Forward Montana is seeking a full-time Operations and Development Coordinator to support the efficient functioning of day-to-day operations of the organization. The Operations and Development Coordinator will assist the Operations Director in coordinating various financial, administrative, and HR functions to ensure smooth operations with adherence to organizational policies. Additionally, the Operations and Development Coordinator will engage with the Development Director in maintaining a donor database, stewarding existing donors, planning events, and researching new prospective donors. 

Applicants should have a proven ability to learn and implement new processes and operational functions while maintaining a commitment to accuracy and attention to detail. Applicants should also have strong verbal and written communication skills and enjoy building collaborative relationships. All staff at Forward Montana are expected to participate in field efforts during election season (like making phone calls and knocking on doors).

Who We Are

Forward Montana, founded in 2004, is the state's largest youth-led, youth-focused civic engagement organization. We strive to transform government and communities to be just, sustainable, and equitable while working toward a future where Montana celebrates and reflects the diversity of our generation. We support young people to build power with and for each other to create lasting change.

What You’ll Do

The Operations and Development Coordinator reports to the Operations Director (though works closely with the Development Director) and is responsible for the following:

• Office Coordination (50%) 

• Coordinate the day-to-day management of supplies, equipment, and facilities for the organization. 

• Assist the Operations Director with financial management including bookkeeping, expense reporting, and other financial duties as assigned. 

• Assist the Operations Director with board coordination including the preparation of meeting materials and logistics.

• Assist the Operations director with HR functions including processing new hire paperwork and onboarding new employees

• Development Coordination (50%) 

• Maintain an accurate donor database through diligent data entry in collaboration with other key users

• Delight and engage donors and members through stewardship initiatives, like hand-writing thank you cards and making phone calls to donors

• Research a portfolio of prospective donors and assist with applications, letters-of-interest, and appeals 

• Support in-person events by pulling invitation lists, managing RSVPs, and assisting with day-of logistics

Must-Haves

• Deadline and detail oriented: Ability to independently manage and complete multiple tasks and projects by deadline. You are able to consistently and accurately perform duties and communicate challenges in a timely manner. 

• Ability to learn new technology systems and softwares quickly: You are quickly able to master desktop and mobile applications used by the organization for time tracking, expense management, donor management, and project management. 

• Comfortable working with numbers and spreadsheets: You love creating complex spreadsheets - the more formulas the better! :D

• Experience in building strong collaborative partnerships: You’re comfortable working with multiple staff and departments who are located in different locations across the state. Because this position also includes a field component, you're excited to get out and connect with young people and get connected to programmatic work!

• Ability to problem-solve: No obstacle is too big! You think three (or 30) steps ahead to anticipate hurdles and come up with pragmatic solutions. You have the ability to identify and remedy systems or processes that are not working as well as they could. 

• Relationship-building: You’re energized by building genuine relationships and finding meaningful ways to connect with people. You think creatively about engaging across differences and can turn a conversation into a lasting partnership. You’re curious, attentive, and comfortable striking up conversations whether to listen, learn, or say thank you. 

• Actively Anti-Racist: You are committed to actively contributing to a more equitable and inclusive FMT by facilitating conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice with fellows, members, and within the staff. You’re committed to amplifying community voices to advocate for a more progressive and  just Missoula. You recognize how your own identities show up in the work and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an eye toward continuous learning about race, ability, and other lines of difference. 

We understand the right candidate may have experience in different areas. If you don’t meet all the requirements below but have an interest in learning, we encourage you to apply. 

Nice to haves

• Basic understanding of nonprofit bookkeeping -  experience with Quickbooks or a similar accounting software is especially appreciated.

• Experience liaising with external vendors on behalf of an organization. 

• Fundraising experience such as grant writing, donor stewardship, or event planning. 

If you were Operations and Development Coordinator right now, you would be:

• Planning the logistics of an upcoming board retreat - securing lodging, meals, carpooling, and more!

• Tracking political spending to submit a compliance report to the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices.

• Updating the development tracker with new donations as well as writing thank you notes. 

• Supporting the Development Director on a presentation deck for a potential funder. 

What Else You Should Know

Forward Montana is an equal opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by our issues and work. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ2S+ folks, women, and people with disabilities to apply.

• Logistics

• This exempt position is full-time (40 hours/week) and is based in Montana. Applicants must be located in or willing to move to Billings, Bozeman, Helena, or Missoula.

• You must be comfortable working unconventional hours-- including occasional nights and weekends

• You must have access to reliable transportation (a valid driver’s license is required)

• This position includes both in-person and virtual components based on public health guidance around COVID-19 - Forward Montana employees who have access to one of our offices are expected to spend a minimum of 40% of their work week in the office 

• You must be comfortable being managed and building relationships with our statewide team remotely

This is an exempt position at $50,000 a year. This is a temporary position with a flexible start date of April 6, 2026 and funded through the end of 2026. Employment beyond 2026 is funding dependent. Forward Montana also offers the following benefits:

• 100% Employer covered health insurance, basic life insurance, and employee assistance program

• Opt-in Employee paid dental, vision, accident, and term life insurance

• Monthly technology and wellness reimbursements

• Professional development funds

• Generous paid time off policy through which staff accrue 4 weeks of annual leave per year

• Paid family leave

• Nine paid holidays and winter break

How to Apply

Please upload a resume and one-page cover letter stating your interest in the position, why building youth-power & getting out the vote in Montana is important, and what skillsets you’d be excited to grow & develop in this position. All application materials should be submitted through the Rippling link on our website. 

If a cover letter isn’t your style, try something creative! We’re less concerned with the perfect cover letter and more interested in getting to know you, your passions, and what you’d bring to the position -- slideshows, videos, graphics/visuals, portfolios, or just a more casual tone cover letter are all welcome. 

If you have any questions or need support, please reach out to Annie Warner, Operations Director (annalese@forwardmontana.org) 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, preference will be given to applications who submit materials by March 3rd with interviews starting immediately. The preferred start date for this position is April 6th, 2026.