Director of Development

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 comradery 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 info@mainepreservation.org 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.

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

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.

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 comradery 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.