Head of Development

In-Office or Remote – Bozeman, MT

Who we are

Adventure Scientists is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to accelerate solutions to urgent conservation challenges. By designing, building, and managing field data collection projects at scale, we're making a tangible impact on our planet. What sets us apart is our unique approach of engaging outdoor enthusiasts and community members to collect high-quality data for partners at government agencies, research institutions, NGOs and international agencies who are leading cutting-edge conservation projects.


Imagine being part of a movement that empowers everyday people to make a real difference in addressing today’s urgent environmental challenges. Adventure Scientists empowers individuals to contribute to research and shape science-based decisions, policies, and technologies that are driving conservation and climate solutions.


Together, we can create a future where humanity lives in harmony with nature.


Our Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (EIJ)

Adventure Scientists strives to create an environment where everyone feels included, valued, and safe engaging with our work, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, age, past or current military service, marital status, parental status, religion, socio-economic status, immigration status, or other identity.


Organizational Highlights

  • Our work has helped prevent illegal timber harvest, supported restoring extirpated species to their home ranges and gathered the largest dataset on Earth for microplastics. Learn more about our impact here.
  • Our annual budget is ~$3.2M and growing. This is sourced from a combination of philanthropic donors, fee-for-service revenue, and corporate partnerships.
  • Our partners include National Geographic, the World Economic Forum, TED, the U.S. Forest Service, the University of Guadalajara, and many more.
  • We focus on forests, freshwater, biodiversity, and climate.

The Head of Development (HoD) Opportunity 

Are you a talented and passionate development professional seeking an exciting new opportunity? Look no further!  Adventure Scientists invites you to join us and embark on an adventure that will help shape the world for generations to come.


As the Head of Development, you will join our senior leadership team and play a crucial role in partnering with the Founder/ Executive Director to drive our organization's growth and success.


We value your development operations skills and your ability to build relationships with foundations, corporate and individual donors.


Key responsibilities will include:

  • Lead fundraising strategy to achieve a minimum of $3.2M in FY2023 and drive year-over-year growth
  • Secure funding for new projects with internal and external collaborators
  • Lead and mentor a team of three direct reports, fostering their development and success
  • Serve as liaison to the board of directors, ensuring organizational and fundraising goals are met and results are communicated effectively to leadership.
  • Craft and implement strategies for increasing global impact as a member of our Senior Leadership Team
  • Other duties as assigned

Who We Are Looking For

  • A proven development professional with at least 10 years of work experience in fundraising, including at least 5 years in a leadership role. They have a strong track record of qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding institutional and individual major donors, along with high-level management of development operations.
  • A passionate advocate for Adventure Scientists’ mission and values who has experience contributing to organizational strategy from a position of leadership. They believe that scientific data can advance solutions to critical environmental challenges.
  • A “big picture” systems thinker with the ability to implement tactically. They approach challenges and opportunities through an entrepreneurial lens and take a hands-on approach to translating strategy into tangible activities and goals. They bring a creative mindset to fundraising.
  • A team leader who leverages individuals’ strengths and facilitates success in others. They have experience in building and coaching teams for high performance and accountability. They are comfortable leading by influence, and thrive in a lean nonprofit setting with the ability to stay focused and nimble in the face of growth and change.
  • An exceptional writer, storyteller, and communicator who is skilled at analyzing and communicating complex ideas in ways that inspire others to action.

Personal Attributes and Values

  • Direct communicator who asks for what they need
  • Entrepreneurial vision, growth mindset, and a strong bias towards action
  • Creative thinker that works cross-functionally to navigate and overcome obstacles
  • Collaborative, open, direct, and transparent with executives and direct reports
  • High degree of integrity and trustworthiness
  • Strong sense of personal ownership and responsibility with immense care for details
  • A high level of dedication with focus on results
  • Strong writing skills with ability to craft thoughtful, inclusive communications (external and internal communications, messaging, talking points, etc.)
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, and a strong desire to elevate a diversity of voices in the scientific, conservation, and outdoor fields
  • Desire to join and assist in the growth of a fast-paced, dynamic nonprofit organization

Location and Compensation

This is a full-time exempt position. While we may give preference to candidates who will work from Adventure Scientists’ headquarters in Bozeman, MT, we welcome remote candidates who have previously thrived in a remote role.  


The salary range is $115,000 - $130,000, adjusted for experience. A relocation allowance will be available for hires moving to Bozeman.  


This position will require up to 15% travel domestically and occasionally internationally. We offer a generous and flexible benefits package, including employer-subsidized healthcare, retirement plan plus employer matching, personal and professional development fund opportunities, flexible work schedules and location, paid time off, paid parental leave, student loan relief, and paid powder days (even if you don’t ski). Additional perks include sabbaticals for long-tenured employees and access to outdoor gear pro deals. Plus, we have a dog-friendly office, so you are invited to bring your best friend to work! 


To Apply

To apply, please complete the form on the next page. Direct questions about the application to Jessica Smorowski at  jessica@adventurescientists.org


We are committed to providing an equal employment opportunity for all applicants. If you need accommodations at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.

Application









.pdf format is preferred

.pdf format is preferred

Professional References

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U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Information (Completion is Voluntary)

Individuals seeking employment at Adventure Scientists are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, age, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. You are being given the opportunity to provide the following information in order to help us comply with federal and state Equal Employment Opportunity record keeping, reporting, and other legal requirements.

Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.
 
For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to a self-identification survey. Completion of this form is entirely voluntary and will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Adventure Scientists Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.





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