Assistant Director of Development – Major Gifts

About Maine College of Art & Design

At Maine College of Art & Design, we foster a creative and inclusive community where art transforms lives and enriches the world. Located in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Arts District, MECA&D offers a dynamic, supportive environment for students, artists, and educators.

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Development - Major Gifts supports the College’s fundraising goals by managing a portfolio of donors and prospects with an interest and capacity to support arts education significantly. This role is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts; developing major gift strategies; and supporting donor cultivation events. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, this position fosters strong philanthropic relationships to directly contribute to the College's mission of educating artists and designers for life, enriching the creative community, and empowering students to make a profound and practical impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 70–90 donors and prospects.
• Develop and implement individualized major gift strategies aligned with donor interests and College priorities.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned gifts, collaborating with senior leadership, faculty, and volunteers.
• Prepare executive-level briefing materials for donor and prospect meetings.
• Qualify and assign new prospects to the major gifts portfolio.
• Develop personalized impact reports and donor materials.
• Plan and implement unique cultivation and stewardship opportunities, including small-scale donor events.
• Track portfolio activity and provide regular reports on progress and outcomes.
• Contribute to the preparation of major grant proposals and reports.
• Lead corporate partner cultivation strategies, including stewardship and donor recognition.
• Document donor interactions and maintain accurate database records.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of four years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising or for-profit sales.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts.
• Experience with six-figure gift solicitation is preferred.
• Familiarity with planned giving and moves management is desirable.
• Knowledge of the philanthropic community in Maine is a plus.
• Experience in higher education or a similarly complex environment is preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in donor management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and high standards of ethics and professionalism.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

What We Offer

This is a full-time, year-round, exempt position. The starting salary is $45,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. Maine College of Art & Design offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a collaborative, creative work environment.

Ready to Apply?

To apply, please submit the following as a single PDF to employment@meca.edu:

1. A cover letter describing your interest and alignment with the position;
2. A current résumé or CV;
3. A list of three to five professional references, including at least one former supervisor.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Maine College of Art & Design is committed to fully including all qualified individuals. If reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other employment benefits, please contact Human Resources at hr@meca.edu.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Maine College of Art & Design is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed based on their talents, qualifications, and achievements. We uphold the principles of fairness, merit, and equal opportunity in our academic and professional community. MECA&D complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, ancestry, religion, genetic information, familial status, receipt of a protection order, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.