Senior Director of Engagement

The mission of the USM Foundation is to serve as a catalyst for transformation at the University of Southern Maine. Now in our third decade of service, the USM Foundation is pursuing new and innovative ways to strengthen scholarship programs, raise capital and achieve ambitious goals, as we help to fuel transformation at the University of Southern Maine. In service to our mission, our culture and our values are at the center of what we do.

University of Southern Maine Foundation provides a very robust benefits package which includes four weeks paid vacation, twelve paid holidays, 401(K) retirement plan and profit sharing. Additional benefits include medical, dental, vision, and professional development for employees.  Our team is located on the Portland, Maine campus and has been using a hybrid work model with some remote days optional, depending on supervisor approval.  All safety protocols are in place while in office.  The hybrid work model is subject to update as needed.

Position:                       Senior Director of Engagement

Reports to:                  Vice President, USM Foundation

Salary Range:             $75,000 - $90,000/year depending on experience.

Summary:  The Senior Director of Engagement manages the Foundation’s Engagement Team (alumni, communications, events, communication and donor relations) and reports to the Vice President.  The Senior Director manages a donor prospect portfolio of 100 leadership and major gift prospects and key alumni relationships. The Senior Director cultivates and solicits alumni prospects, harnessing the power of USM’s 60,000+ alumni network. The Senior Director provides strategic leadership and direction to the Alumni Engagement Council, a standing committee of the USM Foundation Board of Directors.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervisory operations (35%)

• The Senior Director supervises the Foundation’s Engagement Team Staff: S/he trains, supervises and evaluates the Foundation’s Engagement Team, including the Associate Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist, Assistant Director of Engagement Events, Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, and the Engagement Associate

Alumni and Volunteer Cultivation, Solicitation and Stewardship (35%)

• Manages a portfolio of 100 leadership and major gift level donors and prospects
• The Senior Director will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of current and prospective donors for leadership and planned gifts ($25,000 - $1M)

Strategic Alumni Engagement Program Management (30%)

• Designs and leads an integrated engagement strategic plan with metrics and benchmarks to gauge success, consistent with industry standards and reporting best practices.
• Builds strong ties among alumni and the University of Southern Maine through communications and targeted programs and events.
• Manages, supports and deploys the USM Alumni Engagement Council
• Cultivates and leverages campus and community partnerships to increase opportunities for engagement among alumni, career services, faculty, staff and students.

Education and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree (B. A. / B. S.) from four-year college or university; and five to seven years’ development experience, with a demonstrated track record of successful major/leadership/planned gift solicitation.
• Inspirational leader possessing the charisma, poise and judgment to serve as spokesperson, influencer and natural connector across diverse audiences.
• Innovative, tenacious, driven, and intellectually curious leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of best practices in alumni engagement, board and volunteer cultivation and development, project implementation and evaluation.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills and fluency with Microsoft software (Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint). Ability to learn new technology swiftly.
• Some travel and availability outside of normal business hours necessary to fulfill obligations of the position.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license

University of Southern Maine Foundation employees must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccinations.

University of Southern Maine Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.  We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission.

Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter and three professional references to usm.foundationjobs@maine.edu.