Application Guide

How to Apply for Development & Communications Manager

at Savanna Institute

About Savanna Institute

The Savanna Institute is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to advancing agroforestry as a solution for ecological resilience and climate stability in the Midwest. Working here offers the unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental impact while being part of a collaborative, values-driven team that values diversity and inclusion.

About This Role

As the Development & Communications Manager, you will be the operational linchpin of the Advancement Team, ensuring seamless execution of fundraising and communications activities. Your work will directly enable the organization to build strong donor relationships, amplify its message, and ultimately expand the reach and impact of agroforestry.

A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by reviewing emails and updating donor records in the CRM, then coordinating with the communications team to schedule social media posts or draft an e-newsletter. You might have a virtual meeting with the Senior Director to discuss upcoming fundraising events, then spend time analyzing donor data to prepare reports. The afternoon could involve managing vendor relationships for printing materials or reconciling donation batches with the finance team, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Who Savanna Institute Is Looking For

  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proven experience in fundraising operations, donor database management, and project coordination.
  • Skilled in both development and communications, with the ability to produce compelling content across multiple channels (e.g., email, social media, website).
  • A systems thinker who enjoys improving processes and managing vendor relationships to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
  • Passionate about the mission of ecological and equitable agriculture, and motivated to support a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Tips for Applying to Savanna Institute

  1. 1

    Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of managing fundraising databases (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) and coordinating communications projects.

  2. 2

    In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to agroforestry or environmental causes, demonstrating genuine interest in the Savanna Institute's mission.

  3. 3

    Research the Savanna Institute's current programs and recent campaigns, and mention how your skills can support their specific goals.

  4. 4

    Quantify your achievements in past roles, such as 'increased donor retention by X%' or 'managed a database of X contacts'.

  5. 5

    Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with remote collaboration tools and your ability to work independently.

What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience in managing the operational side of fundraising and communications, with concrete examples.', 'Your ability to handle multiple projects and vendors while maintaining high attention to detail.', "Your passion for agroforestry and climate solutions, and why you want to contribute to the Savanna Institute's mission.", "Your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how you've incorporated that into your work."]

Generate Cover Letter →

Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read the Savanna Institute's mission, vision, and recent annual reports to understand their impact and goals.
  • Explore their website and social media to see their current communications style and campaigns.
  • Learn about agroforestry practices and why they are important for climate resilience.
  • Check out their team page to understand the organizational structure and culture.
Visit Savanna Institute's Website →

Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

  1. 1 How would you prioritize competing deadlines for fundraising appeals and communications campaigns?
  2. 2 Describe a time you improved a donor data management process. What was the outcome?
  3. 3 How do you ensure consistency and accuracy in communications across different platforms?
  4. 4 What experience do you have with donor segmentation and targeted messaging?
  5. 5 How would you engage with program staff to gather stories that effectively communicate the impact of agroforestry?
Practice Interview Questions →

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't mention agroforestry or the Savanna Institute specifically.
  • Undervaluing the operational aspects of the role; emphasize your project management and database skills.
  • Not demonstrating remote work readiness, such as experience with virtual communication tools and self-discipline.

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. 1

    Application Review

    1-2 weeks

  2. 2

    Initial Screening

    Phone call or written assessment

  3. 3

    Interviews

    1-2 rounds, usually virtual

  4. ✓

    Offer

    Congratulations!