Philanthropy Associate

Cindy Murphy

Philanthropy Associate

Are you a strategic relationship-builder with a passion for fundraising, donor engagement, and persuasive writing—and all things Maine? The Maine Historical Society is seeking a talented, full-time professional to expand its grants and major giving programs as part of an organization-wide strategy to increase MHS revenue, programs, and audiences. This is a terrific opportunity for a non-profit professional with some fundraising experience to deepen and diversify their Advancement skillset and make a big difference as part of a dynamic team.

ABOUT MHS

The Maine Historical Society (MHS) preserves and shares Maine’s story. Our work illuminates the diverse experiences of individuals, organizations, and communities that serve as the foundation for Maine’s special sense of place. Over the years, MHS has built unique assets: a staff skilled at caring for and providing access to historical material; deep knowledge about Maine; aptitude for telling stories; landmarks like the Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Brown Research Library; and state-of-the-art collections facilities.

In recent decades, MHS has developed an expansive vision for the role that history can play in Maine. This includes public programs like the Maine Memory Network, a nationally-recognized resource for all who care about Maine; an exhibition program that explores how contemporary Maine is shaped by its history; and an ethos of collaboration, partnership, and inclusivity.

Our bold, 2022-27 Business Plan invests in MHS’s unique mission, expertise, and assets to build our capacity, impact, and audience¾and prepare MHS for its third century of service to Maine.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Institutional Advancement, the Associate will focus on growing philanthropic revenue through development and coordination of annual, major, and grants programs (with focus on donors of $1,000+). The Associate will engage in meaningful, front-facing work with donors and develop best practice strategies and systems to support philanthropy across the organization. A CRM super user, they will regularly engage in prospect research and spearhead prospect strategy meetings to ensure dynamic, authentic donor relationships. The successful candidate will lead a growing grants program and serve as the department’s chief development writer. The position manages MHS’s Annual Fund and 1822 Leadership Circle programs and directly engages a small portfolio of mid-level donors. As a senior member of the Advancement team, the Associate will work closely with the Management Team, program leaders, and Advancement colleagues to support MHS’s ambitious 2022-27 Business Plan goals and new Audience Engagement Plan.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Prospect Strategy & Research (20%)

• Manages relationship tracking and prospect management systems to support increased major donor outreach and solicitations by Executive Director, Director of Institutional Advancement, and Trustees.
• Develops and leads prospect strategy meetings to drive donor actions and follow-up.
• Regularly engages in prospect research to identify new major donors, private foundation funders, and federal grant opportunities for the institutional philanthropic pipeline.
• Conducts prospect research and makes assignments for special events and event follow-up.

Grants Strategy & Writing (35%)

• Creates the annual grants plan in support of private foundation and government fundraising goals.
• Manages the annual grants calendar, tracking proposal deadlines and reporting requirements, in fundraising database (currently Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge).
• Builds collegial relationships with the Executive Director and senior leaders to help identify funding opportunities and deliver strong stewardship and reporting for annual and long-term projects.
• In keeping with the voice and branding of MHS, writes concise and persuasive proposals in support of current operating needs for exhibitions, public programs, and digital projects as well as emerging capital needs and special initiatives.
• Maintains institutional templates, budgets, and supporting documentation for grant needs.

Major Giving (20%)

• Initiates and sustains relationships with portfolio of 30-40 prospective major donors through meetings, event attendance, and personalized correspondence. Qualifies and assesses donors for future support.
• Engages in active cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; identifies donor interests and aligns them with MHS programs and funding needs.

Annual Fund and 1822 Leadership Circle (20%)

• Manages annual giving and 1822 Leadership Circle program, crafting annual strategy, tactics, and calendar of outreach.
• Helps to develop and regularly reviews metrics to understand giving trends, focusing on acquisition, growth, and attrition rates.
• Working with Marketing & Communications Manager and Graphic Designer, produces print and digital appeals that align with MHS’s new Audience Engagement Plan and Brand Identity Guidelines.
• Develops donor stewardship and works closely with Advancement Events Specialist to develop strategy for major donor and 1822 Leadership Circle events.
• Works closely with Membership & Data Specialist to move constituents through the engagement pipeline and ensure a seamless MHS experience.

Other (5%)

• Participates in monthly Board Advancement Committee meetings (and assists in taking meeting notes) and biweekly Advancement staff meetings as a senior member of the team.
• Stays current on the history, objectives, programs, and financial needs of MHS. Communicates genuine passion for MHS’s mission and accomplishments.
• Attends in-person MHS events and online programs. Some evening and weekend work.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. or B.S. with at least three-five years of work experience in fundraising, grant writing, or non-profits.
• Excellent donor-centered and persuasive writing skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and accomplish multiple tasks without administrative staff support.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to understand financial and budget data.
• Problem solver. Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Empathy, curiosity about people, strong listening and customer service skills.
• Exceptional phone and in-person communication skills, with a sensitivity to donor needs and confidentiality.
• Team player with sense of humor, comfort with some ambiguity, and flexibility to accomplish an ambitious vision in an evolving, fast-paced institution.
• Core skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and the desire to learn and use other specialized software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Understanding of the tools, techniques, and strategies used in donor-centric fundraising.
• Direct experience with Raiser’s Edge database and/or similar non-profit CRM.
• Direct experience with prospect research tools, such as iwave or Foundation Directory Online.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Maine Historical Society promotes a culture of inclusion and seeks talented staff from diverse backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

SCHEDULE AND LOCATION

MHS supports a variety of work configurations and welcomes applications from candidates who wish to work remotely part of the week or on a flexible schedule.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Providing a salary range promotes transparency and is one recommended strategy for advancing equitable compensation.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $54,000 depending on experience

Job Type: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Start Date: As soon as position filled

Region: Portland Area

Specific Location: Portland, ME

The position is salaried, paid bi-weekly. MHS provides a benefits package including generous paid time off, and a health care/ dental benefits package. On-site parking in downtown Portland is provided.

Application Details

How To Apply: Please email your cover letter, resume, and one brief writing sample to Cindy Murphy, Officer Manager, at cmurphy@mainehistory.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the successful candidate has been selected. No Phone calls, please.

Application Deadline: August 11, 2023