The University of Maine System (UMS) is seeking a visionary and highly accomplished Director of Philanthropy and Foundation Relations to join our leadership team. This pivotal role will be instrumental in helping UMS secure substantial philanthropic investments from foundations and other organizations, directly fueling the mission and goals of UMS, its universities, and the School of Law. We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven person with an exceptional track record of cultivating high-level relationships.

This position reports to the UMS Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, with a dotted-line to the Chancellor.

The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is a two-year, fixed-length position with an expectation of travel approximately 50% of the time.

Salary: We offer a competitive annual salary between $120,000 - $129,000, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Benefits: The University of Maine System offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes (but is not limited to):

13 paid holidays plus earned vacation and sick time

Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

Short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance

Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance

Tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents (spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children)

403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bmgYPcZUORRvsgZDvlIZvXIQikqiGu7q/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110440131131110993671&rtpof=true&sd=true) .

Director of Philanthropy and Foundation Relations job description (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GYHNgA_NCrVvWvMidc_uamja8SHSx5kX/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107650141627790805903&rtpof=true&sd=true) .

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor’s degree required.

Minimum of 8 years of experience in foundation or corporate fundraising or funding, grant writing, or related field.

Proven track record of securing significant grant funding from foundations, and/or of evaluating and supporting grantmaking in the private sector.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and reports.

Strong research and analytical skills.

Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with foundation representatives and senior UMS leaders.

Proficiency in database management, grant tracking systems, and AI tools.

Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Experience with CRM software, grant management software, and AI tools.

Ability to travel as this will be approximately 50% of the time.

Preferred:

Graduate degree.

Knowledge of the higher education sector and R1 institutions.

Experience with major gifts fundraising.

Experience working in private philanthropy organizations.

How to Apply:

Materials must be submitted via “Apply Now” below. You will need to complete an application and upload the following:

A cover letter that describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position.

A resume/curriculum vitae.

Important items to know about the recruitment process:

Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, materials must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. EST on October 6, 2025.

Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide three (3) names and contact information for references.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/ .

About the University of Maine System

The University of Maine System (UMS), established in 1968, consists of seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law, spread across various locations in Maine. UMS provides system-wide services and governance from these locations, leveraging the distinct strengths and collaborations among its institutions to advance strategic priorities for UMS (https://www.maine.edu/strategic-plan/) and the state of Maine.

Choosing UMS means opting for a high quality of life supported by excellent benefits such as tuition waivers, robust retirement contributions, and comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability. Maine's diverse landscapes, from accessible wilderness and rugged coastline to urban centers and rural communities, offer numerous cultural activities, strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality healthcare. Discover more about Maine's exemplary lifestyle on the Maine Office of Tourism website (https://visitmaine.com/plan-your-visit/relocating-to-maine) .