Director of Philanthropy

About Unity:At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, and In-Person Education). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including in-person, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.

Our Mission:We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.

The Opportunity:

The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for leading and managing the Institution's comprehensive fundraising program, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate giving, and foundation relations. This role will focus on creating and implementing strategies that enhance philanthropic support and build strong, lasting relationships with a broad range of donors. The Director will manage all donor-related initiatives, events, and outreach, with the goal of increasing participation, support, and engagement across the organization's various stakeholders.

This position will also be responsible for developing and managing fundraising campaigns, stewarding major donors, and leading initiatives that strengthen the Institution's overall philanthropic culture. The Director of Philanthropy will work collaboratively with organizational leadership, staff, and key external partners to maximize the effectiveness of all fundraising efforts.

The Responsibilities:

Identify and cultivate relationships with major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, through regular communication and personal visits.

Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for obtaining philanthropic participation and increasing support, including the management of annual, major, and planned giving campaigns.

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential donors, ensuring that donor engagement and stewardship activities are aligned with their interests and the Institution's priorities.

Plan, execute, and manage fundraising campaigns, including special initiatives, corporate and foundation support, and targeted development events to drive donor participation and engagement.

Establish and build relationships with corporate and foundation partners to secure grant funding and sponsorships that align with the Institution's mission and goals.

Oversee the management of all donor relations, including gift processing, donor acknowledgment, data management, and reporting. Develop systems to track and analyze donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.

Serve as the Institution's lead on grant writing and management, identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and ensuring proper stewardship and reporting of grant-funded initiatives.

Manage the institution's annual fundraising campaigns and oversee the development and implementation of corporate and foundation solicitations.

Maintain professional networks for purposes of resource sharing and potential corporate and foundation prospect identification.

Prepare and maintain the Unity Environmental University Case Statements and information about various potential funding opportunities to be used by the Development team, with the support of the Marketing Department.

Lead and mentor the development staff, fostering a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and ensuring the team has the tools and resources to succeed.

Lead the preparation and submission of grant proposals and ensure timely reporting and recognition of corporate and foundation contributions.

Keep current with local, regional and national news and events as they relate to Institution Relations and specifically to Unity Environmental University prospects. Stay current with changes in technology and research resources as they relate to information management.

Provide high-quality grant writing and reporting writing, creating budgets for, reviewing, and editing proposals and letters of inquiry for corporations and foundations following guidelines, parameters, and procedures.

Identify appropriate involvement from the President for philanthropic opportunities.

Lead and support the planning and execution of donor-focused events that inspire philanthropic support, enhance relationships, and recognize the impact of contributions.

Oversee financial and budgetary reporting related to development efforts, ensuring transparency and accountability for all fundraising activities.

Conduct thorough research to identify prospective donors, corporations, foundations, and other organizations whose giving priorities align with the Institution's goals.

Analyze and report on the effectiveness of fundraising programs, using data to inform strategy, measure success, and adjust approaches as needed.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Institution's programs, initiatives, and priorities to effectively communicate opportunities for support to potential donors.

Ensure the accuracy and completeness of donor records and reports, leveraging data to make informed decisions and enhance fundraising strategies.

Collaborate with leadership to set and meet annual fundraising goals, continually assessing the progress and success of all philanthropic efforts.

While this position reports to the Chief Outcomes Officer, they must maintain transparent communication with the President.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree.

3-5 Proven experience in fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and building long-term donor relationships.

Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills, with the ability to engage and inspire others in support of philanthropic initiatives.

Experience in managing fundraising campaigns, corporate partnerships, and foundation relations.

Ability to analyze data and use metrics to evaluate fundraising performance and guide strategy.

Knowledge of donor databases and fundraising technology tools is preferred.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Ability to ghost write for various Institution administrators, staff, and volunteers.

Ability to learn subject-specific terminology for use in developing written materials.

Management and administrative skills to motivate, direct and evaluate staff and volunteers to accomplish fundraising goals.

High energy and personal initiative.

Superior organizational and time-management skills; the ability to multi-task and to set priorities.

Strong communication and listening skills, ensuring the effective flow of information, are essential.

Adept at working both independently as well as collaboratively as a strong team member.

Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with leadership, faculty and staff, prospects and donors.

Excellent written and oral skills and the ability to make effective presentations to small and large groups.

Ability to use Microsoft products and development databases.

Valid Driver's license with good driving record.

Able to travel both domestically and internationally.

Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous and well poised.

Are you contemplating the job but uncertain if you should apply? We encourage you to reach out to us regardless. At our company, we acknowledge that not everyone begins their professional journey with equal advantages, opportunities, or privileges. Therefore, we value your unique skills and experiences. Take a chance and submit your application; you may be precisely the individual we're searching for!

Location:Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine. Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education, The Technical School for Environmental Professions, and the School of Environmental Business & Sustainable Ventures are based at the Pineland Farms campus. The facilities are within easy access to one of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the country.

Work Schedule:Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days, evenings, weekends. Working extended hours may be required as needed and Unity Environmental University employees must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling their responsibilities while meeting the College's needs.

Although Unity Environmental University employees are generally scheduled to work at their base location, there are times when travel is necessary and employees are required from time to time to attend events, meetings or work temporary assignments at any Unity Environmental University location.

Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping, and turning, and fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.

Company Perks:Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and staff. Benefits for eligible employees include:

Paid holidays off.

4 weeks of PTO.

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

Short- and Long-term disability.

Life Insurance.

Retirement Plan with up to 8% match.

Relocation Assistance.

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