Director of Development (Montana)

Location & TravelBozeman, Montana, is the preferred location to enable close collaboration with leadership and deeper immersion in the organization's work.Remote candidates will be considered only if they bring exceptional fundraising experience and can commit to regular travel to Bozeman and key donor markets.This role requires approximately 25–40% travel and flexibility for donor engagement outside traditional business hours.About The Station FoundationThe Station Foundation is a Montana-based nonprofit serving Special Operations Forces (SOF) service members, veterans, and their families as they navigate the complex challenges of post-combat life. Through immersive, experiential programming and national outreach, the organization helps individuals and families heal, reconnect, and build meaningful lives beyond military service.With more than a decade of experience, The Station Foundation has developed a distinctive, family-centered model rooted in shared experience, reflection, and human connection, supporting thousands of participants across the country.About the OpportunityThis is a pivotal leadership role for a highly skilled fundraising professional who wants to do meaningful, career-defining work.The Director of Development will lead and scale a growing fundraising program, partnering closely with the Executive Director and Board to expand relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional partners. This role combines frontline fundraising with strategic leadership, owning a ~$3.5-$4M+ revenue goal while building the systems and infrastructure to support long-term growth.The Station Foundation operates within a deeply trusted and relationship-driven community. Success in this role requires more than fundraising expertise—it demands authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build lasting relationships rooted in shared values.Key ResponsibilitiesMajor Gifts & Donor EngagementManage a portfolio of 50–75 major donors and prospects ($25K–$250K+)Conduct 10–15+ donor meetings monthly, primarily in personCultivate, solicit, and steward high-net-worth individuals and family officesPartner with the Executive Director on top donor relationshipsDesign personalized engagement strategies and stewardship experiencesFundraising Strategy & LeadershipLead execution of a comprehensive development strategy aligned to a $3.5-$4M+ annual goalBuild and manage a forward-looking donor pipeline and revenue forecastImplement moves management, tracking, and reporting systemsStrengthen fundraising infrastructure, processes, and performance metricsInstitutional & Partnership DevelopmentIdentify and secure foundation, corporate, and institutional fundingLead proposal development and reporting in partnership with internal teamsCultivate relationships with program officers and strategic partnersTeam & OperationsLead and develop development staff and future hiresOversee CRM (Virtuous) and ensure strong data integrity and reportingBuild scalable systems, processes, and donor communicationsManage development budget and ensure operational effectivenessExternal LeadershipServe as a key ambassador for the organization with donors and stakeholdersEngage and activate Board members in fundraising effortsRepresent the organization in key donor markets through travel and outreachCandidate ProfileRequired ExperienceProven track record securing multiple six- and seven-figure giftsExperience managing a portfolio of 50+ major donorsDemonstrated success in meeting or exceeding fundraising goalsAbility to independently lead donor relationships from cultivation through closeCore CompetenciesRelationship-Based Fundraising: Builds deep, trust-driven donor partnershipsStrategic Leadership: Designs and executes fundraising strategy with measurable outcomesExecutive Communication: Exceptional storytelling and presence with sophisticated donorsOperational Strength: Experience building systems, pipelines, and reporting in evolving organizationsEmotional Intelligence: Navigates complex stakeholder dynamics with humility and credibilityPersonal AttributesHigh integrity, discretion, and mission alignmentAuthentic, low-ego leadership styleEntrepreneurial mindset with comfort in a fast-moving, founder-led environmentStrong organizational skills and ability to manage competing prioritiesPreferred (Not Required)Experience with capital campaigns or multi-year fundraising initiativesGrant writing and institutional fundraising experienceFamiliarity with planned giving or complex giftsExposure to military, veteran, or high-trust communitiesCompensation & BenefitsSalary range: $100,000–$125,000Health insurance, retirement plan, and generous PTORelocation support available for highly qualified candidatesTo ApplyThe Station Foundation has retained the services of ThinkingAhead Executive Search's Nonprofit Division to serve as our recruitment partner. If you are qualified and interested, please apply here (Link to be inserted)For more information or to express interest, please contact:Heather CampbellPartner, Nonprofit DivisionThinkingAhead Executive Searchhcampbell@thinkingahead.comThe 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.