Director of Development & Community Engagement

Animal Welfare Society exists to serve as the safety pets through adoptions, affordable services and resources, so pets and their families stay together and thrive.

Founded in 1967, Animal Welfare Society (AWS) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located in Kennebunk, Maine. Our organization offers a variety of employment opportunities in animal care, veterinary medicine, community outreach and administration.

AWS offers a complete benefits package including health insurance, life insurance, 401k with match, ample PTO and staff discounts on veterinary care and adoptions and much more. Because AWS is a non-profit organization, professional staff may qualify for the public service student loan forgiveness program.

AWS is searching for a Director of Development & Community Engagement
, with experience across non-profit fundraising, grant writing, community engagement, and relationship-building, to join our interdisciplinary Team and provide strategic direction and hands‑on support in developing, implementing, overseeing, & maintaining AWS’s comprehensive Development, Community Outreach, and Guest Services Portfolios. This Position will report to AWS’ Executive Director and will be responsible for the leadership and management of philanthropic and customer/client satisfaction initiatives across AWS’ Programming.

The incumbent shall provide support in the following areas: strategic planning, grantmaking, donor management, major gifts & corporate fundraising, guest & client services, volunteer management, community outreach, and other areas as assigned by AWS’ Executive Director.

The Director of Development & Community Engagement’sprimary responsibilities are outlined below:

• Generate revenue by prospecting and securing corporate sponsorship and individual donations. Achieve revenue goals by building and maintaining relationships with corporate partners, individual donors, and national funders.

• Develop and submit proposals, grant applications, private foundation submissions, and all accompanying materials to secure additional, sustainable funding of AWS Programs and Operations.

• Plan and lead AWS’ Capital Campaign to raise $50M+ in donations and funding for the complete renovation and additional construction of facilities for a new, comprehensive AWS Campus of animal welfare offerings in Kennebunk, ME.

• Serve as lead and superuser for AWS’ Donor & Fundraising Management software, responsible for data input, reporting, tracking of actions, and compliance with applicable state and federal regulations. This includes tracking and inventory of hard good donations.

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate both Community and Fundraising Events to share and connect AWS’ mission to the broader Maine and New England catchment areas.

• Lead and engage new individual members for AWS’ Loyal Friends recurring donation program, including planning and implementing regular communication and engagement events for members, in partnership with other appropriate AWS Staff.

• Through leadership and supervision AWS’ Volunteer Coordinator, support and oversee the development of a Volunteer Engagement Plan to improve Volunteer experience, align Volunteer skills and preferences with Organizational Needs, and identify enrichment opportunities.

• Through leadership and supervision AWS’ Guest Services Manager (New Position), support and oversee the development of a full-spectrum, Guest-centered Service Model to improve AWS existing and perspective Client experience from on-site flow, standardized engagement practices, merchandise sales established responsiveness metrics, and other methods to re-center Guest experiences across all positions and programs.

• Through leadership and…