Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

Chewonki Foundation; Wiscasset (ME); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life, long term and short term disabil

403B Retirement Plan

Professional development funds

Meals on campus during shifts

Refer a friend bonus

Job summary

Chewonki Foundation seeks a strategic Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement to lead fundraising, donor relations, and alumni programs in support of its mission. The role reports to the President and partners with the Board to advance philanthropic goals.

Location: Wiscasset, Maine | On-Campus/Hybrid. Schedule: Full-time, year-round; regular hours with occasional evenings and weekends. Salary range reflects qualifications and includes benefits and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10+ years of professional experience in advancement, development, or engagement leadership.
• At least five years of major donor fundraising experience with a nonprofit organization.
• Strong CRM proficiency (Salesforce preferred), Excel, and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual fundraising strategies, major gift cultivation, planned giving, grant management, and campaigns.
• Manage a portfolio of 50–75 major donors with personalized cultivation plans.
• Develop and implement alumni engagement initiatives including reunions, networking, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities.
• Lead the Development Committee and liaise with Board Development and Governance Committee.
• Supervise the Annual Fund and Alumni Coordinator and Donor Relations Manager, managing budgets and goals.

Skills

Donor relations

Major gifts

Strategic fundraising

Nonprofit leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Salesforce

Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

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

Application Deadline: November 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST

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

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 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.
• $200 refer a friend bonus