Director of Advancement

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT, MAINE ISLAND TRAIL ASSOCIATION

About MITA

The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the wild islands of coastal Maine. We are privileged to have established and to steward a 375-mile water trail that spans the entire Maine coast, comprising over 220 sites available for day visits or overnight camping. As a membership-based nonprofit, we endeavor to advance environmental stewardship, responsible recreation, and sustained access to some of the most scenic natural places in our state. Consider joining our small, enthusiastic team in pursuit of a worthy mission!

Responsibility

The Director of Advancement reports directly to the Executive Director and is an essential member of MITA’s leadership team, guiding the operations responsible for MITA’s external relations and engagement, including all of MITA’s revenue lines, currently totaling over $1.4M annually, through a combination of direct activity and staff management. They provide strategic leadership for all of MITA’s external relations efforts. They guide and are supported by a four-person Advancement Team responsible for Membership Recruitment & Retention, Donor Database, Business Engagement, Communications, Appeals, and Events. Additionally the Advancement Director works closely with the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Duties

1. Guides the development and execution of an increasingly ambitious communications and storytelling strategy. Guides the ongoing development and execution of our storytelling and communications efforts celebrating the essence and magic of the Maine Island Trail, proactively pursuing opportunities to convey the inherent value of MITA to our constituents and to the broader world.
2. Develops and implements a comprehensive annual development program. Working with the ED and the Board of Trustees through the Advancement Committee, develops and leads a plan to meet MITA’s annual revenue budget through membership, annual giving, major gifts, foundation support, sponsorships, events, one-time campaigns, and boat donations. Works closely with the Director of Finance in budgeting and monitoring these programs. Works with the ED in the execution of fundraising strategies including the cultivation of major donors.
3. Develops and leads major gifts program. Develops and implements strategies to cultivate and solicit top donor prospects (a portfolio of ~200) and engages Trustees, ED, and team members in the process. Manages cultivation planning, communicates tasks, motivates activity, and conducts reporting.
4. Ensures proactive strategy for attracting and retaining Association Members and supporters. As a member organization we rely on an actively engaged membership and as such, seek to grow and engage our membership.
5. Leads the Advancement Team. Supervises a high-functioning team of the Membership, Business Engagement, and Communications and Annual Fund and Events Managers. Helps plan and guide the implementation of their work through regular meetings and annual reviews. Ensures the quality and timeliness of member data in the MITA CRM (Salesforce).
6. Manages grants program. With assistance from other staff, manages approximately 10+ grants per year, from researching new funding opportunities through application submission and reporting.
7. Manages MITA’s loyalty and giving societies. Manages MITA’s three societies: Trailblazer ($1K+ annual giving), Torngat (planned giving), and Granite (20+ years of membership). Raises member awareness of these groups, serves their needs, and cultivates their growth.
8. Manages/Supports special events. Cultivation events focus on organizational development, such as house parties, boat outings, and other fundraising events. Supports Stewardship and Membership staff with occasional outreach, membership, and stewardship events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years nonprofit fundraising or leadership experience.
• Demonstrated interest in MITA’s mission & values.
• Professional or personal experience on the coast of Maine, including boating and/or the islands a plus.
• Demonstrated success managing annual giving and major gift programs. Experience in corporate sponsorship, foundation support, and/or planned giving a plus.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written/oral communication skills.
• Successful experience managing projects, leading small teams, and staffing committees.
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google Workplace products.
• Competency maintaining, analyzing, and utilizing constituent records using CRM systems. Experience with Salesforce a plus.

Compensation

This is a permanent, full-time position with benefits including health insurance, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and a retirement plan. The annual starting salary range for this role is $80,000 to $85,000 depending upon experience.

Working Location

MITA is headquartered at the Maine Yacht Center in Portland, Maine. The Advancement Director will have an office there and have flexibility for hybrid work (up to two days per week).

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by February 28, 2025 that conveys relevant skills and qualifications to search@mita.org.

For more information about MITA, please visit www.mita.org.

MITA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to enhancing the diversity of its staff and members. MITA reserves the right to perform background checks as a condition of employment.