Director of Development

Big Sky Youth Empowerment (BYEP); Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Big Sky Youth Empowerment (BYEP) in Bozeman, MT, is seeking a Director of Development to lead BYEP’s fundraising and growth strategy. You will partner with executive leadership and the Board to expand philanthropic revenue, deepen donor investment, and advance BYEP’s mission, ensuring long-term sustainability.

The role focuses on relationship-building, storytelling, and coordinating multiple initiatives across major gifts, events, grants, and annual giving to support 12-18 year-olds in our

Qualifications

• Strong fundraising expertise and track record in growing philanthropic revenue.
• Strategic thinking and data-driven approach to development.
• Excellent relationship-building and donor stewardship skills.
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership and boards.

Responsibilities

• Lead BYEP's comprehensive fundraising strategy and set goals.
• Oversee 8+ fundraising initiatives across multiple revenue streams.
• Cultivate and steward donor relationships and partnerships.
• Translate impact into storytelling and elevate BYEP's visibility.
• Collaborate with the Board Development Committee and executive leadership.

Job description

About BYEP

Big Sky Youth Empowerment (BYEP) is an adventure-based group mentoring program that has served 1,200+ young people in the Gallatin Valley over the past 25 years. BYEP participants are young people in our community who are most likely to benefit from mentorship and support: teens exposed to trauma, neglect, loss, and mental health challenges. We provide a life-changing program where youth are grouped with peers, mentors, and staff for weekend adventures, weekday workshops, life skills development, and mental health support. The goal is to equip teenagers with skills to make educated decisions towards an empowered and independent future.

BYEP serves a population of approximately 150 youth aged 12 to 18 annually, with the support of over 60 volunteer mentors and tutors. Governed by a Board of Directors, BYEP has an annual budget of approximately $2.2 million, and a full-time staff of 11. Over the next 5 years, the organization plans to expand services to additional communities in the region. The expansion will enable BYEP to serve 250+ teens with the support of 75 volunteer mentors and tutors, a staff team of 15+- BYEP’s Director of Development will scale the organization’s annual budget from $2.2 million to approximately $2.8 million.

Visit https://www.byep.org/ for more details on our organization and events.

Position Summary

The Director of Development leads BYEP’s comprehensive development strategy, building and executing a relationship-driven approach that grows philanthropic revenue, deepens donor investment, and advances BYEP’s mission, positioning the organization for long-term financial sustainability. Collaborating with Executive Leadership and serving as a key partner to the Board of Directors, the Director of Development will bring strong fundraising expertise, strategic thinking, relationship-building skills, and will provide leadership across BYEP’s fundraising and development efforts, inspiring investment in the organization’s mission. The specific scope of responsibilities will be shaped by the successful candidate’s experience and strengths, as well as the evolving needs of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of BYEP’s comprehensive fundraising strategy in partnership with Executive leadership. Establish fundraising goals, priorities, and strategies that support BYEP’s mission and long-term sustainability.
• Lead and/or oversee 8+ fundraising initiatives across a diverse mix of philanthropic revenue streams - major giving, expansion funding, 4+ special events, corporate partnerships, grants, annual giving, and associated fundraising communications.
• Identify opportunities to grow and diversify philanthropic support.
• Monitor fundraising performance and use data and results to inform strategy.
• Manage development resources and budgets in alignment with organizational priorities.

Donor Engagement & Philanthropic Partnerships

• Build and strengthen relationships with current and prospective donors, funders, businesses, and community partners. Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through thoughtful, timely, and meaningful communications, in coordination with the Executive Director and other organizational leaders.
• Strengthen donor retention, engagement, and opportunities for increased investment.
• Translate BYEP’s impact into compelling storytelling and develop impactful strategies for communications that connect donors to BYEP’s mission and impact and strengthen BYEP’s visibility.

Board & Executive Leadership Partnership

• Partner with the Board Development Committee to advance BYEP’s philanthropic priorities.
• Engage and equip Board members to participate meaningfully in donor cultivation, stewardship, relationship-building, and fundraising.
• Provide fundraising insights, performance updates, and strategic recommendations to organizational leadership and the Board.