Application Guide

How to Apply for Associate Director, Development, Institutional Partnerships

at Winrock International

🏢 About Winrock International

Winrock International is a mission-driven nonprofit that delivers innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture, social development, and environmental conservation worldwide. Working here means contributing to high-impact projects while enjoying the flexibility of a remote-first culture, with a strong preference for candidates in key U.S. states.

About This Role

This role is the primary architect of institutional fundraising, managing a portfolio of 50+ corporate, foundation, and other funders to secure both restricted and unrestricted support. You'll directly shape Winrock's ability to scale its programs by aligning funder interests with organizational priorities and leading proposal development.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing emails from funders and program teams, followed by a call with a corporate foundation to discuss a potential partnership. Afternoon hours are spent drafting a concept note for a new climate resilience project, then updating the CRM with next steps for your top 10 prospects.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Winrock International Is Looking For

  • 7+ years of experience in institutional fundraising, with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from private foundations and corporations.
  • Deep familiarity with Winrock's sectors (agriculture, environment, social development) and ability to speak knowledgeably about programmatic impact.
  • Strong project management skills to juggle a portfolio of 50+ funders while meeting deadlines for RFPs and stewardship activities.
  • Excellent writing and editing skills, with experience crafting compelling concept notes, proposals, and donor reports.

📝 Tips for Applying to Winrock International

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific foundation/corporate relationships you've managed, including dollar amounts and renewal rates.

2

In your cover letter, mention any experience with unrestricted fundraising or securing multi-year commitments.

3

Research Winrock's recent projects (e.g., in climate-smart agriculture or gender equity) and reference them to show alignment.

4

If you're not in a preferred state, explain your remote work setup and willingness to travel occasionally.

5

Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Grew foundation portfolio from $2M to $5M in 3 years.'

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your ability to build long-term relationships with institutional funders, not just submit proposals.', "Specific examples of how you've collaborated with program teams to align funding opportunities with organizational strategy.", "Your passion for Winrock's mission and understanding of their unique approach to sustainable development.", 'Mention any experience with unrestricted fundraising or managing a blended portfolio of foundations and corporations.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Winrock's Annual Report to understand their funding mix and flagship programs.
  • → Look at their recent press releases or blog posts to see which funders they highlight.
  • → Study their 'Where We Work' page to identify geographic priorities and how they align with your network.
  • → Check their leadership team's bios to understand the organizational culture and strategic direction.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would prioritize and manage a portfolio of 50+ funders.
2 Describe a time you turned a cold prospect into a major donor. What steps did you take?
3 How do you stay informed about trends in international development to identify new funding opportunities?
4 Winrock works in complex environments. How do you handle a funder whose priorities shift mid-year?
5 Tell us about a proposal you led that required input from multiple program teams. How did you coordinate?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Winrock's specific sectors or recent projects.
  • Overemphasizing grant writing without showcasing relationship management and stewardship skills.
  • Neglecting to explain why you're interested in Winrock versus a larger NGO or consulting firm.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Winrock International!

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