Application Guide
How to Apply for Chapter Director
at Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)
🏢 About Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)
Breakthrough T1D stands out as the leading global organization exclusively focused on type 1 diabetes research and advocacy, with a dual mission of improving lives today while driving toward cures. Unlike general health nonprofits, they combine scientific investment with grassroots advocacy and community support, creating a comprehensive approach to tackling T1D. Working here means joining a purpose-driven movement that directly impacts millions living with type 1 diabetes worldwide.
About This Role
As Chapter Director in Germany, you'll lead fundraising and community engagement efforts to expand Breakthrough T1D's presence in the German market, managing strategic donor relationships and supervising local teams. This part-time leadership role is crucial for driving revenue growth (exceeding $2M) and increasing chapter penetration, directly supporting the organization's mission to accelerate breakthroughs for T1D treatment and cures. Your success will be measured by year-over-year fundraising trends and effective utilization of core program metrics.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves analyzing Salesforce data to identify donor cultivation opportunities, meeting with major gift prospects to discuss Breakthrough T1D's research impact, and supervising team members on upcoming fundraising events. You'll balance strategic planning for market expansion with hands-on donor stewardship, all while ensuring activities align with both immediate community support needs and long-term research goals.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) Is Looking For
- Has 5-8 years of professional fundraising experience specifically in mission-driven health or research organizations, with proven success managing portfolios exceeding $2M in revenue
- Possesses 3-5 years of supervisory experience managing fundraising teams in the German nonprofit sector, with knowledge of local donor cultivation practices
- Demonstrates technical proficiency in Salesforce CRM and fundraising systems, with experience using data analytics to drive fundraising strategy and performance metrics
- Shows deep understanding of donor lifecycle management in the German context, from identification through stewardship, with particular expertise in major gift cultivation
📝 Tips for Applying to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)
Quantify your fundraising achievements using specific metrics (e.g., 'increased major gifts by 35% over 2 years' rather than 'improved fundraising') to demonstrate you've managed portfolios exceeding $2M
Highlight any experience with diabetes-related causes or health advocacy organizations, as Breakthrough T1D values candidates who understand the specific challenges of the T1D community
Mention specific experience with Salesforce CRM in fundraising contexts, as this is a required technical skill mentioned in the job description
Emphasize your supervisory experience in part-time or flexible work arrangements, since this is a part-time leadership position
Research and reference Breakthrough T1D's recent initiatives in Germany specifically, showing you understand their current market position and challenges
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific experience managing fundraising portfolios exceeding $2M in mission-driven organizations, with concrete examples of revenue growth you've driven", 'How your supervisory approach aligns with leading part-time teams in the German nonprofit sector', "Your understanding of Breakthrough T1D's dual mission (improving lives today while driving toward cures) and how you would advance both aspects in the German market", "Technical proficiency with Salesforce CRM and how you've used data analytics to improve fundraising efficiency and donor stewardship"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Breakthrough T1D's recent name change from JDRF and their current strategic priorities in the German market
- → The organization's specific research investments and advocacy positions relevant to Germany's healthcare system
- → Current T1D statistics and challenges in Germany to understand the local community needs
- → Breakthrough T1D's major German donors and corporate partners to understand existing relationships
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with generic nonprofit fundraising experience without demonstrating specific expertise in health/research organizations or portfolios exceeding $2M
- Failing to address the part-time nature of the role and how you would manage leadership responsibilities in this structure
- Not showing familiarity with Breakthrough T1D's specific mission focus on both current quality of life improvements AND long-term cures
📅 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 Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)!