Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Development
at Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine
🏢 About Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine
The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine is a mission-driven nonprofit that intertwines the lessons of the Holocaust with modern human rights advocacy, making it a uniquely meaningful workplace for those passionate about social justice. As a statewide organization with a remote-first model, it offers flexibility while fostering deep community impact across Maine. Working here means contributing to education that combats prejudice and promotes moral responsibility.
About This Role
As Director of Development, you will architect and execute the fundraising strategy for an organization where every dollar directly supports human rights education and outreach. This role is impactful because you will expand revenue streams to ensure the HHRC can continue teaching critical lessons from history to prevent future injustices. Your work will directly enable programs that engage students, educators, and communities statewide.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the executive director to review grant deadlines, followed by a phone call with a potential major donor to discuss a planned gift. Afternoon tasks could include drafting a sponsorship proposal for a corporate partner, then leading a remote team meeting to plan an upcoming fundraising event. You'll also spend time analyzing donor data to refine stewardship strategies.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine Is Looking For
- You have 5-7 years of nonprofit fundraising success, specifically in major gifts, annual giving, and institutional funding, with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
- You excel at building genuine relationships with donors, foundations, and partners, and can articulate a compelling case for support tied to human rights and Holocaust education.
- You are a strategic thinker who can design and execute a comprehensive development plan, including events, campaigns, and grant strategies, all while managing multiple priorities.
- You are comfortable working remotely and self-motivated, with strong written and verbal communication skills to represent the HHRC effectively to diverse stakeholders.
📝 Tips for Applying to Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine
In your resume, highlight specific dollar amounts raised and percentages of revenue growth from previous roles, especially in individual giving and grants.
Tailor your cover letter to connect your fundraising philosophy to the HHRC's mission of promoting human rights through education—show you understand the 'why' behind the work.
Research the HHRC's current programs (e.g., speakers bureau, teacher training) and mention how you would leverage them in donor storytelling.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with virtual donor cultivation, digital fundraising events, and using CRM tools for remote relationship management.
Include examples of how you've diversified revenue streams in past roles, such as launching a planned giving program or securing new corporate sponsorships.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Express your personal connection to the mission of Holocaust education and human rights, and how it aligns with your career purpose.', 'Highlight specific fundraising achievements that demonstrate your ability to grow and diversify revenue, using metrics when possible.', "Show your understanding of Maine's philanthropic landscape or your ability to quickly learn it, as the role requires statewide engagement.", 'Emphasize your collaborative approach and experience working with boards, volunteers, and program staff to integrate fundraising with organizational goals.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the HHRC's current programs, especially the 'Teaching the Holocaust' initiative and the Michael Klahr Center, to understand the educational impact.
- → Look into the Maine philanthropic community—key foundations, corporate givers, and individual donors who support human rights causes.
- → Read recent news or blog posts from the HHRC to understand their current priorities, challenges, and successes.
- → Familiarize yourself with the organization's history, including its founding by Holocaust survivors, to appreciate its legacy and values.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the HHRC's specific mission or programs—it shows lack of interest.
- Avoid emphasizing fundraising experience that is purely transactional (e.g., telemarketing) without showing relationship-building and strategic planning.
- Do not overlook the remote aspect: failing to address how you will manage remote work, donor meetings, and team collaboration can be a red flag.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine!