Description

The Montana Historical Society seeks an experienced, dynamic leader for the position of Public Relations and Development Officer. This position provides strategic and hands-on leadership across three core functions: development, membership, and marketing/communications. Serving as MTHS's chief development officer, this role personally leads major gift cultivation and fundraising strategy while overseeing membership growth and the organization's brand, public relations, and communications program. The Public Relations and Development Officer supervises a team of four, serves on the agency's leadership team, and reports to the Director and Chief Operations Officer. 

The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with a willingness to execute hands-on work, thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and is eager to help advance the Montana Historical Society's growth and public profile.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position.

Leadership Duties:

•      Supervise and mentor a team of four (2 full time and 2 part-time) public relations and administrative staff, including hiring, performance management, discipline, work distribution, and staff development
•      Set team goals and conduct performance reviews
•      Manage development, membership, and public relations budgets
•      Execute components of the agency's strategic plan as they related to Public Relations and Development, including measuring performance and implementing strategies for success
•      Support agency-wide problem-solving, initiatives, member and donor event management, and strategic opportunities as they arise
•      Establish and maintain productive relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders
•      Represent the agency to internal and external stakeholders, including other agencies, media, elected officials, and interest groups

   Development/Fundraising Duties: 

•      Oversee and manage a comprehensive development program, including major gifts, fundraising campaigns, planned giving, and grants
•      Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects
•      Set and track annual fundraising goals in coordination with MTHS leadership
•      Conduct grant research, writing, and reporting
•      Produce donor appeals, the annual report, and other donor communications
•      Build and maintain donor recognition programs and stewardship plans
•      Manage gift agreements, designations, and donor expectations
•      Monitor and manage donations directed to partner community foundations, along with any funds those foundations hold on the agency's behalf
•      Oversee reconciliation of pledge, donation, and grant payment records between the customer relationship management (CRM) database and state accounting system, working closely with the finance and accounting office to maintain data accuracy across systems
•      Manage the CRM database and gift-processing standards, including selection and integration of a new CRM system

 Membership Program Duties: 

•      Set strategy and goals for member acquisition, renewal, and retention
•      Oversee member benefits, tiers, pricing, and the overall member experience
•      Oversee communication of membership status and trends to leadership and the Board of Trustees
•      Oversee membership promotions and communications, including newsletters, website content, letters, and marketing materials
•      Analyze membership data to guide program adjustments

 Marketing and Public Relations Duties: 

•     Set overall brand strategy and visual identity for the agency, ensuring consistent messaging across all channels
•     Oversee public relations, media relations, and agency communications
•     Assist with the development of marketing materials promoting agency activities and programs
•     Oversee the release of informational materials through newsletters, reports, press releases, website content, advertising, and social media in collaboration with the agency PIO
•     Oversee agency website content and lead implementation of a new website in coordination with the Public Information Officer, IT, and agency brand managers
•     Write and/or deliver talking points, speeches, and press releases in support of public relations objectives
•     Oversee the agency's comprehensive strategic communications plan for public information and outreach
•     Interpret and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, and policies
•     Prepare compelling presentations and testimony to support the agency's goals and strategic plans, including materials for legislative committees, boards, or other public bodies

Requirements

Experience:  

•      Five or more years of nonprofit experience, including development and implementation of a significant, successful fundraising effort or major gift solicitation
•      Five or more years of experience in marketing, communications, and public relations (direct or oversight experience)
•      Experience supervising and managing a team
•      Track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
•      Experience with membership programs
•      Experience working with a board of directors and executive leadership
•      Museum, cultural institution, or historical society experience a plus
•      Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted 

Knowledge of:  

•       Charitable giving laws and fundraising and planned-giving principles
•       Fundraising best practices and ethical standards in philanthropy
•       CRM databases and donor management best practices
•       Contemporary marketing strategies and practices
•       Analytics, SEO, and campaign performance measurement
•       AI best practices

 Skills in:  

•       Leadership and team development
•       Building and managing relationships with a broad range of constituents
•       Meeting coordination
•       Data and budget analysis
•       Customer Relationship Management Database operations 
•       Prioritization and organization 

 Ability to: 

•      Organize projects and manage competing priorities across development, membership, and marketing
•      Distinguish between mission drift and strategic opportunities that further agency outcomes
•      Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
•      Think strategically and provide direction to others while executing hands-on work personally
•      Influence perspectives and outcomes
•      Adapt to changes in budgeting, staffing, and agency procedures
•      Work both independently and collaboratively
•      Support events and special projects as needed

Candidate must submit a cover letter, resume, and fill out the required information on the Montana State Job Board by September 13, 2026. 

Public Relations & Development Manager 26142116