Application Guide
How to Apply for Associate Director of Development
at American Friends of Combatants for Peace
๐ข About American Friends of Combatants for Peace
American Friends of Combatants for Peace (AFCFP) is a unique organization that supports a joint Israeli-Palestinian grassroots movement working nonviolently to end the occupation and build a future of peace, equality, and freedom. By joining AFCFP, you contribute to a model of collective liberation that transcends borders, making a tangible impact on one of the world's most complex conflicts.
About This Role
As Associate Director of Development, you will manage a portfolio of major donors generating over $500,000 annually, focusing on gifts between $1,000 and $10,000. You'll also drive new revenue growth of $75,000 in your first year, partnering closely with the Executive Director to refine fundraising strategy and support foundation engagement. This role is pivotal in sustaining and expanding the financial resources needed for CfP's nonviolent activism.
๐ก A Day in the Life
Your day might start with reviewing donor data in EveryAction to identify next moves, followed by a virtual meeting with the Executive Director to refine solicitation strategies. You'll spend time drafting personalized emails or making calls to cultivate major donors, and later collaborate with the communications team to align fundraising appeals with CfP's latest grassroots actions. Afternoons could involve preparing a grant report or analyzing campaign performance to optimize donor segmentation.
๐ Application Tools
๐ฏ Who American Friends of Combatants for Peace Is Looking For
- A seasoned fundraiser with 5+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, particularly in individual giving and major gifts.
- Proven track record of managing donor portfolios and achieving measurable revenue growth, ideally in a social justice or peacebuilding context.
- Deep expertise in moves management, donor cultivation, and stewardship, with comfort using CRM systems like EveryAction.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret donor data and inform segmentation, targeting, and strategy.
๐ Tips for Applying to American Friends of Combatants for Peace
Tailor your resume to highlight specific revenue growth numbers and portfolio management achievements, especially in the $1,000-$10,000 gift range.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your fundraising experience to AFCFP's mission of Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding, showing understanding of the conflict.
Demonstrate familiarity with Combatants for Peace's workโmention specific programs or campaigns you admire.
If you have experience with EveryAction or similar CRMs, highlight it prominently; if not, note your ability to quickly learn new systems.
Prepare a brief (1-page) proposal outlining how you would approach the $75,000 new revenue goal in the first year, including prospecting and cultivation strategies.
โ๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for peacebuilding and commitment to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution.', "Specific examples of how you've grown major donor portfolios and met revenue targets in previous roles.", 'Your ability to work remotely and collaborate with a small team, especially in a politically sensitive context.', 'Understanding of grassroots movements and the importance of donor stewardship in sustaining long-term support.']
Generate Cover Letter โ๐ Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- โ Study Combatants for Peace's website thoroughly, including their joint nonviolent actions, educational programs, and recent impact reports.
- โ Read about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from multiple perspectives to understand the political sensitivities donors may have.
- โ Review AFCFP's recent newsletters, annual reports, and social media to understand their current fundraising messaging and donor engagement.
- โ Research the broader landscape of peacebuilding nonprofits in the region to identify potential partnership opportunities.
๐ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid making overly political statements that could alienate donors or the organization's bipartisan stance.
- Do not underestimate the complexity of the conflictโgeneric peace rhetoric without depth may signal lack of understanding.
- Avoid focusing solely on revenue without demonstrating alignment with the mission; this role requires a balance of fundraising and values.
๐ 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 American Friends of Combatants for Peace!