The GVLT Development Project Manager is responsible for growing GVLT’s annual fund and its supporter base (donors who give between $1-$999 annually), managing GVLT’s grant portfolio’s application and reporting, and providing support for fundraising and engagement events. This role directs and administers all aspects of annual fund giving, including appeal writing, direct mail fundraising, online fundraising, donor database maintenance and appeal segmentation, donor acknowledgement and stewardship, new donor acquisition, and the Gallaguardian monthly giving program.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in a nonprofit annual fund and/or grants portfolio and will possess strong database management and fundraising writing skills. They will have exceptional attention to detail to ensure data quality and consistency and have an affinity for data science to better segment, steward, and solicit GVLT’s annual fund supporter base. They will be an eager collaborator with the Communications Manager and Conservators Circle Program Manager to create and distribute mission-centric messaging, impact stories, and engagement opportunities to GVLT’s annual fund supporters.

The Development Project Manager will be supported by a strong, reputable brand and a collaborative team, including the Development Director, Conservators Circle Program Manager, Communications Manager, Executive Director, and Development and Office Administrator who is tasked with data entry. Together, the Development Team meets ambitious fundraising goals to fuel and accelerate GVLT’s work to conserve Southwest Montana’s open lands and expand the Main Street to the Mountains trail system.

Job Duties

Annual Fund Strategy and Implementation (40%)

• In partnership with the Conservators Circle Program Manager, develop, execute and evaluate a plan to grow the size of the annual fund donor base by 25% by the end of 2026. Secure new, renewed, or increased funding from individuals through online giving, direct mail, and digital campaigns.
• Collaborate with Communications Manager, graphic design consultant, and vendors to design and manage a compelling and engaging direct mail/digital solicitation program. Design and develop annual fund pieces in-house whenever possible.
• Collaborate with Communications Manager on digital and social assets to complement annual fund campaigns.
• Develop and manage the GVLT new donor welcome program.
• Write and edit annual fund solicitations and donor engagement pieces and analyze all metrics and data to refine strategy and increase impact.
• Oversee strategy and implementation of Give Big Gallatin Valley and other giving days.
• Grow the Gallaguardian monthly giving program from 93 supporters to 125 supporters.
• Build and monitor an annual budget to support annual fund strategies.
• Support Raiser’s Edge database including creating data protocols and management of appeal solicitation lists.
• Support donation data entry (executed by Development and Office Administrator) and assist with reconciliations.

Grant Management (35%):

• Manage the GVLT grant portfolio, including but not limited to prospecting, tracking deadlines for applications and reports, working with program staff on writing restricted project proposals/reports, and completing unrestricted grant proposals/reports.
• Maintain detailed database records and grant award files for foundations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing foundation funders as necessary.

Outreach and Event Support (15%):

• Assist with GVLT event planning and execution.
• Represent GVLT at community gatherings and other outreach opportunities.

Additional Duties (10%):

• Develop exceptional knowledge of GVLT projects, finances, and relevant current topics.
• Serve as staff liaison to the NextGen philanthropy committee and assist with their participation in Give Big Gallatin Valley.
• Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings, periodic organizational training, weekly development/communication team meetings, and weekly supervisor check-in meetings.
• Participate in bi-monthly BAG (Belonging at GVLT) staff discussions on topics related to inclusiveness.
• Attend bi-monthly Board of Directors meetings and monthly NextGen meetings as needed.
• Participate in conferences and training to remain connected to best practices and emerging trends.

Preferred Competencies – Skills

• Relationship Builder - Develops a sense of rapport and trust with staff, donors, and other stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to develop relationships with donors and partners.
• Executor – Organizes, tracks, and manages workflow in coordination with team priories; clearly articulates plans to others; develops systems to prioritize tasks; executes according to set timelines.
• Collaborator – Engages and communicates with internal and external partners professionally, pulling in the right people at the right time. Excellent oral and written communication skills and must be comfortable communicating with donors on the phone and in person in addition to written appeals.
• Project Manager – Evaluates progress; balances priorities; keeps engaged parties up to speed on progress. Serves as the project manager for campaigns from start to finish, including the development of campaign strategies and solicitation materials that inspire donors (graphic design experience is preferred, but not required).
• Investigator - Independently finds resources to solve problems, raises flags or issues on projects with appropriate person in a timely matter; conducts due diligence, documentation, and compliance. Meticulously tracks the metrics of each fundraising campaign and reports on trends and recommendations.

Preferred Competencies - Knowledge

• Direct experience (2+ years) in nonprofit fundraising. Knowledgeable about annual fund direct mail and online solicitation strategies and best practices; awareness of and responsiveness to broad philanthropy trends and conservation fundraising tactics.
• Discretion in handling confidential information and materials, high ethical standards for donor centered fundraising.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, fundraising software, and the ability to learn new programs as needed.
• Experience in event management, donor prospecting and grant writing/reporting.

Values Alignment: GVLT team members are expected to align with and support our values.