Development Manager

Maine Conservation Voters (MCV) and Maine Conservation Alliance (MCA), two state-wide, nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations, are seeking an experienced fundraiser to join our staff as full-time Development Manager.

Our vision for the future grows from the powerful commitment of Maine people to tackle climate change; safeguard our air, land, and water; protect voting rights; and nurture economic opportunities afforded by clean energy and good environmental stewardship.  Our strategic plan, approved in 2020, centers all of our work through a race equity lens, recognizing that racial justice is inextricably linked to achieving pro-climate, pro-democracy outcomes. 

• Location: MCV/MCA’s office is in Augusta, the state capital. This position allows for a hybrid in-person/remote work structure with at least two days a week spent in the office. Depending on the week’s responsibilities, the remainder of the days could be spent traveling for donor visits/events, working from home, or using a shared work space in Portland.
• Supervisor: Development Director
• Work Week: Full time

Job Description

Donors are a critical part of building a successful movement. Our development team ensures that our members, major donors, and foundation supporters are connected to our missions. The Development Manager will be an integral member of the development team and will ensure a multi-faceted approach to donor relationship-building including retention, acquisition, and growth. The Development Manager will participate in organizing and executing the donor giving cycle from qualification to stewardship, with specific attention on upgraded and new individuals to ensure successful supporter engagement and outcomes.

We are looking to hire a Development Manager with a passion for connecting people with the issues that matter most to them. This new team member will support our event fundraising and grow our membership program as part of an experienced team working to help realize MCV/MCA’s annual development goals.

It will be particularly important that our new team member is prepared to consistently communicate our organization’s commitment to racial justice and equity with our members and help ground our fundraising program in race, equity, and environmental justice to contribute to systemic change. For more information, visit: communitycentricfundraising.org/ccf-principles/.

Responsibilities

Activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Event Management

•  In partnership with the Development Director and the Board of Directors’ Development and Events Committee, support MCV/MCA’s signature annual event - the Evening for the Environment.
•  Create and execute 3-4 yearly events across the state to inform and engage current and prospective donors.
• Cultivate relationships with event leadership including committee members, host committees, and business, and nonprofit sponsors.

Membership Management

• Lead the coordination of direct mail, email and social media integrated membership campaigns, and assist with individual proposals.
• Manage donor stewardship tasks such as donor updates, impact reports, and member benefits.
• Take the lead on new and upgraded member thank you calls and research.
• Respond to member’s inquiries, requests for assistance, and calls.
• Contribute to organizational and department efforts to connect racial justice and equity to all aspects of our work, particularly as it applies to ensuring the development team prioritizes racial justice and equity in communication and outreach to donors and prospects.

Development Operations & Database Management

• Work with other development staff to implement moves management of donors (identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship) with a particular focus on mid-level donors with a giving capacity of $1,000-$19,999.
• Track all contacts and activities in the fundraising database to maximize efficient and effective moves management through the donor pipeline.
•  Monitor special campaigns, track member donations, and event attendance, and pull related reports.
• Manage the year’s development calendar that includes face-to-face meetings, solicitations via email and direct mail, stewardship touches, and events.
• Actively participate with other development team members in the growth of key fundraising efforts including the monthly donor program, planned giving program, and membership, mid-level, and major donor programs.

Participate in department and organization-wide planning and activities

• Develop and evaluate annual goals, metrics, and work plans;
• Build on MCV/MCA’s internal and external goals to center racial equity;
• Assist with building the budget for the department;
• Participate in staff meetings and strategic planning and equity learning; and 
• Participate in conferences and trainings with our national partner, the League of Conservation Voters.

Desired Qualifications

• Shares our commitment to integrating justice and equity into the work we do and supporting an inclusive organizational culture;
• Interested in environmental protection, climate action, a healthy democracy, and the political process;
• At least 3+ years of direct experience in fundraising management, including annual giving, donor relations, major gift solicitations, and event planning;
• Comfortable using a fundraising CRM;
• Demonstrated success managing and forging relationships with members, expanding a donor base over time, and cultivating existing donor relationships;
• Capacity to learn and understand the multi-faceted work of MCV/MCA and then think creatively about how to communicate about that work to current and prospective supporters;
• Excellent persuasive verbal and written communication, including strong attention to detail and editing skills;
• Ability to demonstrate discretion and hold sensitive and personal information about donors in confidence;
• Comfort with picking up the phone to call a donor to say thank you;
• Demonstrated ability as a self-starter and problem-solver;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines;
• Working knowledge of MS Office and GSuite is preferred; and
• Ability to travel periodically for meetings, events, and conferences.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $62,500/year. MCV/MCA also provides holiday and paid time off, health/dental/vision insurance, and a 3% SEP IRA retirement benefit match. Federal Fair Labor Standards Act Exempt. The employee is not eligible for overtime payment.

Hiring Process

The hiring process for this position will adhere to the following steps: 

• Step 1: Initial application period – Applicants submit a cover letter, resume and two writing samples through the link provided.
• Step 2: Application review – MCV/MCA will review all applications for the position and reach out to those invited for an initial interview.
• Step 3: Initial interviews – Select applicants will be invited to an interview via Zoom with two-three members of the MCV/MCA team. Interview questions and topics will be shared with interviewees ahead of time. Interviewees are welcome to ask questions as well.
• Step 4: Second interviews – A subset of the initial interviewees will be invited for a second, in-person interview. Topics/Questions will be shared ahead of time. Interviewees are welcome to ask questions as well.
• Step 5: Reference Check – MCV/MCA will request three professional or community references from the candidates to check experience and qualifications from these third parties. 
• Step 6: Selection Process – MCV/MCA may reach out for a third and final discussion with one or two applicants OR will make a selection at this time.

Maine Conservation Voters (MCV) protects Maine’s environment and our democracy by influencing public policy, holding politicians accountable, and winning elections.

Maine Conservation Alliance (MCA) protects Maine’s environment and our democracy through education, collaboration and advocacy.

MCV/MCA is an EEO Employer committed to a racially just, equitable, and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender identity, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status. Candidates from historically marginalized communities, who are on the front lines of harm caused by climate change and voter suppression, are encouraged to bring their lived as well as technical expertise to this position and the team.