Posted: 15-Apr-26
Location: Portland, Maine
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Breakwater is an educational nonprofit organization that includes an independent day school,
an enrichment center, and a dynamic summer camp program. We are seeking a full-time
Director of Development to partner closely with the Executive Director and leadership team.
The Director of Development will lead and grow a comprehensive development program in
collaboration with the Executive Director and the Development Committee. This role is
responsible for cultivating a strong culture of philanthropy across the community and designing
strategic fundraising initiatives that inspire and maximize charitable support for the
organization. To learn more about Breakwater, please see our website at www.breakwater.org
Essential Responsibilities include, but are not limited to,
- Develop and implement forward-thinking, strategic fundraising initiatives to optimally grow annual, major, and capital campaigns, as well as legacy gifts and planned giving.
Provide overall leadership and management of the development program, including annual giving, campaign planning, soliciting corporate and foundation proposals, alumni engagement, and development events. - Co-chair the Board-level Development Committee
- Identify, research, and spearhead the implementation of a multifaceted fundraising strategy aligned with the organization’s strategic vision, fostering a culture of giving, gratitude, and inclusivity across all constituencies.
- Collaborate with the admissions, marketing, and communications teams to enhance public relations efforts and produce compelling fundraising materials that elevate Breakwater’s visibility and reputation.
- Identify corporate and foundation funding opportunities and develop grant proposals.
Strengthen alumni relationships and expand meaningful alumni programming.
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors. - Build upon existing relationships while developing new systems, partnerships, and programs that deepen community engagement and philanthropic support.
- Oversee and maintain accurate donor records, ensuring effective use of the development database and producing reports as needed.
- Manage the development budget.
- Coordinate volunteer engagement efforts through the Breakwater Parent Connection.
- Foster strong, collaborative relationships with the Executive Director, Board Chair, and board members, supporting their fundraising efforts, and participating in donor engagement as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising.
- Experience in independent schools and/or understanding of the independent school
fundraising landscape preferred. - Proven success in directly soliciting and closing charitable gifts.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with constituencies while maintaining
strict confidentiality. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
- Passion for working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
- Experience engaging, managing, and motivating volunteers and staff.
Please submit cover letter, resume and references electronically. Applications will be reviewed at the time they are received and will be accepted until the position is filled. No phone calls please.
