Director of Individual Giving

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) seeks a visionary, collaborative, and accomplished program builder to serve as its inaugural director of individual giving (director). Reporting to the chief development officer (CDO), the director will provide strategic leadership for GMRI's major and principal gifts program and play a central role in advancing the organization's campaign and long-term philanthropic growth—designing and implementing a best-in-class individual giving program that strengthens donor engagement, expands GMRI's pipeline of transformational investments, and builds a culture of disciplined portfolio management and donor-centered relationship management.

The director joins GMRI at a pivotal moment. The organization is advancing a $100 million comprehensive campaign, the largest fundraising initiative in its history—now in its readiness and quiet phase. Guided by a new strategic plan and the leadership of President & CEO Glenn Prickett, the director will have the extraordinary opportunity to help shape the future of one of the nation's leading marine research organizations, building deep, lasting partnerships with philanthropists passionate about protecting our oceans, scaling the blue economy, and safeguarding the vitality of coastal communities.

As a frontline fundraising leader, the director will personally manage a portfolio of approximately 50-75 major and principal gift prospects capable of making philanthropic investments of $100,000 or more. Working in close partnership with the President & CEO, CDO, board members, campaign volunteers, scientists, and senior leadership, the director will develop and execute highly individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that inspire transformational giving to GMRI's mission.

The director will also provide leadership, coaching, and strategic guidance to an associate director of development, individual giving, while serving as a trusted fundraising advisor to colleagues and volunteers across the organization—helping establish the systems, practices, and collaborative culture needed to sustain GMRI’s ambitious fundraising goals well beyond the current campaign.

Rebecca Kennedy (she/her) is leading this search with Becky Piper (she/her) and Marlyn Desire (she/her).

Research shows that people belonging to structurally marginalized groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that most of the above qualifications reflect your experience and expertise.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute 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, or veteran status. GMRI's employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.