Development Director, College of Health and College of Science

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 human resources

The University of Montana Foundation seeks an experienced, relationship-driven fundraising professional to serve as 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 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.

• 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.

• Has demonstrated…