Job Title: Development Manager
Job Location: Big Sky, Montana Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 DOE
Position Type: Full-time, in-person
Reports To: Development Director
The Arts Council of Big Sky is a vibrant arts organization dedicated to enriching our mountain resort community through diverse programming in education, events, and public art. With consistent growth and increasing community engagement, we are seeking a passionate and strategic Development Manager to join our team and help us expand our impact.
Position Overview:
The Development Manager will play a crucial role in supporting the Development Director in all fundraising initiatives. This includes planning and executing annual appeals, securing sponsorships, and fostering strong relationships with donors and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be an outgoing relationship-builder, a creative and supportive team player, an optimistic problem-solver, and a community-oriented collaborator. This is a full-time salaried position that works out of the Arts Council’s new Big Sky office in the Center for the Arts building. This position requires working certain events that may fall during the evening and/or on weekends or holidays.
Key Responsibilities:
- Annual Fund: Create compelling annual appeal campaigns throughout the year to support general operations and programs, including direct mail, digital appeals, and special events.
- Program Funding: Work with program directors and coordinators to creatively generate funds to supplement program fees so that programs are affordable and accessible for all participants and sustainable for the organization. This will include coordinating annual program grants, building on the Contribute-What-You-Can fee structure, integrating donation opportunities with ticket sales, etc.
- Sponsorships: Identify and cultivate potential sponsors, creating tailored proposals that align our events and programs with the interests of businesses and individuals in our community. Follow up with all sponsors and work with the Arts Council of Big Sky team to ensure proper recognition is made, benefit commitments are kept, and activations are executed as promised.
- Fundraising Strategy: Contribute to development and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization's mission and goals.
- Donor Stewardship: Work with Stewardship Coordinator to execute the stewardship plan, cultivate and maintain relationships with existing donors and sponsors, and ensure timely communication and recognition of contributions.
- Community Engagement: Engage with community members, local businesses, and stakeholders to promote the organization’s mission and initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement.
- Data Management: Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and contributions in the organization’s database (currently Bloomerang), ensuring timely follow-ups and acknowledgments.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the operations team to understand and promote the organization’s educational programs, events, and public art projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Relevant Experience
- 2–4 years of experience in fundraising, sales, business development, marketing, or community engagement
- Success building relationships, creating partnerships, and asking for financial support or sponsorships.
- Strong Communicator & Relationship-Builder
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with a wide range of people and inspire support for a cause.
- Comfortable making asks, following up, and thinking strategically about partnerships.
- Persuasive & Strategic
- Confident in making a case for support—whether through writing, one-on-one conversations, or presentations.
- Able to think creatively about how to align sponsorship opportunities with business interests and community needs.
- Proven ability to secure funds through annual appeals, sponsorships, campaigns, or other similar efforts.
- Organized & Tech-Savvy
- Experience and comfort with managing contacts or campaigns using tools like Bloomerang, Salesforce, or similar systems is helpful.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Mission-Driven & Community-Oriented
- Enthusiasm for the arts and a commitment to making programs accessible and welcoming for all.
- Familiarity with small and/or rural communities, or a willingness to engage deeply with the local community.
What We Offer:
- A dynamic and supportive work environment in a beautiful mountain setting.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including a health insurance stipend, disability insurance, generous PTO and parental leave policy, and a cell phone stipend
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to katie@bigskyarts.org. Please include "Development Manager Application" in the subject line.
Join us in our mission to enhance the cultural landscape of our community through the arts!
www.bigskyarts.org
