Description
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
Are you driven, ambitious, and ready to launch your career in nonprofit development and fundraising? The Montana FFA Foundation is looking for a motivated self-starter to join our team as Operations & Development Coordinator. This is a ground-floor opportunity for someone hungry to learn, grow, and make a real impact on agricultural education in Montana. You will work directly alongside the Executive Director, gaining hands-on experience in donor relations, event coordination, and nonprofit operations. No two days are the same — and neither is the opportunity in front of you. No prior experience required; we will train the right person.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Bulls For Blue Program: Dive in headfirst to help re-establish and grow donor relationships through in-person visits, phone calls, and email. Attend bull sales alongside FFA students — you’ll get to see mission-driven fundraising in action from day one.
500 Club: Roll up your sleeves and reconnect with existing 500 Club members while actively hunting for new ones. Your outreach efforts directly fuel scholarships and programs for Montana’s next generation of agricultural leaders.
FFA Foundation License Plate Program: Champion the Foundation license plate program and find creative ways to boost participation. Every plate sold is a conversation starter and a vote for Montana FFA.
Event Development: Get your hands on real event management fast. Help coordinate signature Foundation events including Ag Expo, Fusion, the Golf Tournament, and State Convention. Source sponsors, drive marketing, and own the logistics — all with the support of a great team.
Pitch ideas and help bring new events to life alongside the Executive Director. Your creativity and initiative are welcome here.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS
Provide updates to the entire Board of Directors at monthly meetings, at quarterly board meetings and as requested.
Work closely with the Executive Director to achieve Foundation goals.
Provide preliminary budget and target revenues from projects and events prior to the activity.
FOUNDATION OPERATIONS
Manage Gift Entry and Processing and Database.
Work with Executive Director in developing an annual budget.
With Executive Director, serve as one point of contact for donors, advisors, members, and others involved or interested in the Foundation.
DEVELOPMENT – ANNUAL GIVING & SPONSORS
Support the organization’s fundraising efforts through sponsor relations and annual giving campaigns.
Manage and steward current sponsor and annual donor relationships through regular communication and engagement.
Research, identify, and assist in cultivating new donor and sponsor prospects.
Assist in preparing sponsorship proposals, donor correspondence, and thank-you materials.
Collaborate with leadership to implement strategies that increase donor retention and acquisition.
Maintain accurate donor records and track gifts within the donor database.
Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Strong attention to detail — you catch things others miss and take pride in getting it right. Comfortable working solo and as part of a team.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook) is a plus. Experience with donor databases like Raiser’s Edge is a bonus, but we will train you.
A natural organizer who can juggle multiple priorities without dropping the ball. Eager to grow through hands-on training and real-world experience.
Comfortable hitting the road — some travel across Montana to meet with donors and attend board meetings is part of the adventure.
Genuine passion for agriculture, education, or youth development. A connection to FFA or rural Montana is a major plus, but not required.
