Development Officer

Humane Society of Western Montana; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Humane Society of Western Montana is seeking a Development Officer to advance the organization’s mission by building meaningful donor relationships and supporting fundraising initiatives. The role involves coordinating campaigns, donor meetings, and engagement opportunities, while ensuring accurate records and donor confidentiality.

You will work closely with shelter teams and the Director of Marketing to align fundraising with organizational priorities and community partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain professional donor relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors.
• Support annual fundraising strategies and campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Marketing Director on giving communities.
• Assist in developing fundraising committee agendas and strategy.
• Support grant writing opportunities and manage smaller grants.
• Plan and participate in campaigns and donor engagement events.
• Maintain donor records in the CRM (Bloomerang) and process deposits.
• Represent the organization professionally at meetings and events.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Discretion & confidentiality

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

The Mission

The Humane Society of Western Montana builds opportunities for pets and people to thrive. By providing owner resources, access to progressive animal care, and community engagement, we build communities that nurture the human‑animal bond.

The Role

As the Development Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and advancing the organization’s mission. Through building meaningful relationships with donors, supporters, and community partners, you will help secure resources to sustain and grow the important work we do at the Humane Society of Western Montana.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising & Donor Relations:
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors (both current and prospective)
  • Assist in developing and executing annual fundraising strategies and events and campaigns (Giving Tuesday, Missoula Gives, Year‑End Appeal, etc.)
  • Support Executive Director, Director of Marketing in developing and implementing giving communities.
  • Help set agendas and guide the fundraising committee’s strategy.
  • Assist with large grant‑writing opportunities, with independent management of smaller grants.
• Campaigns & Events:
  • Support fundraising events, appeals, and special campaigns (annual fund, capital campaigns, etc.)
  • Coordinate donor meetings, site visits and engagement opportunities
  • Track and evaluate campaign performance against goals
• Research & Data Management:
  • Conduct prospect research to identify new funding opportunities
  • Process weekly deposits & maintain accurate donor records in the CRM (Bloomerang)
  • Ensure donor engagement processes are well‑documented and consistently implemented.
• Communication & Collaboration:
  • Maintain a strong understanding of HSWM’s mission: including but not limited to position statements, programs and the animals in our care.
  • Work closely with all shelter teams to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
  • Represent the organization professionally at meetings, events, and community functions.
  • Assist the Director of Marketing in the execution of fundraisers and the management of business partnerships.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Maintain strict confidentiality of donor, client, employee, and organizational information, exercising sound judgment and discretion at all times.

Preferred

• Familiarity with donor databases/CRMs (e.g., Bloomerang, DonorPerfect)
• Experience with grant writing, major gifts, or planned giving
• Experience working with companion animals or understanding of progressive animal welfare best practices

Core Qualities

• Tech‑savvy, with the ability to quickly learn new software
• Relationship‑building
• Strategic thinking and goal orientation
• Professional discretion and confidentiality
• Time management and multitasking
• Collaborative and self‑motivated work style