Philanthropy Officer

COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS•Boothbay, ME

18h•$70,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring a year-round, full-time Philanthropy Officer. The role develops and manages a portfolio of individual prospects and donors capable of giving $10,000 or more, with the goal of building long-term donor loyalty and increasing generosity in support of the Gardens’ mission. The Philanthropy Officer helps maintain and expand philanthropic support and is responsible for raising at least $1 million annually. The position combines office duties with outside work and travel around Maine and nationwide. It requires attending key Gardens events and occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the posting will remain open until the right candidate is hired. The salary is $70,000–$120,000, salaried and exempt, with compensation based on experience. Year-round employees receive personal and sick paid time off, health and retirement benefits, discounts in the Gardens’ culinary programs and Gardenshop, and a Gardens membership.

Requirements

Self-motivated, with strong personal initiative and drive to succeed.
Results-oriented, detail- and deadline-focused, creative, resourceful, flexible, and attentive to quality and excellence.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact comfortably with a wide variety of people.
Ability to navigate challenging conversations and varied perspectives, and handle confidential information discreetly.
Experience as lead solicitor in face-to-face solicitations of upper-level donors.
Proficiency using database software programs.
Strong customer service orientation and ability to engage with a wide variety of people.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, loyalty, and service to the organization.
Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
Willingness and proven ability to collaborate with internal team members to achieve goals and objectives.
Scheduling flexibility for travel and occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Commitment to supporting the integration of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility principles across internal operations and relationships with visitors and guests.
Physical and professional capacity to work in a variety of environments; may need to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of current prospects and donors capable of gifts of $10,000 and above, emphasizing person-to-person meetings.
Raise a minimum of $1 million annually.
Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major individual gifts of $10,000 and above.
Lead efforts to set appointments with major gift prospects, conduct meetings independently or with a volunteer or staff team, and coordinate follow-up.
Articulate the Gardens’ goals with enthusiasm, warmth, intelligence, and professionalism.
Respond to donor and prospect inquiries and maintain excellent donor relations.
Collaborate proactively on prospect and donor research.
Participate in donor acknowledgement, reporting, recognition, and other stewardship activities.
Work with Philanthropy staff to develop and execute strategies that move donors along the member-to-major-donor continuum while prioritizing relationships and long-term loyalty.
Develop collaborative relationships with colleagues throughout the Gardens.
Help ensure appropriate resource allocation to maximize organization, efficiency, communication, and accuracy.
Provide comprehensive and timely reports summarizing activity, project status, and workplan timelines.
Record relevant donor data and interactions in the donor information system and use its analytical capabilities.
Attend key Gardens events as necessary to steward donor relationships.