The Director of Development is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program that includes membership, major gifts, grant writing, corporate sponsorship, planned giving, special events, and board engagement. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director, Development Committee, Gala Subcommittee, and Board of Directors to develop fundraising goals and strategies.
This role requires a professional who excels in communication, organization, and relationship-building-and thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. This is a key leadership position with the opportunity to shape the future of communities across Maine.
The Director of Development must take initiative and be dependable; work effectively in a remote office; collaborate with other staff and the board to help formulate and execute organizational strategies; and manage workflow efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Grants
Maintain a calendar of existing grant opportunities and identify new sources of foundation support
Prepare grant submissions, track deliverables, and draft reports in collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of Programs & Services
Membership & Corporate Sponsorship
Identify and cultivate major gift prospects, whether individual or corporate
Develop and execute effective supporter communications and marketing materials, including email newsletters and the annual Year in Review
Coordinate, generate, and distribute renewal requests, acknowledgment letters, and miscellaneous digital and printed correspondence
Generate and manage mailing lists and coordinate benefits
Plan and oversee events and tours for members and sponsors
Ensure membership and sponsorship content on the website and newsletters is current
Collaborate with Executive Director and the board in providing creative, strategic input on new directions for the membership and sponsorship programs
Event Planning & Engagement
Coordinate and prepare for Gala Subcommittee meetings
Produce members-only walking tours and other special events
Plan and execute annual fundraising gala, auction, and donor cultivation events
Answer email and phone inquiries from members and the general public
Regularly interact with members, volunteers, vendors, partner organizations, and the general public
Support other organization events as needed
Development Operations & Database Management
Coordinate and prepare for Development Committee meetings
Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed
Set up and manage event registrations using the NeonOne database; set up new functionality as needed
Enter donations, grants, membership, and sponsorship payments into the database
Produce acknowledgement letters for grant funders and donors
Produce succinct, data-driven fundraising reports and mailing lists via thedatabase
Maintain clear, accurate records in the database
Assist other staff members in using Neon One
Financial & Office Management
Process incoming donations and make deposits
Provide basic office support, including ordering office supplies and equipment
Support Executive Director on annual tax filing and budget projections
Perform other relevant duties as requested
Qualifications
Essential
- At least five years of nonprofit fundraising experience is preferred, but candidates with equivalent experience in related sectors are encouraged to apply
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling donor communications and marketing materials
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, including advanced functions of Excel and Word, and the ability to quickly learn new software
Experience with Neon One or other database management software and an aptitude for data analysis
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team of colleagues, Board members, and volunteers
Flexibility, positivity, and a sense of humor
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Preferred
A working knowledge of, or interest in, Maine's history and heritage
Experience in historic preservation
Proficiency in design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite or Canva
Work Environment
• This is a remote position with some flexibility in scheduling.
• Regular in-state travel is required, along with attendance at weekly in-person staff meetings in Yarmouth and occasional in-person events across the state.
Salary & Benefits
• $65,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience
• $500 monthly stipend toward health insurance premium
• 11 holidays, 20 vacation days, 2 personal days, 8 sick days & half-day summer Fridays
About Maine Preservation
Founded in 1972, Maine Preservation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving historic places, buildings, downtowns and neighborhoods strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of Maine communities.
We are a small team that values camaradarie and loves dogs. We have mutual respect for work/life balance and lovingly embrace the quirky characters and culture of historic preservation and Maine in general. We prefer the scenic route, mom & pop shops, and gas station restaurants.
To Apply
Send a cover letter and resume in PDF format to with "Director of Development" in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to express interest as soon as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted promptly for a preliminary Zoom interview.