Development and Communications Director

DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR 

Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) seeks a dynamic and experienced individual passionate about land conservation and community engagement to lead our development and communications efforts. We are looking for a highly motivated and creative individual with exceptional relationship-building and communication skills. Join our small, collaborative team in beautiful Harpswell, Maine!

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Matt Newberg at info@hhltmaine.org. Applications will be accepted until June 19th. Questions can be directed to Executive Director Matt Newberg at matt@hhltmaine.org or 207-721-1121.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Development and Communications Director is responsible for overseeing and implementing HHLT’s development and communications efforts in collaboration with other staff, the Board of Trustees, and volunteers. The Director leads and administers HHLT’s development initiatives, including annual fundraising and capital campaigns. The Director also oversees and implements HHLT’s communications efforts to educate, inspire, and engage multiple constituencies.

 Duties include:

• Communications – Lead and oversee all aspects of HHLT’s communications efforts, including newsletters, website, social media, press outreach, printed materials, signs, emails, and other communications initiatives. Evaluate HHLT’s communications efforts and work with the Communications Committee on new initiatives.
• Development – Lead HHLT’s development and fundraising initiatives. Set and pursue short- and long-term goals. Evaluate HHLT’s development efforts and work with the Development Committee on new initiatives.
• Donor and Community Relations – Build and maintain relationships with donors, volunteers, and other constituents. Represent HHLT in the community in an accurate, welcoming, and friendly way. Involve community volunteers and other constituents in HHLT’s work. Cultivate a culture of appreciation for donors and lead HHLT’s efforts in donor cultivation. Cultivate a portfolio of 20-50 major donors.
• Annual Fundraising – Oversee and implement HHLT’s annual fundraising solicitations to members, businesses, and other constituents.
• Events – Envision and implement fundraising and donor cultivation events and activities.
• Grants – Identify and apply for grant opportunities for operating support, programming, land acquisitions, and stewardship. Manage a calendar of deadlines for applications and reports.
• Campaigns – Facilitate fundraising campaigns by envisioning and implementing strategy, setting timelines, and designing materials.
• Record Keeping – Ensure impeccable record-keeping in all aspects of development and communications work. Manage and maintain HHLT’s donor database. Process donations and pledges. Consistently and accurately document donor-restricted gifts. Produce thank you letters. Create reports as needed for staff, the Board of Trustees, and committees.
• Land Trust Accreditation Standards and Compliance – Ensure that Land Trust Standards & Practices for fundraising and finances are met and documented. Create and update relevant policies and procedures.
• Committees and Board of Trustees – Ensure that the Development Committee, the Communications Committee, and the Board of Trustees have the information needed to make sound, well-informed decisions about development and communications activities. Serve as the staff liaison to the Development and Communications Committees, as well as to any ad-hoc Campaign Committees.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

• 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to develop strong professional relationships.
• Applicant must be self-motivated with demonstrated skill in managing multiple projects and consistently meeting deadlines. Creative problem-solving and organizational skills are essential.
• Proven experience in cultivating and soliciting individual, corporate, and foundation gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute fundraising strategies, including annual appeals and campaigns.
• Successful grant writing and management experience, including identifying opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and managing reporting requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging content for diverse audiences across various platforms (e.g., newsletters, website, social media).
• Experience managing social media, working with WordPress, email database marketing tools, and interpreting digital media analytics.
• Experience in developing and implementing communication plans and strategies to enhance organizational visibility and engagement.
• Proficiency in managing donor databases and ensuring accurate record-keeping.
• Competency with standard computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace is required; Little Green Light and Adobe Design Suite preferred.
• Experience in the nonprofit and land trust fields is preferred but not required
• Applicant must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

LOCATION AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The HHLT office is located at 153 Harpswell Neck Road in Harpswell, Maine. The Development and Communications Director will work primarily in the office, though there will be time spent out of the office supporting programs. Part-time remote work is possible with computer equipment provided.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with benefits including a health stipend, a retirement savings plan, paid time off (vacation, sick, and holiday), mileage reimbursement at the current IRS rate, a flexible work schedule, and a great work environment. Annual salary will be in the range of $55,000-$70,000.

The Harpswell Heritage Land Trust does not discriminate and strives to create a diverse, equitable, inclusive work environment and organization.