Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Coordinator
at Ms. JD
🏢 About Ms. JD
Ms. JD is a unique non-profit focused exclusively on advancing gender parity in the legal profession by supporting women law students and lawyers. Unlike general legal organizations, it specifically addresses barriers women face through advocacy, community building, and professional development. Working here offers the chance to directly impact gender equity in a traditionally male-dominated field while supporting women's advancement in law.
About This Role
As Development Coordinator, you'll manage the full fundraising lifecycle for Ms. JD, from prospecting corporate/law firm sponsors to stewarding existing donors and handling grant compliance. This role is impactful because you'll directly generate resources that fund programs supporting women in law, while ensuring data-driven operations that sustain the organization's mission. You'll be the operational backbone connecting fundraising strategy with execution.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with updating the CRM with new donor interactions and running pipeline reports, then researching potential law firm sponsors and drafting targeted outreach. You'd likely spend midday processing recent gifts, preparing acknowledgment letters, and coordinating with program staff on impact data for upcoming grant reports. The afternoon could involve creating segmentation for donor communications and preparing sponsor reports for recent virtual events.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Ms. JD Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years in nonprofit development with hands-on CRM experience (DonorPerfect preferred), not just general nonprofit work
- Can demonstrate specific experience with prospect research for law firms/corporate sponsors and grant management for legal/advocacy organizations
- Shows proven ability to create compelling donor communications that align with gender equity messaging
- Possesses strong analytical skills with Excel/Sheets for pipeline reporting and can manage complex tracking systems for sponsorships and grants
📝 Tips for Applying to Ms. JD
Highlight specific experience with law firm or corporate sponsorship prospecting, not just general nonprofit fundraising
Quantify your CRM experience - mention specific systems (DonorPerfect if possible) and how you've used them for donor segmentation and reporting
Include a writing sample or portfolio link showing appeals/proposals related to gender equity, legal advocacy, or women's advancement
Demonstrate understanding of 501(c)(3) compliance specific to fundraising operations and grant reporting
Tailor your resume to show how you've managed full-cycle prospect tracking from identification through cultivation to solicitation
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with prospect research for legal industry sponsors and corporate partnerships', "How you've used CRM systems to improve donor stewardship and reporting efficiency", "Your understanding of gender parity issues in the legal profession and why Ms. JD's mission resonates", "Examples of successful grant applications or sponsor reports you've produced for advocacy organizations"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Ms. JD's specific programs like the 'On the Road' series, 'She Leads' conference, or 'Women in Law' research
- → Current corporate and law firm sponsors listed on their website to understand partnership models
- → Their recent advocacy positions or statements on gender parity issues in the legal profession
- → The organization's 2023-2024 strategic priorities or annual report if available
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with generic nonprofit development experience without highlighting legal industry or gender equity fundraising
- Not demonstrating specific CRM proficiency or data management skills in your application materials
- Failing to show understanding of Ms. JD's specific mission beyond general women's advocacy
📅 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!