Join Our Team!

Director of Development

Organization Overview

Greater Portland Landmarks is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the architectural and cultural heritage of Greater Portland, Maine. Established in 1964, our mission is to ensure that Greater Portland preserves its sense of place for all and builds vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods and communities for the future.

In our 60th year, the organization maintains its tradition of advocacy, education, and providing resources to homeowners and developers alike for historic properties and neighborhoods. The nonprofit also serves as steward of the Portland Observatory, the only remaining historic maritime signal station in the United States.

Historic preservation is not just about preserving old buildings; it’s about maintaining the unique character and cultural identity of our community. We promote preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings as well as creative new architecture that enhances historic neighborhoods, while working to increase the public’s connection to our built environment and shared history. Our activities seek to build awareness, to instill community pride, and to encourage public participation in important decisions regarding historic preservation, urban planning, and new development that will affect our future.

Position Overview

Landmarks is seeking a mission-driven leader to be our new Director of Development, helping us create and implement a comprehensive development strategy to secure funding to achieve or exceed annual fundraising goals. The Director of Development will play a crucial role in driving the growth and sustainability of our organization, oversee our donor relations program, and manage our charitable revenue generation initiatives. Working with the Executive Director and our dedicated Board of Trustees and staff, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing our non-profit's campaigns for gifts, communicating with current and prospective donors, and building capacity to support our mission. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in fundraising and relationship building, a passion for historic preservation, and excellent communication and leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

1.      Development Strategy and Management:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to meet organizational goals, including annual giving, major gifts, sponsorship, grants, partnerships, and special events.

  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to align development efforts with organizational goals and budget.

  • Maintain and cultivate current donors and build donor network

  • Identify, pursue, and build and maintain relationships with new funding opportunities from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources.

  • Create and oversee annual development plans and budget, including special events and campaigns.

  • Oversee and manage fundraising database policies and procedures to track and report on fundraising progress, goals, and metrics.

2.      Donor Relations:

  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors.

  • Develop and implement stewardship strategies to recognize and retain donors.

  • Develop strategies to identify and approach new donors.

  • Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and proposals to potential new funders.

  • Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising-focused events

3.      Grant Management:

  • With the Executive Director, research and write grant proposals to secure funding from various sources.

  • Manage the grant application and reporting process, including tracking deadlines and reporting requirements.

  • Ensure compliance with grant terms and conditions

4.      Communications:

  • Work with communications and outreach team to develop fundraising materials, including newsletters, social media content, and annual reports.

  • Promote the organization’s mission and impact through various channels.

  • Plan and execute special events to engage the community and raise funds.

Qualifications:

  • A passion and commitment to Greater Portland Landmarks’ mission

  • Drive to merge strategic thinking and creativity to build strong relationships

  • Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising and development, with a proven track record of success.

  • Strong understanding of nonprofit financials and donor stewardship.

  • Foundation relationships and grant writing experience.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages and presentations.

  • Experience with donor management software and fundraising tools, Donor Perfect preferred.

  • Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team, in a dynamic environment.

  • Ability to work well with the Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers.

  • Passion for history, architecture, and/or historic preservation and understanding of the importance of preserving heritage to community and culture.

Your Impact

As the Director of Development, you will be instrumental in advancing Greater Portland Landmarks’ mission by leading our fundraising and development efforts. You will work closely with our board, staff, and community partners to create and implement strategies that secure the necessary resources to support our programs and initiatives. Your role will be crucial in building relationships with donors, partners, and funders, and driving our overall development strategy to ensure the continued success and growth of Greater Portland Landmarks.

Compensation

The Development Director is a full-time position, with a competitive salary of $80,000, commensurate with experience, and benefits including paid holidays, vacation, and sick time; office closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day; health insurance; retirement savings; and on-site parking.  Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the successful candidate can expect a formal review after the initial six months, as well as an annual review thereafter.

Nondiscrimination

Greater Portland Landmarks does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, public assistance, ethnic background, religion, marital status, economic class, age, disability, sex, creed, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and any other legally protected characteristic. The organization complies with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.

To apply

Please send a resume and cover letter to the attention of Kate Lemos McHale, Executive Director, at info@portlandlandmarks.org. Applications will be reviewed on a revolving basis and only qualified candidates will be contacted.  The deadline for applications is November 1, 2024.

Volunteer

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer docent at the Portland Observatory or for a walking tours, please see the Portland History Docents for more information.