Director of Development

About The Station Foundation

The Station Foundation is a Montana-based nonprofit serving Special Operations Forces (SOF) service members, veterans, and their families as they navigate the complex challenges of post-combat life. Through immersive, experiential programming and national outreach, the organization helps individuals and families heal, reconnect, and build meaningful lives beyond military service.

With more than a decade of experience, The Station Foundation has developed a distinctive, family-centered model rooted in shared experience, reflection, and human connection, supporting thousands of participants across the country.

About the Opportunity

This is a pivotal leadership role for a highly skilled fundraising professional who wants to do meaningful, career-defining work.

The Director of Development will lead and scale a growing fundraising program, partnering closely with the Executive Director and Board to expand relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional partners. This role combines frontline fundraising with strategic leadership, owning a ~$3.5-$4M+ revenue goal while building the systems and infrastructure to support long-term growth.

The Station Foundation operates within a deeply trusted and relationship-driven community. Success in this role requires more than fundraising expertise—it demands authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build lasting relationships rooted in shared values.

Key Responsibilities

Major Gifts & Donor Engagement

• Manage a portfolio of 50–75 major donors and prospects ($25K–$250K+)
• Conduct 10–15+ donor meetings monthly, primarily in person
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward high-net-worth individuals and family offices
• Partner with the Executive Director on top donor relationships
• Design personalized engagement strategies and stewardship experiences

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Lead execution of a comprehensive development strategy aligned to a $3.5-$4M+ annual goal
• Build and manage a forward-looking donor pipeline and revenue forecast
• Implement moves management, tracking, and reporting systems
• Strengthen fundraising infrastructure, processes, and performance metrics

Institutional & Partnership Development

• Identify and secure foundation, corporate, and institutional funding
• Lead proposal development and reporting in partnership with internal teams
• Cultivate relationships with program officers and strategic partners

Team & Operations

• Lead and develop development staff and future hires
• Oversee CRM (Virtuous) and ensure strong data integrity and reporting
• Build scalable systems, processes, and donor communications
• Manage development budget and ensure operational effectiveness

External Leadership

• Serve as a key ambassador for the organization with donors and stakeholders
• Engage and activate Board members in fundraising efforts
• Represent the organization in key donor markets through travel and outreach

Candidate Profile

Required Experience

• Proven track record securing multiple six- and seven-figure gifts
• Experience managing a portfolio of 50+ major donors
• Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
• Ability to independently lead donor relationships from cultivation through close

Core Competencies

• Relationship-Based Fundraising: Builds deep, trust-driven donor partnerships
• Strategic Leadership: Designs and executes fundraising strategy with measurable outcomes
• Executive Communication: Exceptional storytelling and presence with sophisticated donors
• Operational Strength: Experience building systems, pipelines, and reporting in evolving organizations
• Emotional Intelligence: Navigates complex stakeholder dynamics with humility and credibility

Personal Attributes

• High integrity, discretion, and mission alignment
• Authentic, low-ego leadership style
• Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort in a fast-moving, founder-led environment
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience with capital campaigns or multi-year fundraising initiatives
• Grant writing and institutional fundraising experience
• Familiarity with planned giving or complex gifts
• Exposure to military, veteran, or high-trust communities

Location & Travel

Bozeman, Montana, is the preferred location to enable close collaboration with leadership and deeper immersion in the organization’s work.

Remote candidates will be considered only if they bring exceptional fundraising experience and can commit to regular travel to Bozeman and key donor markets.

This role requires approximately 25–40% travel and flexibility for donor engagement outside traditional business hours.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000–$125,000
• Health insurance, retirement plan, and generous PTO
• Relocation support available for highly qualified candidates

To Apply

The Station Foundation has retained the services of ThinkingAhead Executive Search’s Nonprofit Division to serve as our recruitment partner. If you are qualified and interested, please apply here (Link to be inserted)

For more information or to express interest, please contact:

Heather Campbell

Partner, Nonprofit Division

ThinkingAhead Executive Search

hcampbell@thinkingahead.com

The Station Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including veterans and military spouses.