Public Programs Manager Jobs in Helena, MT (NOW HIRING)

Job Description - Public Relations & Development Manager (26142116)

Position Title:

Public Relations & Development Manager - ( 26142116 )

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.

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

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

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

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

Bachelor's degree in non‑profit management, administration, public relations, communications, marketing, or business

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

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

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

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

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.

$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

1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Standard

Day Job

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Helena Agency : Montana Historical Society Union : 000 - None

Aug 20, 2026, 11:08:47 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Sep 14, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

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.