Director of Development

Our Mission:

We advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological well-being and foster thriving communities. 

We understand that as in nature, diversity builds resilience. We uphold a working culture where unique identities and experiences are welcomed and appreciated. Our team is empathetic, committed and collaborative.  We seek employees that are not only capable and talented, but who care about supporting and respecting each other. We seek people who are interested in imagining creative solutions and continuous learning.

Position Overview:

The Director of Development oversees our expanding philanthropy efforts and provides strategic leadership for our fundraising team to achieve escalating goals outlined in our strategic plan. To succeed, you will need to bring your passion for the vision, mission, and values together with your deep expertise in development.  Guided by the Director of Engagement, you will develop strategies to optimize planned, annual, and capital gifts that will contribute to achieving the overall goals of the organization.

What you will do to guide the day-to-day execution of Development activities:

• Serve as a vital team leader by providing insight and guidance and contributing to strategy discussions.
• Help create 3 to 5-year comprehensive, strategic development plan that will likely include a campaign.
• Supervise the fundraising staff and supporting staff, ensuring that all fundraising goals are met.
• Assist with presentations to the Development Committee and the Board of Directors.
• Develop annual team performance metrics regarding program goals, visit targets, and funding goals.
• Coordinate, collaborate and inspire conservation colleagues to implement fundraising strategies.

What you will do to secure major gifts for the organization’s mission:

• Cultivate relationships with major donors and prospects and articulating our value proposition, programs and needs for support, especially unrestricted giving.
• Manage a portfolio of 75+ major donors and prospects and secure major gifts.
• In the first year, conduct at least 50 one-on-one visits and develop 6 to 7 figure solicitation opportunities.
• Recruit and solicit donors and prospects with effective information sharing, trust building, and collaboration with colleagues.
• Works strategically with volunteers to find and cultivate donors.
• Spend approximately 20% to 25% of your time traveling for donor relationship building, sometimes with the President & CEO or senior leadership to provide staffing support for fundraising efforts.

What you will bring:

• Excellent management skills, grounded in a commitment to collaboration and support.
• Track record in securing seven-figure gifts, using Moves Management and relationship management.
• Confidence in interacting with donors, executive leadership, and board committees with complex information.
• Skills to support the utilization of prospect research and creating solicitation strategies.
• 7 – 10 years of experience of full-time fundraising experience. A combination of bachelor’s degree and 7 years of fundraising experience is preferred.
• 5+ years in a leadership role responsible for managing a professional team and a comprehensive development plan.
• An understanding of the importance of discretion and protecting sensitive information.
• You like to travel.

How and where you will work:

Work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, and other office equipment. Significant offsite travel is required.

We have offices in Topsham, Rockport, MDI, and Whiting, Maine and the location of this position is flexible. We have a hybrid work model with 2 office days and 3 home days.  No matter your office location, you will work once a month in Topsham to connect and collaborate with the team who sits here.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a benefits package including insurance, generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan. The annual starting salary range for this role is $104,000 to $117,500 and will depend upon experience.

If you are interested in joining our team, please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Direct of Development” in the subject line by June 10, 2024.

To review the full job description please follow this link: Director of Development Description

To learn more about Maine Coast Heritage Trust and our work visit our website at https://www.mcht.org/

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and administer all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

The above statements regarding this position are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.