Director of Development

Director of Development

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW) is a national leader in veteran transformation. Based in Bozeman, Montana, we empower post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive – helping them rediscover purpose, rebuild trust, and reclaim their sense of mission after service. We do this through the Built for More program, a rigorous nine-month journey rooted in what science tells us drives human thriving: nature, challenge, connection, and reflection.

Our impact isn’t anecdotal – it’s measured. WQW is independently evaluated by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans & Military Families, and in 2026, we’ll launch a randomized controlled trial to deepen our evidence base. Our model works. And we’re growing.

WQW is more than a program – it’s a culture. We are a high-performing, mission-obsessed team driven by shared values and a relentless commitment to excellence. We believe thriving veterans make America stronger – and that transformation doesn’t happen by accident or overnight. It takes leadership, discipline, trust, and a team that’s committed to seeing it through and getting it right.

If you’re looking to join a principled, purpose-driven organization where your leadership will shape lives – and where you’ll be expected to grow, challenge, and inspire others every day – this might be the most meaningful role of your career.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Development (DD) will lead the development and implementation of a major gift strategy. A successful candidate will have front-line fundraising experience in a major gifts and donor pipeline development, have an affinity for WQW’s mission, approach their work with a growth mindset, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to WQW’s core values.

The DD will focus on securing major gifts ($10,000+) from individuals with the affinity, capacity, and propensity to support WQW. In 2025, WQW began expanding its major gifts program to key, previously untapped markets in Montana cities and counties, with plans for further geographic growth. The DD will lead the organization’s major gifts program through expert moves management within their own portfolio while guiding and supporting the moves management strategies of other development team members’ portfolios.

A successful candidate will be focused on spending time with donors and prospective donors – not in their office – and must be willing to travel, with the expectation of making a minimum of one 1-3 day trip per month to cities in Montana, often with the CEO or other organizational leaders. Additionally, the DD may travel to other markets such as Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, or Atlanta, GA when there is sufficient ROI.

MAJOR GIFT FUNDRAISING

• Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors capable of making donations of $10,000 to seven figures to support programs and strategic plan initiatives. By 2030, WQW’s major donor program will focus on gifts $25,000+.
• Partner with the Director of Development, Business and Corporate Relations (DDBCR) to build relationships with corporations outside Gallatin County to secure donations of $10,000 to seven figures.
• Raise a minimum of $650,000 in the first year, $750,000 minimum in the second year, and $1M annually in the third year.
• For individuals who express interest in making donations through planned giving methods, partner with the Chief Development Officer for solicitation and stewardship of these gifts.
• Manage a portfolio of 100-125 donors and prospects, ensuring a robust pipeline of donors in every stage of the moves management process.
• Look for opportunities (or position the CEO or other key leadership) to attend community events or serve on community panels or initiatives that position the organization for improved fundraising or visibility.
• Support WQW’s $19.1MM Capital Campaign, set for public launch in 2027, to achieve campaign goals and milestones.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and National Advisory Board to identify and pursue opportunities to engage donors and donor prospects.

MOVES MANAGEMENT

• The DD will play an important role in:
  • Adopting and refining WQW’s moves management processes utilizing Salesforce as the central planning tool.
  • Developing individual moves management plans outlining a strategy for engagement of key stakeholders, fundraising goals, timelines, and outcomes. Document these plans in Salesforce to ensure transparency and collaboration.
  • Informing the strategy of CEO and CDO portfolios and influencing strategy of other development team members.
  • Collaborating with development team to ensure key donors and prospects engage through WQW’s fundraising events.
  • Supporting the Legacy of Honor Capital Campaign through donor and prospect engagement and solicitation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep understanding of and experience in donor moves management.
• Demonstrated experience, success, and progressive responsibility in fundraising with a minimum of 5 years of major gifts experience; demonstrated success in managing a portfolio, soliciting, and closing major gifts.
• Exceptional planning skills; goal, results and detail-oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and key stakeholders and build long-term relationships.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in CRM database management, wealth screening tools, Microsoft Office Suite, monday.com, and other computer skills, as required.
• Strong alignment with WQW’s mission to empower veterans to rediscover purpose and thriving through nature.
• Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Salesforce and iWave.
• CFRE certification or other professional membership.
• Comfort navigating uneven terrain and experiencing the outdoors in the company of others.

SUCCESS CHARACTERISTICS

• Must embody a growth mindset while embracing an organizational culture that strives for excellence in all aspects of the organization.
• Enthusiasm for and positive representation of WQW’s mission, values, and culture.
• Optimistic outlook that shows concern for people and community, and strong listening skills.
• Ability to give and receive feedback with a growth mindset.
• Stay current on best practices and trends in fundraising locally and nationally; make recommendations to ensure WQW remains relevant in a changing marketplace.
• Equally comfortable engaging with stakeholders by phone, in-person, and electronically.

SALARY & BENEFITS

We offer a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health, dental, vision and life insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401K with match, bonus opportunities, and professional development opportunities. Generous paid time off package that reflects our commitment to employee well-being, family, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Salary: $100,000 – 123,000 depending on experience, with potential for merit-based bonuses.