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 and Corporate Sponsorships
- Research, identify, and prioritize funding opportunities from private foundations, corporations, government agencies, and institutional partners.
- Develop sponsorship proposals and customized benefit packages to match business marketing goals with MSIP visibility opportunities.
- Lead the full grant lifecycle: proposal writing, submission, compliance, outcomes tracking, and timely reporting.
- Collaborate with program, artistic, and finance staff to gather project details, budgets, and impact data.
- Work closely with MSU’s Office of Sponsored Programs, Fiscal Shared Services, and the Alumni Foundation to ensure grant compliance and institutional alignment.
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
After the completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on August 15, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
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.
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.
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