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.
The Opportunity:
The Director of Development (DD) will lead the design and execution of WQW’s major gifts strategy, focusing on securing gifts of $10,000+ from individuals with the capacity and interest to support the mission. The DD will expand the program into new Montana markets and beyond, manage a personal portfolio, and guide moves management across the development team. This front-facing role involves frequent donor engagement and travel—at least one 1–3 day trip per month within Montana, plus occasional trips to major markets such as Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, DC.
Key Responsibilities:
Major Gift Fundraising
- Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 100–125 major donors and prospects capable of gifts from $10,000 to seven figures, scaling to focus on $25,000+ gifts by 2030.
- Achieve annual fundraising goals: $650K (year one), $750K (year two), and $1M+ (year three).
- Partner with the development team leadership on event sponsorships, planned giving opportunities, and corporate gifts of $10,000+.
- Strategically position WQW leadership to engage in community events and partnerships that advance the organization’s visibility and philanthropic goals.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors and National Advisory Board to identify and engage donor prospects.
Moves Management
- Adhere to WQW’s moves management process using Salesforce as the central planning and tracking tool.
- Develop and document individualized engagement plans outlining goals, strategies, and timelines for key donors and stakeholders.
- Guide portfolio strategy for the CEO, CDO, and other development team members.
- Coordinate with the team to ensure donor and prospect participation in key fundraising events.
- Advance the Legacy of Honor Capital Campaign through targeted donor engagement and solicitation.
Qualifications:
- Deep understanding of and experience in donor moves management.
- Demonstrated experience, success, and progressive responsibility in fundraising with a minimum of five 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, and other computer skills, as required.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
- Valid driver’s license.
Location: Bozeman, MT (Hybrid or Fully Remote within a driving day’s travel in the office). Travel is required
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of Warriors & Quiet Waters
