POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Director of Development will lead the C.M. Russell Museum’s operational fundraising efforts, manage our Patron Society, and oversee the development team, playing a vital role in securing resources that advance the museum's mission, programs, and long-term sustainability. This position is responsible for driving annual fundraising initiatives for grants, sponsorships, and sustained giving, providing support for some major gift functions and strategic fundraising efforts. 

Working closely with the Executive Director, Director of Art and Philanthropy, and Chair of the Development Committee, the Director of Development will build and implement a fundraising strategy designed to meet or exceed annual operational revenue goals, which will be presented to the Executive Director for annual approval.

Additionally, the Director of Development will lead direct reports, other museum staff, board members, and external partners responsible for executing elements of the fundraising plan. Monthly progress reports will be provided to the Executive Director and the Development Committee, including updates on significant opportunities, achievements, and any challenges impacting financial goals. The Director will utilize the Development Committee to support, advise, and assist with development activities, particularly those with the board. 

The ideal candidate will bring a passion for fundraising, a strategic vision for achieving development goals, a talent for building lasting relationships, a collaborative and engaging management approach, and a deep commitment to advancing the Museum’s financial goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Oversee operational and major giving fundraising activities as assigned, including grants, sponsorships, major giving support (Parton Society) and support for other major gifts and initiatives as needed. 
• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan focused on these goals. Work with the Executive Director, Director of Art and Philanthropy, and various board committee chairs to align operational fundraising activities to overall organization goals and strategy. Additionally, support the Executive Director in crafting a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the organization that will include operational fundraising. 
• Lead donor engagement and stewardship efforts to build, strengthen, and sustain meaningful, long-term donor relationships. 
• Participate in the design, planning, and management of campaigns and special projects, including collaboration with external development advisors engaged to supplement the team. 
• Keep abreast of industry development in your field of work and share with Museum leadership to ensure our development processes are current, best practice and, where necessary, forward looking. 

Donor Relations & Cultivation

• Help identify, research, and engage potential donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations, to secure donations that support Museum operations and other fundraising activities.
• Cultivate strong relationships with current donors and prospects through personalized communication, visits, and events.
• Work closely with and actively engage the Executive Director, Museum staff, Development Committee members, and board members to leverage networks, enhance donor relationships, and develop tailored giving strategies.
• Work closely with the Director of Art and Philanthropy and Membership Coordinator to identify art buyers and museum members who can be cultivated into major gift patrons.  
• Drive donor engagement campaigns, leveraging traditional and digital strategies to enhance participation and giving.
• Work with Museum marketing staff and outside partners to create high-quality donor correspondence including cultivation materials, direct mail, solicitation letters, grant proposals and reports, project budgets, and acknowledgement letters.

Grants & Sponsorship Management

• Provide oversight to the grant writing position and process to ensure the organization is researching and identifying grant and sponsorship opportunities from foundations, government entities, and businesses that are aligned with the museum’s programs, priorities, mission, values, and audience.
• Ensure the organization is developing compelling grant and sponsorship proposals that deliver mutual benefit, ensure timely submissions, and manage reporting and compliance to meet grant requirements and sponsorship goals.  
• Ensure collaboration is in place with various Museum teams to seek grants relevant to our most compelling and strategic needs and that sponsorships create co-branded opportunities that align with the mission of the Museum, enhancing visibility for both parties through promotional activities.

Major Gifts Support 

• Manage and help grow the Museum Patron Society as a foundation for structured, major gifts. 
• Develop with the Executive Director and Development Committee an annual plan to renew, cultivate, and close major gifts in line with giving goals. 
• Strategic Fundraising Initiative Support
• Work with the Executive Director, Senior Leadership Team, and board committees to identify strategic fundraising initiatives and projects that help fulfill elements of the strategic plan or opportunities for Museum improvement or enhancement. 
• Assist with the packaging and presentation of these strategic initiatives. 
• Help identify major donors, grant providers, and sponsors that could potentially align with strategic initiatives. 
• Develop, present, and support others who pitch strategic initiatives to potential donors.  

Database, Reporting & Decision Making

• Oversee donor database management, ensuring accurate records of donor interactions, gifts, and grants from all members of the Museum staff and system users.  
• Develop and deliver monthly reports for the Executive Director that show percent completion towards annual goals, significant achievements, fundraising challenges, and new opportunities. 
• Provide periodic reports to the Development Committee on completion towards annual goals, achievements, challenges, and new opportunities. 
• Analyze and provide data to ensure development decisions are data-driven and informed.
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer and other staff to create real-time reporting systems for essential development KPIs, including total funds raised, new donor acquisition, donor and sponsor retention rates, grants and sponsor pipeline and status, fulfillment of grant and sponsor commitments, and weekly and monthly prospecting and outreach activities, as determined with the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships. 
• Strong knowledge of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies, particularly in major gift, grants and sponsorship fundraising.
• Experience with major giving programs, grant writing, capital campaigns, and managing development related special events. 
• Punctual, reliable, and commitment-oriented work ethic. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and professional interpersonal communication skills.
• Interest, ability, and availability to participate in Museum and community events. 
• Understanding of donor management software (e.g., Blackbaud Altru or Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect, or comparable); Microsoft Office Suite; Microsoft Power BI; and leading online donor, foundation, corporate giving, and philanthropic research services.  
• Ability to organize and plan work assignments, exceptional attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and time effectively.
• Passion for Western art, culture, and history, with a commitment to the mission and vision of the C.M. Russell Museum.

WORK REQUIREMENTS & FLEXIBILITIES:

• Ability to work primarily onsite, with flexibility to work from home once established in role and meeting development goals. 
• Ability to travel occasionally outside of town and state as needed for donor meetings, conferences, and events.
• Availability to attend Museum events both during the day and after hours, with occasional extended hours (before and after typical working hours) and weekends to meet critical deadlines. 
• Position requires ability to sit or stand for extended periods on a regular basis and to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally. 

COMPENSATION: 

This is a full-time, exempt staff position offering a competitive salary and benefits package. The salary range is $65,000 to $85,000, depending on your experience, qualifications, and potential to drive the organization forward.

TO APPLY:  

Please email cover letter and resume to Jessica Nebel, Senior Director of Operations and HR, at  A full job description can be found on our website at