Director of Advancement

Mainspring: The Seacoast Social Services Collective

Director of Advancement

Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Kittery, Maine

Employer of Record: Footprints

About Mainspring

Mainspring’s mission is to build a stronger community by providing all citizens with the resources to thrive. Mainspring: The Seacoast Social Services Collective is a collaboration between Fair Tide (housing) and Footprints (food security) to enhance our community and streamline our services. These two well-established agencies have teamed up to develop a community resource hub that allows several nonprofit agencies to work together under one roof, with centralized intake, comprehensive care, case management, and shared success metrics and data.

Position Overview

Mainspring seeks a dynamic and strategic Director of Advancement to create and lead a funding strategy for Fair Tide, Footprints, and Mainspring, including fundraising, marketing, and donor engagement/relations efforts. This full-time, in-person role (hybrid flexibility possible) is a unique opportunity to shape the growth and sustainability of these organizations. This role will require the employee to work occasional shifts outside of standard business hours.

The Director of Advancement will be key in securing the financial resources necessary to support Fair Tide, Footprints, and Mainspring’s missions. This position requires a results-driven professional with experience in fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, marketing, and strategic development.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Relations

● Alongside co-directors, develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy integrating multiple revenue streams, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, individual giving, and events.

● Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with donors, funders, and community partners.

● Lead grant writing and reporting efforts to secure foundation, state, and federal funding.

● Lead and oversee all fundraising events, working with all stakeholders to ensure a profitable and successful event.

● Support the board of directors and engage board members in donor outreach, thank you calls, fundraising efforts, and stewardship.

Marketing & Communications

● Develop and implement a strategic marketing and outreach plan to increase awareness and engagement with Footprints, Fair Tide, and Mainspring.

● Oversee, alongside a development coordinator, digital and print communications, including social media, newsletters, press releases, and website content.

● Be able to serve as a key spokesperson, representing Mainspring, Fair Tide, and Footprints in the community and at events.

Leadership & Strategy

● Work closely with the Executive Directors of Fair Tide and Footprints to align funding strategies with Mainspring’s long-term goals.

● Track and analyze fundraising performance, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

● Collaborate with staff and board members to foster a culture of philanthropy.

● Develop metrics and reporting systems to track donor engagement.

● Ensure effective use of Little Green Light, donor database for cultivation, donor engagement, and gift acknowledgments.

Qualifications

● Minimum 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or a related field.

● Proven track record of securing funding through grants, major gifts, and donor engagement.

● Strong written and verbal communication skills.

● Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

● Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills.

● Experience in marketing and public relations.

● Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

● Strategic thinker with excellent organizational and project management skills.

● Passion for social services and community impact.