Director of Development

Island Institute
Island Institute

Sales & Business Development

Lewiston, ME, USA

Posted on Aug 5, 2026

United Way of Western Maine, formerly United Way of Androscoggin County, is seeking a mission-driven Director of Development. The Director of Development is responsible for leading United Way of Western Maine’s (UWWM) fundraising strategies, building and sustaining donor relationships, and expanding the organization’s revenue. This position oversees the annual fundraising campaign, supports the growth of planned and major giving, and ensures donor retention and acquisition strategies are in place and effective. This outward-facing, results-driven role requires a high-energy, relationship-focused professional with strong leadership, communication, and organization skills. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who thrives in collaborative environments and leads with integrity and accountability.

Fundraising Campaign Leadership

  • Develop annual goals for resource development and oversee strategic implementation to meet those goals
  • Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of UWWM's annual fundraising campaign
  • Formulate business projections and analyze data to refine individual business goals
  • Cultivate, steward, and solicit corporate and individual donors across Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties
  • Serve as the staff liaison for the Campaign Chair and Campaign Committee
  • Assign business campaigns to appropriate volunteers and oversee their progress
  • Deliver compelling presentations to workplace and public audiences
  • Support development of campaign materials and events, ensuring they enhance the donor experience to achieve campaign goals
  • Serve as a relationship manager for corporate partners and community stakeholders
  • Cultivate new partnerships and workplace campaigns to expand revenue generation

Relationship Management

  • Build relationships with new and prospective business partners; set and meet donor acquisition goals
  • Conduct regular meetings with current and potential donors, business leaders, and volunteers
  • Create strategies to reconnect with lapsed donors and grow engagement
  • Maintain all aspects of relationship management of key donors, including accurate recognition materials and oral and written communication, to ensure their ongoing satisfaction and participation
  • Manage and expand major giving programs including Leadership Circle and Alexis de Tocqueville
  • Engage with donors on planned giving opportunities and grow UWWM endowment
  • Organize and implement workplace giving campaigns, including coordinating presentations, building toolkits and providing support to loaned executives
  • Represent UWWM at community events, network gatherings, and chamber functions to strengthen visibility and connections
Administrative & Strategic Leadership
  • Recruit and manage volunteers and "Loaned Executives" from businesses or schools to support campaign efforts
  • Develop and manage the annual campaign budget, ensuring effective and responsible resource use
  • Collaborate with the Finance Director and President & CEO on gift processing practices and reporting
  • Share donor feedback and insights with staff to inform strategy and improvement
  • Participate in organizational strategy discussions and support cross-departmental collaboration
  • Assist with general office operations as needed and uphold a positive, team-oriented environment
  • Promote and model UWWM's core values of integrity, transparency, professionalism, and service
  • Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, sales, communications, or related field
  • 5 plus years working in fundraising, sales or relationship management, with a strong track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals
Required Skills
  • Proven relationship-building skills with donors, volunteers, and business leaders
  • Experience designing and leading fundraising strategies with measurable success
  • Excellent public speaking and presentation skills
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills
  • Fluent in the English language, both written and verbal, including correct punctuation, spelling and grammatical usage
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and efficiency
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Familiarity with budgeting and reporting
  • Committed to UWWM's mission and community impact
  • Access to reliable transportation

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION:

United Way of Western Maine is an equal opportunity employer. UWWM is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally and ethnically diverse environment and to the principles that promote inclusive practices.

Diversity, equity and inclusion lies at the core of achieving our mission, living our values, and advancing the common good. Within our own organization, we strive to create and maintain an equitable and inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations in all aspects of our work.

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume by August 28, 2026, to Joleen Bedard, President & CEO at jbedard@uwwm.org.org

Travel between the three counties is required with the headquarters in Lewiston, Maine