Strategic 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

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.