ABOUT MAINE COAST HERITAGE TRUST
Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) is a leader in Maine’s nationally recognized land conservation movement. Since its early years pioneering the use of conservation easements, MCHT has evolved into a dynamic, multifaceted organization with initiatives ranging from securing coastal access sites, stewarding public preserves, and addressing community needs like food insecurity to protecting marshes for tomorrow, reconnecting coastal rivers, and making the coast more resilient to climate change.
THE OPPORTUNITY
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. The ideal candidate will bring passion for the vision, mission, and values together with deep expertise in development.
Supervised by the Senior Director of Communications & Philanthropy, this position will develop strategies, tactics, and objectives to optimize planned, annual, and capital gifts. In addition to cultivating relationships with major donors and prospects, the Director of Development supervises the fundraising staff, including front-line fundraisers as well as the data and analytics team, ensuring that all fundraising goals are met. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional relationship-building skills and campaign experience, and exhibit entrepreneurial thinking. They must uphold a high level of integrity, discretion, and organizational acumen. Moreover, they should demonstrate the ability to inspire and collaborate with volunteers and colleagues to attain annual objectives.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
- A passion for the mission: Successful candidates for this role will demonstrate a deep passion for Maine’s lands and waters, with an understanding of the necessity to ensure ecological wellbeing and address community needs. The Director of Development will enthusiastically and compellingly communicate the story of MCHT, inspiring financial support and engaging others in the organization’s mission.
- Expertise in cultivation & relationship building: The Director of Development will have a proven track record of cultivating long-term philanthropic relationships that result in both immediate and sustained financial support. They will have deep expertise in relationship management—including donor prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. As a team leader, they will enhance the organization’s visibility and expand the donor pipeline. They will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, creativity, and the ability to listen and learn, ensuring alignment with the organization’s development goals.
- A strategic & results-oriented leader: The Director of Development will have the ability to translate strategy into effective execution, setting ambitious fundraising goals and ensuring accountability for measurable results. They will embrace both successes and failures as opportunities for learning, demonstrating a growth mindset and commitment to continuous improvement. This leader will foster innovation, adapting to changes in donor trends and using data to inform strategic decisions that align with the organization’s long-term goals.
- Collaborative team player & leader: The ideal candidate will value collaboration and foster a positive team culture aligned with the organization’s values. As a supportive team leader, they will mentor their team, welcoming diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich the organization’s work. Their openness to new ideas and commitment to continuous learning will encourage team growth and strengthen collective efforts. They will work closely with the Senior Director of Communications & Development, the President & CEO, and conservation colleagues, ensuring the development strategy aligns with broader organizational goals. The Director will also help prepare the President & CEO to be an effective fundraiser and steward of MCHT’s resources.
- Effective & persuasive communicator: As a skilled communicator and storyteller, the candidate will have the ability to inspire action through compelling narratives about the organization’s mission and impact. They will possess strong written and presentation skills, engaging internal and external stakeholders with clarity and purpose. Through intellectual curiosity and a willingness to listen, they will continuously refine their communication approach to effectively engage with diverse audiences. The Director will articulate the organization’s vision in ways that resonate deeply, encouraging donor support and advocacy for MCHT’s mission.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $104,000 - $130,000. Note that the Director of Development can work out of any of MCHT's offices, located in Topsham, Rockport, MDI, and Whiting.
CONTACT
Tenley Bank and Naree Viner of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest in this role please submit your materials at this link, or email Tenley directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.