Executive Director of Grants and Development

The Executive Director of Grants and Development is responsible for securing funding to support Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch’s (YBGR) mission of Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life. This role combines strategic fundraising leadership with hands-on grant writing and donor engagement. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator, relationship builder, and project manager who thrives in a mission-driven environment.

The Executive Director of Grants and Development will collaborate with leadership at YBGR and the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation to identify grant and gift prospects, implement fundraising strategies, and ensure accurate donor engagement through research, communication, and reporting.

Starting Salary Range: $4,333.36 - $4,877.23 bi-weekly. Salary reflects steps 1-5 of an 11-step pay schedule. The starting salary will be determined based on the applicant’s education and relevant experience.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: 

1. Grant Writing & Management

• Research, identify, and qualify grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
• Prepare compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting documentation.
• Manage grant calendar, deadlines, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and timely submissions.
• Track and analyze grant performance metrics and maintain accurate records in the donor database.

1. Donor Acquisition

• Collaborate with the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation to conduct donor affinity and capacity research, including local businesses.
• Contact assigned lapsed and newly acquired grantors and donors to encourage continued engagement.
• Represent Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch at community organizations and events to share the mission and build relationships.
• Meet with local businesses to present YBGR’s mission and solicit contributions.

1. Donor Cultivation

• Schedule and conduct visits with private donors, grantors, foundations, and businesses, complete follow-up visits as appropriate.
• Coordinate and lead tours at YBGR for interested donors and business representatives.
• Partner with Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation to identify and cultivate donors; maintain and manage a priority donor list of 100+ prospects based on linkage, interest, and capacity.
• Identify potential planned givers among donors and communicate with the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation.
• Maintain ongoing communication with grantors and donors through calls, emails, and written correspondence.
• Assist the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation with newsletter content and contribute to video and radio marketing/public relations messaging, as needed.
• Assess donor interest and capacity; steward relationships to promote trust, respect, and deeper involvement.
• Ensure donor recognition aligns with individual preferences.

1. Professional Knowledge & Representation

• Demonstrate understanding of philanthropic principles and evidence-based practices in donor research, acquisition, segmentation, and moves management.
• Demonstrate effective grant writing resulting in successful acquisition of grants. 
• Learn and effectively communicate YBGR’s mission, history, treatment philosophy, and services.

1. Meetings & Collaboration

• Participate in regular meetings with YBGR and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation staff in order to meet shared goals and objectives. 
• Contribute to ongoing evaluation of fundraising strategies to maximize income and minimize expenses.

1. Administrative & Reporting

• Develop annual fundraising goals and monitor progress toward targets.
• Prepare reports for leadership and board on fundraising performance and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and donor confidentiality.
• Update donor records and maintain accurate reports of activities and outcomes, in coordination with the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation.

1. Organizational Engagement

• Model YBGR’s mission and values in all interactions.
• Adhere to organizational policies, systems, safety requirements, and procedures.
• Take initiative to identify problems and propose solutions.
• Participate in professional organizations and training as needed.
• Support organizational strategic goals and PQI initiatives through individual and team contributions.
• Represent the organization professionally to external stakeholders.
• Engage in monthly supervision/coaching meetings with your supervisor.
• Demonstrate fairness and respect with an understanding of donor backgrounds and life-experiences.
• Complete required training relevant to the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 21 years old or older
• Criminal / Child Abuse Clearance: Must pass criminal record and child abuse registry background check as required by the State of Montana.
• Minimum Bachelor’s level degree in non-profit fund development, marketing, communication, business administration or related field and 3+ years demonstrated experience.

Required Abilities/Skills

• Travel with occasional overnight stay.
• Must be a self-starter, results-oriented, and organized with strong oral and written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Able to function well both independently and as a member of a team.

• Able to meet goals and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel and donor databases.
• Professional both in appearance and in conduct.
• Strong social skills, intuition, discernment, and ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and populations.

• Demonstrate being self-motivated, self-disciplined, and diligent with forward thinking.
• Demonstrate the ability to think of their team over self and define success collectively rather than individually.
• The ability to effectively interact and communicate with others. These skills are essential for building and maintaining relationships, collaborating with colleagues, resolving conflicts, and navigating various social situations.
• Commitment to YBGR’s values: Faith, Integrity, Relationship, and Stewardship.

Physical and Environmental Demands & Requirements

• Physical Requirements
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (e.g., sitting at a desk, working on a computer).
  • Frequent movement within office settings and occasional travel to meetings, community events, and site tours.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment (computer, phone, printer, etc.).
  • Occasional lifting and carrying of materials up to 20 pounds (e.g., brochures, event supplies).
  • Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via electronic media.
• Environmental Conditions
  • Work performed primarily in an office environment with standard lighting, temperature, and noise levels.
  • Occasional exposure to outdoor conditions during community events or donor visits.
  • Ability to adapt to varied environments when visiting businesses, donor homes, or organizational facilities.
• Other Requirements
  • Must be able to travel locally and regionally as needed for donor engagement and events.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.