Development Director

~ Maine Farmland Trust (MFT) is a highly-respected nonprofit organization that protects farmland, supports farmers, and advances the future of farming. Our goal is not just to protect Maine farmland, but to revitalize Maine’s rural landscape by keeping agricultural lands working and helping farmers, and their communities, thrive. ~

We work with farm families across the state. We also work closely with dozens of other partners, including statewide groups, local and regional land trusts, and municipalities.

Position Overview

The Development Director (DD) creates and oversees the implementation of a strategic approach to fundraising activities that include: major gifts, business donations, planned giving, endowment development, and any active campaigns or special development related projects. This includes cultivating contacts and strengthening key relationships to ensure fundraising goals are met.

The DD’s primary duties are to:

1. Coordinate with MFT’s President & CEO in crafting and implementing an overall development strategy;
2. Build good relationships with key donors and prospects;and
3. Effectively solicit gifts.

A successful candidate will possess a history of effective fundraising, enjoy working with a dynamic team and should also be a self-starter. In addition, the ideal candidate will be detail oriented, flexible, creative, an excellent communicator and someone who genuinely enjoys building relationships, and who can continue to build upon the legacy of successful fundraising established by the retiring Development Director.

Note: The DD is not responsible for overseeing MFT’s membership development program or grants program but is expected to work closely with those program directors, and other staff, to ensure that MFT’s overall advancement goals are met. Reports to: President & CEO Office Location: Belfast or Portland, ME

Responsibilities

• Work with the President & CEO in crafting an overall development strategy to support the strategic direction and mission of the organization.
• Develop an annual work plan that includes clear goals tailored to organizational goals and fundraising targets and ensures activities are carried out in a strategic and timely manner.
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising activities to ensure goals are being achieved.
• Prepare regular reports on progress, budgets, receipts, and expenditures related to fundraising and the management of fund development activities, as directed by the President & CEO.
• Monitor trends that impact MFT’s work and philanthropy and adapt fundraising strategies as necessary. Identify and develop business, community and individual philanthropic support for MFT’s work and mission.
• Direct and manage all strategies and activities for donor cultivation, solicitation, and retention. Cultivate mid-level donors and upper-level donors and solicits gifts, in some cases along with the President & CEO.
• Maintain and foster a high level of excellence in all donor recognition activities.
• Direct, manage and promote a comprehensive planned giving program.
• Track pledges and manage reminders and acknowledgments.
• Build relationships with community stakeholders to advance the mission and fundraising goals for MFT. Foster an understanding of philanthropy within the organization.
• Collaborate with Outreach Program staff on the management and planning of fundraising events.
• Work with staff to utilize other MFT events to engage key donors and prospective supporters.
• Coordinate with Outreach and Membership Program staff for the Annual Appeal to ensure continuity of message and purpose.
• Attend community events related to donor activities.

Qualifications

Desired Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience and a proven ability to secure major gifts.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing varied and multifaceted development activities.
• Proven success managing complex tasks and ability to oversee numerous assignments simultaneously and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Ability to listen thoughtfully and to communicate effectively in writing and in person; excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A genuine interest in engaging with and building relationships with current and future supporters of MFT’s work and mission and an ability to work well with a wide variety of people, including farmers.
• Proficiency with relevant technology, including email, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Experience with, or a willingness to learn to use, fundraising and database software to input notes and make basic queries.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to supervise others effectively and efficiently as needed (future development staff and/or contractors).
• Ability to work as a leader and part of a team.
• Experience with developing and maintaining productive working relationships with board members, organizational staff, contractors, and donors.
• Willingness to travel in-state frequently and occasionally on evenings and weekends. Ability to provide transportation.
• Commitment to fostering the future of farming in Maine and genuine enthusiasm for MFT’s mission and work.
• Past experience in a conservation, natural resource, or farm organization is desirable but not required.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples no later than September 1, 2017.
• Or mail your application materials to: Maine Farmland Trust ATTN: Rachel Taker 97 Main Street, Belfast, ME 04915