Chief Development Officer
Gulf of Maine Research Institute
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) seeks an experienced, strategic, and aspirational leader to serve as its next Chief Development Officer (CDO). Reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the management team, the CDO will advance GMRI’s mission of developing and delivering collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges by crafting and implementing a strategic philanthropic plan that will lay a foundation for sustained financial success that matches the vision and scope of GMRI programs.
Playing a vital leadership role within GMRI, the CDO is presented with a unique opportunity to evolve and lead a strategic, creative, and driven development program. The CDO will set organizational fundraising goals and objectives that build upon the strengths of the current development program to meet and exceed GMRI’s needs, now and into the future. Importantly, this individual will play a key role in galvanizing a new generation of funders while maintaining deep and meaningful ties with the organization’s long-standing and most generous benefactors.
The CDO will oversee a team of eight across all areas of development including major, principal, annual, planned, and institutional giving as well as government grants; donor engagement and stewardship; development operations; and board relations. By aspiring to new levels of excellence and possibility, the CDO will strategically enhance the development function into a philanthropic enterprise of unsurpassed effectiveness through the implementation of creative fundraising tactics; innovative engagement strategies; robust donor pipeline development, including the diversification of funding sources and an emphasis on growing individual giving; clear and achievable goals; and data-informed decision making. The CDO will also demonstrate success in large campaigns, personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gifts from individuals and foundations, as well as the ability to guide and support senior leaders in their own fundraising efforts, serving as an advisor and co-strategist for soliciting transformational gifts.
The successful candidate will have a proven track record of elevating a comprehensive fundraising and engagement operation that sets a high bar for philanthropic revenue, and the enthusiasm, drive, and professionalism to achieve organizational goals. As a leader and manager, the CDO will promote a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth and set clear direction, priorities, and measurable goals for the development team. The CDO will also provide the highest level of support to GMRI’s Board of Directors and its Development Committee, with an emphasis on further cultivating and stewarding the philanthropic generosity of the Board and assisting the CEO in the identification and recruitment of new Board members, as appropriate. With superior written and oral communication skills, the CDO will demonstrate the ability to champion the impact, strategic priorities, and vision of GMRI, adopting the organization’s message and voice, and translating it to diverse audiences. To this end, the CDO must also demonstrate an ability to fully immerse themselves in the life of the organization to effectively serve as a chief spokesperson to prospective and existing donors. Importantly, the CDO will bring a passion for GMRI’s mission and vision, with a strong understanding of and appreciation for the organization’s history, impact, and achievements.
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute has partnered with Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to help with this recruitment. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications should be sent via electronic mail to:
Rebecca Kennedy, Partner (she/her)
Becky Piper, Senior Associate (she/her)
Courtney Cabansag (she/her)
Cortnee Bollard, Senior Search Coordinator (they/them)