Chief Development Officer

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.

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s mission is to develop and deliver collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. This independent, objective nonprofit organization is dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, economy, and the communities that depend on it. GMRI leverages the Gulf of Maine to test and develop solutions to challenges facing marine environments around the world. The organization collaborates with stakeholders to support healthy ocean ecosystems, a thriving blue economy, sustainable seafood, and climate-resilient coastal communities. GMRI has grown rapidly over the past two decades, emerging as one of the region’s most respected institutions due to its strategic approach, program impact, and the exceptional caliber and commitment of its staff, leadership, and Board of Directors. The organization has a proven track record of recruiting and empowering its thoughtful, entrepreneurial, and tenacious staff of approximately 90 experts and is committed to being a world-class employer of choice. 

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. A background in scientific organizations is desirable; a passion for science is preferred.

Rebecca Kennedy (she/her) is leading this search with Becky Piper (she/her), Courtney Cabansag (she/her), and Cortnee Bollard (they/them). 

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.

Applicants and employees are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify their race/ethnicity, gender, disability status, and veteran status to assist GMRI in fulfilling various data 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 federal reporting requirements. Providing or declining to provide this information will not result in adverse action of any kind.