Fundraising Manager

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is a 501 (c)(3) non-advocacy, mountain education and research nonprofit established in 2002. MSI was created to increase knowledge of our unique mountain environments, deepen our understanding of the issues that affect them, and develop solutions for the benefit of our vibrant mountain communities. We build partnerships to steward natural and cultural values by engaging scientists, citizens, and land managers to innovate solutions through advancing research, promoting education, and developing best practices to put science into action. 

MSI is seeking a passionate and multi-talented Fundraising Manager responsible for strengthening the organization’s base of support and expanding MSI’s portfolio of unrestricted funding.

With oversight from the Executive Director, the Fundraising Manager will:

• Work with the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors to reach funding goals
• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan including support from individual donors, fundraising events, local businesses, and planned giving
• Manage logistics for fundraising-related events and other donor engagement activities
• Assist with developing compelling, timely, and effective grant proposals and reports
• Maintain and improve systems related to donor cultivation and relationship management
• Collaborate with staff to develop direct engagement through correspondence, newsletters, articles, reports, and social media campaigns
• Support the Executive Director in developing a major gifts program
• Attend to other duties as assigned

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The successful candidate will have a passion for engaging supporters and building relationships in support of mission-driven work. They will thrive in a team atmosphere and bring a proactive approach to addressing the needs of a dynamic organization. The candidate will be engaging, resourceful, and motivated, with the ability to take initiative and follow through on independent projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in non-profit management, business management, development, communications, or a similar field relevant to MSI’s initiatives
• Professional Experience: 3+ years in fundraising, outreach & engagement, or related roles
• Excellent communication skills including public speaking, verbal, and written skills to work with a wide variety of staff, donors, and partners
• Highly organized, with excellent attention to detail
• Strong prioritization skills and flexibility to attend to dynamic needs

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience using engagement and marketing tools to meet funding campaigns and goals
• Track record of organizing successful events and fundraisers, especially in smaller communities
• Practice writing foundation grant applications and submitting related reports
• Proactive approach to workflow, including an eye for improving processes and communication

Note that experience includes lived experience, traditional knowledge, volunteer experience, school or coursework, work experience, and other related qualifications, skills, and experience. No candidate will meet every requirement. If you're excited about the position and think you may be a good candidate, we encourage you to apply.

TO APPLY 

To apply send a cover letter, resume, and three references by April 4, 2025. Please send materials as one file with the title “LastName_ FundraisingManager” to apply@mountainstudies.org. 

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

MSI offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; generous vacation, sick, and holiday pay; and a 403(b) retirement plan with match after one year of employment. 

DIVERSITY MAKES US STRONGER 

MSI aims to build a welcoming, inclusive team that is as diverse as the many mountain communities we serve. We seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an environment where all staff are valued and respected. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position. This policy applies to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination.