Philanthropy Manager

Cindy Murphy

PHILANTHROPY MANAGER

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 strengthen its philanthropy 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 fundraising experience to deepen and diversify their Advancement skillset and make a big difference as part of a dynamic team.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Institutional Advancement, the Philanthropy Manager will focus on growing philanthropic revenue through development and coordination of annual and major gift programs (with focus on donors of $1,000+) and creative donor stewardship. The Associate will engage in meaningful, front-facing work with donors and develop strategies and systems to support philanthropy across the organization. A customer relationship database (CRM) super user, they will regularly engage in prospect research and spearhead prospect strategy meetings to ensure authentic, long-lasting donor relationships. The position manages MHS’s Annual Fund and 1822 Leadership Circle programs and directly engages a portfolio of mid-level donors. As a senior member of the Advancement team, the Manager will work closely with the Management Team, program staff, Trustees, and Advancement colleagues to support MHS’s 2022-27 Business Plan goals and new Audience Engagement Plan.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Giving (30%)

• Initiates and sustains relationships with portfolio of 40-50 prospective major donors through meetings, event attendance, and personalized correspondence. Qualifies and assesses donors for future support.
• Achieves quarterly activity and annual revenue goals by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors and prospective contributors; identifies donor interests and aligns them with MHS programs and funding needs.

Prospect Strategy & Research (20%)

• Strengthens CRM relationship tracking and prospect management systems to support increased major donor outreach by staff and Trustees.
• Facilitates prospect strategy meetings with Executive Director and Director of Institutional Advancement to drive donor actions and follow-up.
• Engages in research to identify new donors, foundation funders, and federal grant opportunities.
• Conducts prospect research and makes assignments for special events, event follow-up, and donor meetings.

Donor Stewardship (20%)

• Coordinates annual stewardship plan for major donors, including impact reports and special correspondence.
• Drafts and manages production of MHS’s Annual Report.
• Supports major donor and foundation relationship building by crafting fundraising proposals and donor engagement materials.

Annual Fund (20%)

• Manages annual giving and 1822 Leadership Circle program, crafting strategy, tactics, and outreach.
• Working with the Marketing & Communications Manager, produces print and digital appeals.
• Works closely with Advancement Events Specialist to develop strategy for major donor and 1822 Leadership Circle events.

Other (10%)

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

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. or B.S. with at least three years of work experience in fundraising or non-profits.
• Excellent donor-centered and persuasive writing skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and accomplish multiple tasks without administrative staff support.
• A high degree of ownership. Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Empathy, curiosity about people, and strong listening and customer service skills.
• Exceptional in-person communication skills, with a sensitivity to donor needs and confidentiality.
• Sense of humor and flexibility to accomplish an ambitious vision in an evolving, fast-paced institution.
• Core skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), fundraising CRMs, 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The duties of this position are performed in an office environment using standard office equipment, and at social or event locations. It requires standing, walking, bending, and the ability to lift, up to 35 pounds as needed.

SCHEDULE AND LOCATION

Work is typically performed on-site, with a Monday-Friday 9-5 schedule, with occasional evenings and weekends in support of MHS events and fundraising. MHS supports a variety of work configurations and will consider applications from candidates who wish to work remotely part of the week or on a flexible schedule. Must own a car and be willing to travel (mostly regionally).

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary Range: $54,000 - $58,000

Job Type: Exempt, full-time, minimum of 35 hours per week

Start Date: As soon as position is 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.

ABOUT 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.

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.

APPLICATION DETAILS

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

APPLICATION DEADLINE

December 29, 2023