Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement

Chewonki; Maine; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

403B retirement

Professional development funds

Campus meals

Job summary

Chewonki Foundation seeks an experienced Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement to lead fundraising, donor relations, and alumni programs in support of its mission. The role sits on the senior leadership team and partners with the President and Board to advance philanthropic goals.

The ideal candidate has a track record in major gifts, campaigns, and relationship building, with strong strategic vision and communications skills. This is a full-time, on-campus/ hybrid position in Maine.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant professional experience in advancement or engagement leadership.
• 5+ years major donor fundraising experience with nonprofit organizations.
• Strong tech proficiency including CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), Excel, and Google Workspace; ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Excellent organizational, strategic, written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Proven ability to build collaborative donor and stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual fundraising strategies, major gift cultivation, planned giving, grant management, and the $3 million Discovery Campaign through 2027.
• Manage a portfolio of 50–75 major donors, developing personalized cultivation and stewardship plans.
• Develop and implement alumni engagement initiatives, including reunions, networking, mentorship, volunteer opportunities, and philanthropic programs.
• Lead the Development Committee and serve as staff liaison to the Board Development and Governance Committee.
• Supervise and develop the Annual Fund and Alumni Coordinator and Donor Relations Manager, overseeing departmental budgets, goals, and performance.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy and collaboration across the Chewonki community.
• Participate in occasional evening and weekend activities, donor engagement and travel, Board meetings, seasonal campus operations, and other organizational responsibilities as needed.

Skills

Senior leadership

Major donor fundraising

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Relationship building

Team leadership

Tools

Salesforce

Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement

Salary Range: $90,000.00 To $95,000.00 Annually

Chewonki Foundation seeks an experienced, strategic, and relationship-driven Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement to lead fundraising, donor relations, and alumni engagement in support of Chewonki’s mission. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director will develop and implement fundraising strategies, strengthen relationships with major donors and alumni, lead capital and comprehensive campaigns, and partner closely with the President and Board of Trustees to advance the organization’s philanthropic goals.

Location: Wiscasset, Maine | On-Campus/Hybrid Schedule: Full-time, year-round; Monday–Friday, with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities Reports to: President

Key Responsibilities

Lead annual fundraising strategies, major gift cultivation, planned giving, grant management, and the $3 million Discovery Campaign through 2027.

Manage a portfolio of 50–75 major donors, developing personalized cultivation and stewardship plans.

Develop and implement alumni engagement initiatives, including reunions, networking, mentorship, volunteer opportunities, and philanthropic programs.

Lead the Development Committee and serve as staff liaison to the Board Development and Governance Committee.

Supervise and develop the Annual Fund and Alumni Coordinator and Donor Relations Manager, overseeing departmental budgets, goals, and performance.

Foster a culture of philanthropy and collaboration across the Chewonki community.

Participate in occasional evening and weekend activities, donor engagement and travel, Board meetings, seasonal campus operations, and other organizational responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

At least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including senior-level advancement, development, or engagement leadership.

At least five years of major donor fundraising experience with a nonprofit organization.

Strong technological proficiency, including CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), Excel, and Google Workspace, with the ability to learn new systems quickly.

Excellent organizational, strategic, written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.

Demonstrated success building collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships with donors, colleagues, community partners, and other external stakeholders.

Ability to complete required background and motor vehicle record checks and maintain a driver’s license approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier.

Ability to travel as needed and meet the physical requirements of the position, including prolonged computer use and lifting up to 15 pounds.

Salary & Benefits

Annual Salary: $90,000 - $95,000 (Based on qualifications)

Health, dental, and vision insurance.

Life, long term and short term disability insurance.

403B Retirement Plan.

Access to professional development funds.

Eligible to join delicious meals on campus during shifts.