Director of Development

Position Objective: The Director of Development is responsible for leading United Way of Kennebec Valley’s (UWKV’s) fundraising strategies, building and sustaining donor relationships, and expanding the organization’s revenue. This position oversees the annual fundraising campaign, manages major giving societies, supports the growth of planned giving, and ensures donor retention and acquisition strategies are in place and effective.

This outward-facing, results-driven role requires a high-energy, relationship-focused professional with strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who thrives in collaborative environments and leads with integrity and accountability.

• Develop annual goals for resource development and oversee strategic implementation to meet those goals
• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of UWKV’s annual fundraising campaign
• Formulate business projections and analyze account data to refine individual business goals
• Cultivate, steward, and solicit corporate and individual donors across Kennebec County
• Serve as the staff liaison for the Campaign Chair(s) and Campaign Champions Committee
• Assign business campaigns to appropriate staff and volunteers, and oversee their progress
• Deliver compelling presentations to workplace and public audiences
• Support development of campaign materials and events, ensuring they enhance the donor experience to achieve campaign goals
• Collaborate with the Director of Community Impact (DCI) and Marketing & Events Coordinator (MEC) to align messaging and storytelling across development and community impact work
• Design and host UWKV refresher meetings for the community

• Build relationships with new and prospective business partners; set and meet new donor acquisition goals
• Conduct regular meetings with current and potential donors, business leaders, and volunteers
• Create strategies to reconnect with lapsed donors and grow engagement
• Maintain all aspects of relationship management for key donors, including accurate recognition materials and oral and written communications, to ensure their ongoing satisfaction and participation
• Collaborate with DCI to communicate UWKV’s community impact work to donors and stakeholders
• Manage and expand major giving programs including the Leadership Circle, Alexis de Tocqueville Society, and Legacy Society
• Engage with donors on planned giving opportunities and grow UWKV’s endowment

• Recruit and manage development interns, volunteers, and “Loaned Executives” from businesses or schools to support campaign efforts
• Develop and manage the annual campaign budget, ensuring effective and responsible resource use
• Collaborate with the Finance & Operations Manager and President & CEO on gift processing practices and reporting
• Generate, analyze, and present fundraising reports, ensuring 100% accuracy and timely delivery
• Use CRM database to document donor interactions, gifts, and milestones; ensure other staff do the same, as needed
• Share donor feedback and insights with internal teams to inform strategy and improvement
• Represent UWKV at community events, cultivating relationships and raising awareness
• Participate in organizational strategy discussions and support cross-departmental collaboration
• Assist with general office operations as needed and uphold a positive, team-oriented environment
• Promote and model UWKV’s core values of integrity, transparency, professionalism, and service
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, sales, communications, or related field
• 5-plus years working in fundraising, sales or relationship management, with strong track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals

• Proven relationship-building skills with donors, volunteers, and business leaders
• Experience designing and leading fundraising strategies with measurable success (meeting or exceeding revenue goals)
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills
• Effective interpersonal…