of programs and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead fundraiser for the $9M match campaign for the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, working closely with UMF leadership and library administration.
• Build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects across multiple projects and initiatives.
• Collaborate with assigned academic and programmatic leaders to understand priority funding needs and craft compelling cases for support.
• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects capable of making gifts of $25,000 and above.
•  Provide fundraising support and leadership for future institutional priorities that do not align with currently staffed development positions.
• Work in coordination with other development officers to ensure prospect clarity and transparency.
• Travel to meet with donors and attend key university and UMF events.
• Participate in regular UMF development meetings and trainings.

Ideal Candidate:

• 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or related fields; experience in higher education preferred.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and building donor pipelines.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and support multiple initiatives with clarity and confidence.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to build trust across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Flexibility, curiosity, and strategic thinking, with a passion for mission-driven fundraising.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity 

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.

Additional Information 

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Priority Application Date:

• Monday, September 8^th,2025 Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration.

If you do not meet all the qualifications of the position, you are still encouraged to apply.