Director of Development & Communications

Quahog Bay Conservancy • Harpswell, Maine, United States • $76.50k - $99k / year • 21h ago

Position Summary

Quahog Bay Conservancy is entering a pivotal phase of growth as we implement our 2030 Strategic Plan and expand our work as a tenant of the new Harpswell Marine Institute.

We are seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven Director of Development & Communications to lead fundraising and storytelling efforts that sustain and grow QBC’s impact. This role will design and execute a comprehensive development strategy that diversifies funding, strengthens donor and community relationships, and positions QBC for long-term sustainability.

This is not a desk-only fundraising role. QBC’s work is grounded in our community on the water, along the shoreline, and alongside the working waterfront. The Director will actively engage with the programs, people, and environment that define our mission, including community events and field-based activities to authentically connect donors and partners to the work.

Aligned with QBC’s strategic vision to build diversified, sustainable funding and clearly communicate our impact, this position plays a central role in shaping the organization’s future.

Core Responsibilities

1. Technical Programs

·Translate QBC’s science, education, and working waterfront programs into compelling funding opportunities and narratives

·Partner with program staff to align fundraising strategies with priority program areas (e.g., oyster aquaculture, water quality, invasive species, lobster hatchery, internships)

·Develop clear cases for support tied to measurable program outcomes and impact

·Participate in field visits, community programs, and on-the-water activities to deepen understanding of QBC’s work

·Ensure funders and donors are meaningfully connected to QBC’s mission through site visits, demonstrations, and storytelling grounded in real work

2. Development & Fundraising Programs

·Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with QBC’s strategic goal of diversified, sustainable funding

·Build and manage a balanced portfolio of revenue streams:

§Individual giving (annual fund, major gifts, planned giving)

§Foundation and grant funding

§Corporate partnerships and sponsorships

§Events and community-based fundraising

·Lead grant strategy, and collaborate with staff on writing, and reporting, positioning QBC for regional and national funding opportunities

·Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with donors and partners

·Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospective supporters

·Develop and execute donor engagement strategies, including events, site visits, and targeted communications

·Track fundraising performance and maintain a strong donor pipeline

·Support Board engagement in fundraising, including donor cultivation and Development Committee work

·Explore and develop new funding opportunities tied to the Harpswell Marine Institute (https://www.thefutureofwaddleswharf.com/#research) and program growth

3. Organizational Leadership & Management

·Serve as a member of QBC’s leadership team, contributing to organizational decision-making and culture

·Collaborate closely with the Interim Executive Director on fundraising strategy, external partnerships, and donor engagement

·Help build and manage QBC’s development function over time (staff, consultants, systems)

·Foster a culture of philanthropy across staff, board, and volunteers

·Support internal alignment between programs, communications, and fundraising efforts

·Represent QBC in the community, with donors, and across partner organizations

4. Strategy & Organizational Development

·Lead development and implementation of a multi-year fundraising and communications strategy aligned with QBC’s 2030 goals

·Contribute to organizational strategic planning and implementation processes

·Develop systems to track and analyze fundraising performance, donor engagement, and communications impact

·Support QBC’s goal to clearly communicate measurable program impact to the community and funders

·Identify emerging opportunities for growth, partnerships, and new revenue models

·Help position QBC within the broader marine science, conservation, and working waterfront ecosystem

5. Nonprofit Administration, Governance & Compliance

·Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and nonprofit best practices

·Oversee grant compliance, reporting requirements, and documentation

·Maintain accurate donor records and data systems (CRM/database management)

·Support development-related financial tracking, forecasting, and reporting in coordination with leadership

·Assist in preparing materials for Board meetings, including fundraising updates and strategy

·Support Board Development Committee and help strengthen Board engagement in fundraising

·Contribute to organizational policies, procedures, and systems that support transparency and accountability.

Qualifications

Experience

·5–10+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or related field

·Demonstrated success securing major gifts, grants, or diversified funding streams

·Experience building or scaling fundraising programs required

·Experience in environmental, marine, science, or place-based nonprofits strongly preferred

Skills & Competencies

·Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills

·Strong writer and communicator, able to work with staff to translate science into compelling narratives

·Strategic thinker with ability to execute and deliver results

·Experience with donor databases and fundraising analytics

·Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities

Preferred Attributes

·Passion for coastal ecosystems, marine science, and the working waterfront

·Comfortable working in a field-connected environment (on boats, docks, community settings)

·Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and energized by building systems in a growing organization

·Collaborative leadership style with high emotional intelligence

Measures of Success (First 2–3 Years)

·Fundraising strategy developed and implemented

·Measurable growth in diversified revenue streams

·Increased success in grant funding and major gifts

·Strong donor pipeline and improved retention

·Clear, compelling communications that elevate QBC’s visibility and impact

·Systems established for tracking fundraising and communicating program outcomes

How to Apply

Please submit both a resume and a cover letter in your application. In your cover letter, please include specific examples of your fundraising experience, including: