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
