Public Relations & Development Manager

Job Description

The Montana Historical Society seeks an experienced, dynamic leader for the position of Public Relations and Development Manager. 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 Manager 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

Education:

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, administration, public relations, communications, marketing, or business

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
Meeting coordination
Data and budget analysis
Customer Relationship Management Database operations
Prioritization and organization
Ability to:
Organize projects and manage competing priorities across development, membership, and marketing
Distinguish between mission drift and strategic opportunities that further agency outcomes
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Think strategically and provide direction to others while executing hands-on work personally
Influence perspectives and outcomes
Adapt to changes in budgeting, staffing, and agency procedures
Work both independently and collaboratively
Support events and special projects as needed
Hours of Operation:

The Montana Heritage Center operates seven days a week and is open all holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

As an employee of the Montana Historical Society your work hours may fall outside a regular Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule.

The following documents must be submitted to be considered for this position (be sure to mark each attachment as relevant):

Cover Letter
Resume
State of Montana Application
Montana Historical Society is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.

For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here,
https://www.e-verify.gov/

Applicant Pool Statement
:

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Training Assignment
:

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

96,595.20

-

96,595.20

Yearly

Telework Eligibility
:

Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)

Benefits Package Eligibility
:

Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings
:

1

Employee Status
:

Regular

Schedule
:

Full-Time

Job Type
:

Standard

Shift
:

Day Job

Travel
:

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location
:

Helena

Agency
:

Montana Historical Society

Union
:

000 - None

Posting Date
:

Aug 20, 2026, 7:08:47 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)
:

Sep 14, 2026, 1:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials
:

Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name
:

Beth Strandberg

|

Contact Email
:

Beth.Strandberg2@mt.gov

|

Contact Phone
:

4064442697

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711.
Montana Job Service Offices
also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.