We're Hiring a Development Manager

Are you energized by building authentic relationships and delivering campaigns that inspire generosity? Join our mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and creating hope for the future. The Maine Children’s Home is seeking a Development Manager (Annual Giving) to manage integrated annual giving, engage new and mid-level donors, secure corporate sponsorships, manage the grants calendar, and collaborate across teams to elevate donor impact.

Reporting to the Director of Advancement & Philanthropy, the Development Manager will:

  • Lead project management and delivery for donor-centric annual fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, grants, and in-kind donation initiatives, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met; create and maintain a unified campaign calendar with clear timelines, deliverables, and cross-department workflows; manage cross-functional project plans to ensure on-time, on-budget execution
  • Optimize segmentation and messaging, leading donor segmentation, messaging frameworks, testing, and analysis to continuously improve campaigns and initiatives
  • Develop and implement multi-channel strategies for fundraising, donor acquisition, retention, and donor engagement in collaboration with Advancement team members
  • Cultivate meaningful relationships with individual donors and business partners, and secure corporate sponsorships that advance our mission
  • Maintain the grants calendar and collaborate with the Director of Advancement & Philanthropy, program staff, and a grants consultant on proposals and reports
  • Analyze campaign performance and trends to inform strategy and improve results
  • Collaborate across the organization: partner with Marketing & Communications to craft authentic storytelling highlighting donor impact and brand consistency; collaborate with programs to align donor engagement with milestones and volunteer opportunities; support the Director of Advancement & Philanthropy with personalized briefings, dashboards, and analysis; coordinate with Advancement Services to ensure accurate gift processing, clean donor records, and timely acknowledgments
  • Plan and execute meaningful donor events as part of the annual calendar, including logistics, budgets, and volunteer coordination

What You Bring

  • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, marketing, communications, or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 3+ years of experience in fundraising, sales, or development (non-profit preferred)
  • Excellent professional and interpersonal skills, including in-person and on the phone
  • Strong project management and organizational skills; comfort leading cross-functional timelines and deliverables
  • Data-savvy approach to segmentation, campaign analysis, and performance optimization
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including spelling and grammar
  • Proficiency in donor management technology systems and Microsoft Office Suite
  • A warm, donor-centric mindset and passion for strengthening families and children

Note: Strong candidates with less experience may be considered for an adapted role of Development Associate that includes similar responsibilities with adjusted scope and support for professional growth.

Location:

Waterville, ME (hybrid; 3 days/week on campus or more as required; occasional evenings, weekends, and in-state travel)

Position:

Full-Time, Exempt Salary: $50,000-$55,000, plus generous time off

Anticipated Start:

March 1 2026 (flexible for the right candidate)

Ready to apply?

Submit your resume plus a brief letter addressing how you fit what we are looking for and why this role appeals to you to MBonnell@MaineChildrensHome.org.