Job Opening: Director of Development

The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine (HHRC) • Augusta, Maine

Organizational Profile

The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine (HHRC) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to promoting universal respect for human rights through education and outreach.  Grounded in the lessons of the Holocaust and other historical and contemporary events, HHRC engages students, educators, and communities across Maine to reflect on moral responsibility and act against prejudice, discrimination, and injustice.

Founded in 1985 by Holocaust survivor Gerda Haas, HHRC has grown from a small educational initiative into a respected and trusted institution serving communities across the state.  Based at the Michael Klahr Center on the campus of the University of Maine at Augusta, the organization serves as both a physical and intellectual hub for dialogue, learning, and community engagement.

HHRC’s impact is both deep and far-reaching.  In 2025 alone, the organization delivered programming statewide, reaching more than 3,200 students and nearly 300 educators.  In addition, the organization continued to expand its curriculum with 17 updated and newly developed offerings spanning Holocaust education, anti-bias learning, and human rights.  Central to HHRC’s mission is its unwavering commitment to access: all educational programs are provided free of charge, ensuring that geography and resources are never barriers to participation.

As HHRC enters its next chapter following its 40th anniversary, it is positioned for continued growth—expanding its reach in rural communities, strengthening its voice in a complex and evolving public landscape, and building the financial foundation necessary to sustain and scale its work.

The Opportunity

The Director of Development joins HHRC at a pivotal moment.  With a clear strategic plan and strong programmatic momentum, the organization is poised to deepen its statewide impact while significantly strengthening its financial sustainability.

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Director of Development will lead the design and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with HHRC’s mission and long-term priorities.  This leader will expand and diversify revenue streams, deepen donor engagement, and help build a culture of philanthropy that supports the organization’s continued growth.

This is a highly visible role for a relationship-driven leader who can translate mission into meaningful investment and inspire a broad community of supporters across Maine and beyond.

Key Priorities

Advance Financial Sustainability

·      Grow and diversify revenue streams, including individual giving, grants, sponsorships, and planned giving

·      Develop and execute annual fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals

·      Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to support long-term stability

 Grow and Engage the Donor Community

·      Expand HHRC’s donor base through strategic outreach and relationship-building

·      Cultivate, steward, and retain donors through meaningful engagement

·      Develop donor journeys that connect supporters to mission impact

 Build Strategic Partnerships

·      Establish and strengthen partnerships with foundations, corporations, and community organizations

·      Align funding opportunities with programmatic priorities

·      Serve as an external ambassador for HHRC

 Lead Fundraising Events and Campaigns

·      Design and execute fundraising events that advance revenue and deepen engagement

·      Develop event strategies that align with HHRC’s mission and brand

·      Secure sponsorships and partnerships to support event success

·      Oversee event planning logistics, timelines, and cross-functional coordination

 Strengthen Mission-Aligned Storytelling

·      Collaborate with leadership to communicate HHRC’s impact through compelling narratives

·      Integrate data, outcomes, and storytelling into fundraising materials

·      Support visibility and public engagement through communications strategy

 Enhance Development Infrastructure and Culture

·      Build systems and processes to support effective fundraising operations

·      Partner with staff and Board to foster a culture of philanthropy

·      Utilize donor databases and analytics to inform strategy and decision-making

·      Engage donors and stakeholders before, during, and after events to maximize impact

·      Evaluate event performance and integrate insights into future fundraising strategies

The Candidate

The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated track record of fundraising success and a deep commitment to mission-driven work.  They will be a strategic thinker and skilled executor, equally comfortable developing long-term plans and engaging directly with donors and partners.

Desired Qualifications and Competencies

Minimum Qualifications include:

·      5-7 years of demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, and/or institutional funding

·      Proven ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners

·      Strong communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support and represent the organization effectively

·      Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies and achieving revenue goals

·      Ability to partner effectively with the Executive Director and Board members

·      Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail

·      Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising analytics

·      A self-directed, entrepreneurial approach and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

·      A genuine commitment to HHRC’s mission and an interest in education, human rights, and community engagement

·      Familiarity with Maine’s nonprofit or philanthropic landscape

·      CFRE credential preferred

Required Core Competencies include:

·      Fundraising Strategy and Revenue Leadership: Leads the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that drives revenue growth and long-term financial sustainability.  Sets clear goals, prioritizes opportunities, and ensures alignment with organizational priorities.

·      Major Gifts Cultivation and Solicitation: Actively manages a portfolio of donors and prospects, building relationships that lead to meaningful philanthropic investment.  Confidently and effectively solicits gifts, guiding donors from initial engagement through commitment and stewardship.

·      Donor-Centered Relationship Management: Develops and sustains authentic, trust-based relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners.  Understands donor motivations and creates meaningful opportunities for engagement and impact.

·      Mission-Driven Communication and Storytelling: Translates HHRC’s work into compelling narratives that connect mission to impact and inspire giving.  Communicates clearly and persuasively across diverse audiences, using both data and human stories.

·      Event-Based Fundraising and Engagement Strategy: Designs and leads fundraising events and donor experiences as strategic tools for cultivation, visibility, and revenue generation.  Integrates events into the broader development strategy, ensuring strong sponsorship, engagement, and follow-up.

·      Execution and Accountability for Results: Drives progress toward fundraising goals with a high level of ownership and follow-through.  Tracks performance, uses data to inform decisions, and ensures commitments are met.

·      Collaboration with Leadership and Board: Partners effectively with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to advance fundraising efforts. Engages and supports Board members in cultivation, solicitation, and ambassador roles.

·      Financial and Data-Informed Decision Making: Uses fundraising metrics, donor data, and financial insights to guide strategy, forecast revenue, and evaluate effectiveness.

·      Organizational and External Savvy: Navigates relationships, partnerships, and the broader philanthropic landscape to position HHRC for growth and increased visibility.

The HHRC is an equal opportunity employer and offers full health care, dental care and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick time, and a reimbursement for phone and internet.  

Personal Characteristics

The ideal candidate will also bring high emotional intelligence, integrity, and sound judgment, with a collaborative and relationship-centered approach to their work.  They will be energized by connecting people to purpose and motivated by the opportunity to help sustain and grow an organization dedicated to education, dialogue, and human dignity.  A genuine commitment to HHRC’s mission and interest in human rights, education, and community engagement is essential.

To Apply

The HHRC is an equal opportunity employer and offers full health care, dental care, and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick time, and reimbursement for phone and internet. The salary is $90,000.

This position offers flexibility for remote work, with the expectation of regular in-person engagement to support relationship-building and organizational knowledge.  The Director of Development will spend time at the Michael Klahr Center to develop a deep understanding of HHRC’s programs and mission and will meet with donors and partners across the state.  The role also requires availability for occasional evening and weekend events, including fundraising activities, events, and community programs.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references no later than May 29, 2026, to tam@hhrcmaine.org.  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.