Donor Relations Manager
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on134, Lancaster Street, Downtown, East End, Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, 04101, United States
About the Organization
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. To learn more, visit gmri.org.
About the Role
The Donor Relations Manager serves as a strategic partner in cultivating the relationships that sustain GMRI's mission. This role is designed to identify, qualify, and engage prospects capable of making major and deferred gifts. Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, you will act as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of 125–175 individual donors, guiding them from initial interest through to significant financial commitment.
In this position, you will move beyond simple transactional interactions to build deep, meaningful connections. Your day will involve conducting meetings, organizing trips and events, and providing complex organization and financial program information to prospects. You will be responsible for persuasively conveying GMRI's mission to diverse groups, ensuring that programmatic commitments and legal requirements are met with sensitivity and discretion. By leveraging GMRI's database, Raiser's Edge, you will track and analyze donor interactions to refine cultivation strategies and ensure that prospects are effectively moved into the managed relationship process for senior staff.
Hiring Process
All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the successful candidate has been selected. The deadline to submit applications is June 12, 2026.
Diversity and Inclusion
GMRI has a long-standing policy and commitment to providing equal access and equal employment opportunities in all terms, conditions, processes, and benefits of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, family status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. Applicants and employees are encouraged to voluntarily provide certain status data to assist GMRI in fulfilling various reporting requirements of the federal government. This self-identification is completely voluntary, will be kept confidential and separate from your application data, and used only to meet certain state or federal reporting requirements.
Work location
Work model: On-site
134, Lancaster Street, Downtown, East End, Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, 04101, United States
Portland, Maine
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleCultivate and solicit major and deferred gifts from donors and prospects
- check_circleManage a portfolio of 125-175 individual donors with capacity for up to $50,000 gifts
- check_circleConduct meetings, trips, and events to build relationships with donors
- check_circleConvey GMRI's mission persuasively to diverse groups and stakeholders
- check_circleMeet annual fundraising goals of $500,000 or more and bequest notification targets
- check_circleUpdate donor information and track cultivation activities using Raiser's Edge
- check_circleNegotiate and contract with vendors while managing project budgets and deadlines
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience or equivalent combination
- verifiedExperience building relationships with donors, volunteers, and staff
- verifiedExperience working with cross-functional teams
- verifiedExperience, coursework, or training in fundraising principles and practices
- verifiedMajor gift and direct fundraising experience
- verifiedAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Asana, and Slack
Nice to Have
Ability to determine an individual's interests, capacity and potential for helping GMRI meet its goals, and act appropriately to tie those interests with GMRI's work. Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles. Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation, and recognition plans. Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers. Excellent relationship management skills and the ability to work with various stakeholders (both internal and external) at all organizational levels. Knowledge of current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts, and planned giving. Strong negotiating and organizational skills. Working knowledge of the basics of charitable gift planning. Ability to work independently and as part of a broader team. Strong analytical, planning/time-management, and organizational skills. Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. Sensitivity, discretion, understanding, and experience working with confidential information. Strong work ethic and impeccable attention to detail. A commitment to working in a diverse and inclusive work environment. Advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Asana, and Slack.
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Raiser's Edge, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Asana, Slack.
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of experience.
Frequently asked questions about Donor Relations Manager at Gulf of Maine Research Institute
What does a Donor Relations Manager at Gulf of Maine Research Institute do?expand_more
In this Donor Relations Manager at Gulf of Maine Research Institute role, you will cultivate and solicit major and deferred gifts from donors and prospects; manage a portfolio of 125-175 individual donors with capacity for up to $50,000 gifts; conduct meetings, trips, and events to build relationships with donors; and convey gmri's mission persuasively to diverse groups and stakeholders.
What are the requirements for this Donor Relations Manager role?expand_more
To qualify for the Donor Relations Manager at Gulf of Maine Research Institute position, applicants should have: Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience or equivalent combination; Experience building relationships with donors, volunteers, and staff; Experience working with cross-functional teams; Experience, coursework, or training in fundraising principles and practices; Major gift and direct fundraising experience; and Advanced proficiency in Microsoft software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Asana, and Slack.
Where is the Donor Relations Manager role at Gulf of Maine Research Institute located?expand_more
Donor Relations Manager at Gulf of Maine Research Institute is based in 134, Lancaster Street, Downtown, East End, Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, 04101, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Donor Relations Manager job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Gulf of Maine Research Institute has listed this Donor Relations Manager role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Donor Relations Manager role?expand_more
Donor Relations Manager at Gulf of Maine Research Institute typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience at the senior level.
What skills do you need for the Donor Relations Manager role at Gulf of Maine Research Institute?expand_more
Key skills for Donor Relations Manager at Gulf of Maine Research Institute include Raiser's Edge; Excel; Powerpoint; Outlook; Asana; and Slack.
What education is required for Donor Relations Manager at Gulf of Maine Research Institute?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of experience.
What category does the Donor Relations Manager role belong to?expand_more
Donor Relations Manager at Gulf of Maine Research Institute is part of the charity & voluntary job category on Recrutus.
About Gulf of Maine Research Institute
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute operates as a research services organization based in Portland, ME, specializing in collaborative solutions for global ocean challenges. By integrating scientific inquiry, education, and community engagement, the institute addresses complex marine issues ranging from management transitions to the development of new business systems. Its approach emphasizes objectivity and partnership, positioning it as a key resource for marine communities navigating contentious topics and stewardship decisions.
The organization focuses on unlocking scientific insights to guide better resource management and usage strategies. It collaborates directly with fishermen to create tools that enhance operational efficiency and maximize value from their catches. Additionally, GMRI explores sustainable and renewable applications for the marine environment, fostering innovation in how the ocean is utilized.
A core component of the institute's mission involves long-term investment in science literacy to support a modern ocean economy. Through various programs, it aims to spark curiosity, ambition, and problem-solving skills among Maine's next generation. This educational focus serves as a foundation for developing future leaders capable of addressing the evolving needs of the marine sector.
Browse more roles: All Gulf of Maine Research Institute jobs, charity & voluntary jobs on Recrutus.