Grants and Sponsorship Director

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26408 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Kevin Asselin

406-994-3903

kevin.asselin@montana.edu

Classification Title Working Title Grants and Sponsorship Director Brief Position Overview

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MSIP) seeks a strategic and detail-oriented Grants and Sponsorship Director to lead and grow the organization's foundation, corporate, and government support. Reporting to the Executive Artistic Director, this position will be responsible for identifying, securing, and stewarding grants and sponsorships in alignment with MSIP's mission to provide free, professional theatre to underserved communities across the rural West. The Director will play a key role in advancing MSIP's long-term sustainability, with a focus on grant writing, reporting, institutional partnerships, and donor cultivation.

This is a dynamic opportunity to join a beloved arts institution with over 50 years of service, deep community ties, and a national reputation for excellence in touring Shakespearean theatre.

Position Number 4C1497 Department Shakespeare in the Parks Division College of Arts & Architecture Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks brings live, professional theatre directly to underserved and rural communities across five states. With over 200 annual performances through three major tours and a winter Black Box series, MSIP is the only company in America touring Shakespeare so extensively to rural areas-free to the public. Its mission-driven model emphasizes access, equity, and cultural enrichment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Grants Management

• Research, identify, and prioritize funding opportunities from private foundations, corporations, government agencies, and institutional partners.
• Lead the full grant lifecycle: proposal writing, submission, compliance, outcomes tracking, and timely reporting.
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, ensuring timely submission and renewals.
• Collaborate with program, artistic, and finance staff to gather project details, budgets, and impact data.
• Work closely with MSU's Office of Sponsored Programs and Fiscal Shared Services to ensure grant compliance and institutional alignment.
• Works directly with the Montana State University Alumni Foundation in grant review as needed.

Corporate Sponsorships

• Cultivate, secure, and steward corporate sponsors for annual tours, educational programs, and events.
• Develop sponsorship proposals and customized benefit packages to match business marketing goals with MSIP visibility opportunities.
• Ensure accurate recognition across platforms and deliverables, including print materials, signage, social media, and event activation.

Fundraising Collaboration

• Partner with the Executive Artistic Director and Development team to support overall fundraising strategy and integrate grants/sponsorship efforts into broader donor initiatives.
• Contribute to MSIP's two annual fundraising appeals (spring and year-end) and assist with donor stewardship and special events as needed.
• Provide administrative support for database management, donor communications, and grant acknowledgment letters.

Communications and Outreach

• Assist in crafting compelling narratives that communicate MSIP's impact and value to funders.
• Work with marketing and outreach staff to integrate funder recognition into external messaging.
• Represent MSIP at select community events, conferences, and partner meetings.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Minimum 3 years of experience in nonprofit grant writing, institutional fundraising, or sponsorship development.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing grants and/or sponsorships over $10,000.
• Familiarity with CRM databases and budget documentation.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience working within the arts, education, or cultural nonprofit sector.
• Knowledge of Montana's philanthropic landscape or rural Western funders.
• Familiarity with Shakespeare, touring models, or educational outreach a plus.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Be an experienced professional who has demonstrated management experience and is eager to build a productive, supportive working relationship with the EAD and MSIP staff.
• Demonstrate high emotional intelligence having the ability to exercise good judgment and discretion while maintaining a positive attitude in stressful environments.
• Show a genuine interest in people and demonstrate an ability to interact with a wide range of personalities; acting as a visible representative of MSIP.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills that demonstrate an ability to inspire and motivate others to action.
• Be detail-oriented, assertive, self-driven, and able to maintain a flexible schedule that may include early morning, evening and/or weekend hours.
• Develop and maintain the highest level of communication with all MSIP constituencies, the EAD and staff.
• Have an understanding of and experience with achieving unearned and earned income goals while raising organizational awareness through cultivating grant and sponsorship relations.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and to prioritize competing demands and priorities.
• Comfort working collaboratively in a mission-driven team.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check. Night and weekend hours are required as needed.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search. Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on June 12th, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).