Senior Director of Development, Health and Science

CASE; Missoula (MT); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Planning: 403(b) employer

Flexible Work Arrangements

Generous Time off Benefits: 4 weeks of

Family Support: Paid parental leave

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental,

Career Advancement: Professional dev.

Competitive Pay: Starting pay range by

Job summary

University of Montana Foundation seeks an experienced, relationship-driven Senior Director of Development for the College of Health and College of Science. The role focuses on major gift fundraising, cultivating alumni and donors, and inspiring gifts to advance education, research, and health initiatives.

Working with deans and academics, the Senior Director identifies, cultivates, solicits, and steward donors capable of significant investments, translating complex programs into donor impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Six or more years of development experience, preferably in higher education, healthcare, the sciences, or a similar complex field.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Suite of applications and database software.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, developing individualized strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic investments.
• Conduct a high volume of meaningful donor visits and engagement activities, building strong relationships that lead to transformational donations.
• Maintain a robust fundraising pipeline and consistently achieve performance metrics related to meetings, proposals, solicitations, and dollars raised.
• Partner with the deans, faculty, and other campus partners to develop compelling funding opportunities and align donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with Foundation colleagues across Development, Prospect Research, Stewardship, Marketing and Communications, and Gift Administration to maximize donor engagement and fundraising success.

Skills

Donor relationships

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Initiative

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database software

Job description

Why Work for Us?

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. The UM Foundation is 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.

• 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
• Competitive Pay: Candidates can request the starting pay range by emailing [e-mail]

About the Opportunity

The University of Montana Foundation seeks an experienced, relationship-driven fundraising professional to serve as Senior Director of Development for the College of Health and College of Science. This is a frontline major gift fundraising position focused on building relationships with alumni and donors and inspiring philanthropic gifts to enhance education, scientific discovery, and health innovation.

The College of Health advances health and well-being through education, research, and service, preparing future healthcare leaders while addressing complex health challenges facing communities across Montana and beyond. The College of Science is home to outstanding faculty whose work expands knowledge, drives discovery, and leverages Montana’s diverse landscapes for hands‑on experiential learning. Together, these colleges offer donors opportunities to invest in transformative research, student success, and initiatives that improve lives and strengthen our communities.

Working closely with the deans and other academic partners, the Senior Director will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making significant philanthropic investments. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic and intellectually engaging environment, translating complex research, educational, and health initiatives into compelling opportunities for donor impact.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys helping donors connect their passions with opportunities that create lasting change. Success requires initiative, curiosity, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate a complex university environment while advancing multiple priorities and relationships simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, developing individualized strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic investments.
• Conduct a high volume of meaningful donor visits and engagement activities, building strong relationships that lead to transformational donations.
• Maintain a robust fundraising pipeline and consistently achieve performance metrics related to meetings, proposals, solicitations, and dollars raised.
• Partner with the deans, faculty, and other campus partners to develop compelling funding opportunities and align donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with Foundation colleagues across Development, Prospect Research, Stewardship, Marketing and Communications, and Gift Administration to maximize donor engagement and fundraising success.

Ideal Candidate:

• Has demonstrated success building relationships that lead to philanthropic investments
• Quickly learns and synthesizes complex information and can confidently discuss research, academic programs, and emerging opportunities with diverse audiences
• Takes initiative, identifies opportunities and advances projects independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Possesses exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust among donors, faculty, and colleagues
• Ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations, exercise good judgment based on information and analysis in a fast‑paced, dynamic, deadline‑driven environment in an organized and professional manner
• Flexibility, curiosity, and strategic thinking, with an enthusiasm for mission‑driven fundraising

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Six or more years of development experience, preferably in higher education, healthcare, the sciences, or a similar complex field
• Proficient use of Microsoft Suite of applications and database software application
  

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 [e-mail]. 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:

Sunday, October 11th. 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.