Donor Relations Manager, Institutional Giving

Donor Relations Manager, Institutional Giving

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. We are dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. Visit gmri.org for more information.

This position is a member of GMRI’s Development Team. The Donor Relations Manager will manage a portfolio of corporate sponsors and prospects, draft and edit corporate and foundation requests, lead development and execution of corporate sponsor benefits, and support data and prospect research.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage and grow a portfolio of corporate sponsors and prospects, focusing on gifts up to $50,000.
• Secure $500,000 in corporate support annually, subject to adjustment by the Associate Director of Development, Institutional Giving and Chief Development Officer.
• As needed, support proposals and other materials for foundation and individual donors.
• Lead the development of a formal corporate engagement and sponsorship program.
• Lead execution of corporate sponsorship benefits.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Manager and Marketing Coordinator to advance a cohesive approach to brand partnerships and corporate giving.
• Collaborate with the Donor Engagement Coordinator and the Institutional Giving team to execute corporate engagement opportunities.
• Write, revise, and assemble proposals, concepts letters, and other correspondence that speak to the unique motivations of each potential funder.
• Support data maintenance and entry for the Institutional Giving Team to keep grant-related and corporate-giving information organized and easily accessible.
• Support maintenance of a library of common proposal attachments and work with Development team and Sponsored Projects Office to develop/maintain tools that answer commonly asked questions (e.g., lists of current funders, financial documents, etc.).
• Support the Institutional Giving team with prospect research and correspondence.
• Work with Development Team, program staff, and Finance Team to ensure timely reporting and stewardship communications for Development-initiated grants.
• Assist GMRI’s Development Team with the production of other written communications and special projects as requested.

Additional responsibilities include attending donor events, participating in staff meetings, and collaborating with development, finance, and sponsored projects teams.

Required qualifications include:

• Demonstrated expertise with corporate giving programs, on either the corporate or non-profit side.
• Proven writing ability (3+ years in a professional setting, prior grant writing experience for a science or education organization is a strong plus).
• Strong proofreading and editing skills.
• Experience managing competing deadlines and utilizing work management tools (familiarity with Asana is a plus).
• Strong computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, data management software (Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge a plus) as well as internet-based research tools and techniques.
• Working knowledge of prospect research, experience developing prospect cultivation/solicitation strategies (familiarity with foundations is a plus), or ability to apply other research skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work easily and communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including corporate staff, foundation program staff, board leadership, fundraising volunteers, and colleagues.
• Self-starter with excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage priorities and accomplish multiple tasks in a demanding environment with limited resources and staff support.
• Team player with sense of humor, flexibility, and stamina to accomplish an ambitious vision in a rapidly evolving institution.
• Commitment to advancing and practicing a culture of accountability and integrity.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience developing and delivering sponsor recognition and benefits.
• Familiarity with local and regional corporations.
• Understanding of the marine, scientific, and/or educational communities/market spaces.

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute…