How to apply for Development & Communications Manager

About Savanna Institute

The Savanna Institute is a mission-driven nonprofit advancing agroforestry—integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes—to enhance ecological resilience and climate stability in the Midwest. Working here means contributing to a growing movement that merges agriculture, ecology, and social equity, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and diversity.

About the role

As the Development & Communications Manager, you'll be the operational linchpin of the Advancement Team, ensuring smooth execution of fundraising and communications efforts. Your work directly supports donor engagement and impact storytelling, enabling the organization to build lasting relationships and effectively communicate its mission.

A typical day

A typical day might involve updating donor records in the CRM, coordinating with the communications team on an email campaign, and meeting with program staff to align on project timelines. You might also manage vendor relationships for printing or digital tools, and prepare data reports for the Senior Director of Advancement to inform strategy.

Who Savanna Institute is looking for

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Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with donor databases (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) and communications tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Canva) to show you can hit the ground running.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your past achievements in streamlining fundraising or communications processes to the impact they had on organizational growth.
• Research the Savanna Institute's current projects and recent campaigns, and mention one or two in your application to demonstrate genuine interest.
• Show your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by sharing examples of how you've incorporated these values into your work.
• Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with remote collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Asana) and your ability to self-manage and communicate effectively across distances.

What to cover in your cover letter

1. Highlight your operational expertise in fundraising and communications, using specific examples of systems you've managed or improved. 2. Demonstrate your passion for agroforestry and climate solutions, referencing the Savanna Institute's mission and its importance. 3. Showcase your project management skills and ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, as this role requires working closely with multiple departments. 4. Emphasize your commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with the organization's stated values.

Research before applying

• Explore the Savanna Institute's website to understand their current projects, such as the 'Perennial Farm Commons' or 'Agroforestry Academy,' and how they measure impact.
• Read recent news articles or blog posts about agroforestry in the Midwest to grasp the broader context and challenges.
• Look into the organization's funding sources and partners to understand the donor base and communications needs.
• Review the team page on LinkedIn to get a sense of the organizational culture and the backgrounds of current staff.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe a time you managed a complex fundraising or communications project from start to finish. What systems did you use and how did you ensure accuracy?
• How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple deadlines, and how do you keep stakeholders informed?
• What experience do you have with donor databases, and how have you used data to improve donor engagement or retention?
• How would you approach developing a communications piece (e.g., a newsletter or annual report) that highlights the impact of agroforestry to diverse audiences?
• What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you in the context of nonprofit work, and how have you integrated these principles into your professional practice?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don't overlook the operational nature of the role—avoid focusing only on creative or strategic aspects without demonstrating your ability to manage systems and details.
• Don't submit a generic cover letter; it's essential to show you've researched the Savanna Institute and understand its mission and unique approach.
• Don't underestimate the importance of remote work skills; make sure to highlight your experience with remote collaboration and self-discipline.