Director of Development, Forestry & Conservation

We are 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. 

Why Work for Us?  

• Retirement Planning: 403(b) employer contribution of 11%, no employee match required!
• Flexible Work Arrangement: Opportunity for a part-time 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, including a year-long fundraising training with Plus Delta Partners  
• Competitive Pay: Candidates can request the starting pay range by emailing humanresources@supportum.org  

About the Franke College 

Since its founding in 1913, the Franke College has become a national leader in academics, research, and hands-on learning in the fields of environmental science, conservation, and sustainability.

The college was part of the first cohort of university programs accredited by the Society of American Foresters in 1935. Today, the Franke College’s academic and research programs are renowned, ranking fifth for scholarly productivity in influential ecology journals and with a Wildlife Biology program that's recognized as the top program in North America. 

The Franke College’s academic and research capacity, coupled with our proximity to Western Montana’s extraordinary ecosystems and wild lands, results in unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning, high-quality academics, and meaningful conservation endeavors. The Franke College also leverages the strengths of its home in Missoula, where a diversity of influential and well-regarded conservation nonprofits, government organizations, and NGOs offer access to a dynamic community of scientists and conservationists.  

The Franke College benefits from robust philanthropic support from donors and alumni, including, most notably, the Bill and Carolyn Franke family, who made a transformative $24 million gift to name the Franke College – the largest single donation the University has received – and which serves students and programs focused on environmental research and hands-on learning experiences. 

About the University of Montana Foundation 

The UM Foundation connects donors’ passions with needs and opportunities at the University of Montana. Serving the University as an independent nonprofit, the UM Foundation manages the University’s private fundraising efforts, donations and investment of endowed gifts. 

The UM Foundation is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the people and culture of the University it serves. UM Foundation employees enjoy a collaborative culture and inspiring mission to support the University and its students.  

About the University of Montana 

As Montana’s flagship university and a top-tier R1 research institution, the University of Montana sets a high bar for academic studies, creative accomplishments, and scientific exploration. Students receive a world-class education in a broad range of subjects that include the trades, liberal arts, sciences, graduate and postdoctoral study and professional training. 

Job Description

The University of Montana Foundation has an outstanding opportunity for a Director of Development at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation.  

Since its founding in 1913, the Franke College has become a national leader in academics, research, and hands-on learning in the fields of environmental science, conservation, forest management, and sustainability.  

Rooted in the wild landscapes of Western Montana, the Franke College is training tomorrow’s leaders in climate change, wildlife and its habitat, forestry, environmental sustainability, water conservation, recreation and tourism management, wilderness, community and environmental planning, spatial technologies and more. 

The Development Professional will support the Franke College’s mission by driving fundraising strategies; building donor relationships; and engaging, soliciting, and stewarding donors in the collaborative team environments of the University of Montana Foundation and Franke College. 

Responsibilities

• Articulate the mission, values, and fundraising priorities of the Franke College
• Build relationships with prospective and current donors, with frequent travel around Montana and out-of-state 
• Develop and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors
• Inspire and coordinate the participation of the dean, faculty, staff, and volunteers in fundraising activities
• Work in collaboration with UM Foundation teams including Development, Prospect Research and Management, Marketing and Communications, Stewardship, and Gift and Fund Administration

Minimum Qualifications

• The UM Foundation and Franke College seek a candidate who excels in relationship-building and communication, possesses a high level of self-motivation, and is team-oriented.

Other requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Five or more years of development experience, with at least two years of fundraising experience in a higher education setting, environmental-related nonprofit, or similarly related or complex organization, with a working knowledge of the principles and practices of major gift fundraising 

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with environmental issues of the Rocky Mountain West

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 humanresources@supportum.org. 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:  

• Monday, August 11, 2025. 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.