Chief Philanthropy Officer

Company Overview:

Unity College is a leader in environmental education, dedicated to making quality education accessible and affordable for all. Our innovative model combines a functional hierarchy with project-based learning through four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation.

We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering various modalities, including in-person and online education. Our unique 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.

Mission:

At Unity College, 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 Chief Philanthropy Officer will lead and manage 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 Chief Philanthropy Officer will manage all donor-related initiatives, events, and outreach, with the goal of increasing participation, support, and engagement across the organization's various stakeholders. Key responsibilities include identifying and cultivating relationships with major gift prospects, developing and executing comprehensive strategies for obtaining philanthropic participation, and leading initiatives that strengthen the institution's overall philanthropic culture.

Responsibilities:

1. Identify and cultivate relationships with major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, through regular communication and personal visits.
2. Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for obtaining philanthropic participation and increasing support, including the management of annual, major, and planned giving campaigns.
3. 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.
4. Plan, execute, and manage fundraising campaigns, including special initiatives, corporate and foundation support, and targeted development events to drive donor participation and engagement.
5. Establish and build relationships with corporate and foundation partners to secure grant funding and sponsorships that align with the institution's mission and goals.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Manage the institution's annual fundraising campaigns and oversee the development and implementation of corporate and foundation solicitations.
9. Maintain professional networks for purposes of resource sharing and potential corporate and foundation prospect identification.
10. Prepare and maintain the Unity College case statements and information about various potential funding opportunities to be used by the development team, with the support of the marketing department.
11. 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.
12. Lead the preparation and submission of grant proposals and ensure timely reporting and recognition of corporate and foundation contributions.
13. Keep current with local, regional, and national news and events as they relate to institutional relations and specifically to Unity College prospects. Stay current with changes in technology and research resources as they relate to information management.
14. Provide high-quality grant writing and reporting, creating budgets for, reviewing, and editing proposals and letters of inquiry for corporations and foundations following guidelines, parameters, and procedures.
15. Identify appropriate involvement from the president for philanthropic opportunities.
16. Lead and support the planning and execution of donor-focused events that inspire philanthropic support, enhance relationships, and recognize the impact of contributions.
17. Oversee financial and budgetary reporting related to development efforts, ensuring transparency and accountability for all fundraising activities.
18. Conduct thorough research to identify prospective donors, corporations, foundations, and other organizations whose giving priorities align with the institution's goals.
19. Analyze and report on the effectiveness of fundraising programs, using data to inform strategy, measure success, and adjust approaches as needed.
20. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the institution's programs, initiatives, and priorities to effectively communicate opportunities for support to potential donors.
21. Ensure the accuracy and completeness of donor records and reports, leveraging data to make informed decisions and enhance fundraising strategies.
22. Collaborate with leadership to set and meet annual fundraising goals, continually assessing the progress and success of all philanthropic efforts.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree
2. 3-5 years proven experience in fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
3. Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and building long-term donor relationships
4. Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills, with the ability to engage and inspire others in support of philanthropic initiatives
5. Experience in managing fundraising campaigns, corporate partnerships, and foundation relations
6. Ability to analyze data and use metrics to evaluate fundraising performance and guide strategy
7. Knowledge of donor databases and fundraising technology tools preferred
8. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders
9. Ability to 'ghost write' for various institution administrators, staff, and volunteers
10. Ability to learn subject-specific terminology for use in developing written materials
11. Management and administrative skills to motivate, direct, and evaluate staff and volunteers to accomplish fundraising goals
12. High energy and personal initiative
13. Superior organizational and time-management skills; the ability to multi-task and to set priorities
14. Strong communication and listening skills, ensuring the effective flow of information, are essential
15. Adept at working both independently as well as collaboratively as a strong team member
16. Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with leadership, faculty and staff, prospects, and donors
17. Excellent written and oral skills and the ability to make effective presentations to small and large groups
18. Ability to use Microsoft products and development databases
19. Valid driver's license with good driving record
20. Able to travel both domestically and internationally
21. Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous, and well-poised

Location:

Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine

Just a half hour from Portland, Unity College Headquarters, Unity College 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 College employees must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling their responsibilities while meeting the college's needs.

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, grasping, and turning, and fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.

Estimated Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.