Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Coordinator

at Summer Search

🏢 About Summer Search

Summer Search is a national nonprofit that disrupts systemic inequities by partnering with young people from underserved communities to access opportunities, mentoring, and support. Its unique focus on long-term, holistic development and economic equity sets it apart, and working remotely allows you to contribute to a mission-driven team from anywhere in the US.

About This Role

As a Development Coordinator, you'll be the backbone of the National Institutional Fundraising Team, ensuring grant writing, corporate partnerships, and data management run smoothly. Your work directly fuels resources that empower students to navigate barriers and achieve economic equity, making every template update and deadline met a tangible contribution to social impact.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking emails and Slack for grant report deadlines or partner requests, then updating a grant template in PowerPoint or pulling data from Raiser's Edge for a compliance report. You'd collaborate via video call with the team on a corporate partnership event, and end the day by tracking sponsorship deliverables in a shared spreadsheet.

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🎯 Who Summer Search Is Looking For

  • You have 2-3 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, specifically with grants and corporate partnerships, and can draft polished communications under tight deadlines.
  • You are highly organized and accountable, able to juggle multiple grant report templates, compliance data, and partnership tracking without missing a beat.
  • You are proficient in Office (especially PowerPoint) and have hands-on CRM experience—ideally Raiser's Edge—to manage donor data and generate reports.
  • You are deeply committed to Summer Search's mission of economic equity and thrive in a remote, collaborative environment where clear communication and teamwork are key.

📝 Tips for Applying to Summer Search

1

Tailor your resume to highlight grant writing, corporate partnership fulfillment, and data management experience—use specific metrics (e.g., 'managed 15+ grant reports annually').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your past work to Summer Search's mission of economic equity and mention any experience with underserved communities.

3

Demonstrate your CRM proficiency by listing Raiser's Edge or similar tools and describing how you used them to track grants or partnerships.

4

Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively via Slack, email, or video calls.

5

Review Summer Search's website and annual report to understand their programs and language, then mirror that language in your application to show alignment.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for Summer Search's mission and understanding of systemic barriers faced by underserved communities.", "Specific examples of grant writing or corporate partnership work you've done, including any successful funding outcomes.", 'Your organizational skills and experience managing multiple deadlines, especially with grant reports or compliance data.', 'Your comfort with technology (CRM, Office) and remote collaboration, and how you stay accountable in a virtual team.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Summer Search's annual report and impact metrics to understand their current funding sources and student outcomes.
  • → Explore their blog or news section for recent grant announcements or corporate partnerships to see their fundraising strategy.
  • → Learn about their 'Summer Search' program model—how they select students, provide mentoring, and track success.
  • → Check their LinkedIn for staff backgrounds to understand the team culture and values.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Tell us about a time you managed a complex grant report with multiple stakeholders. How did you ensure accuracy and timeliness?
2 How do you prioritize tasks when juggling grant deadlines, partnership tracking, and data entry?
3 Describe your experience with Raiser's Edge or a similar CRM. What reports did you generate?
4 Why are you committed to economic equity, and how does Summer Search's approach resonate with you?
5 How do you stay connected and communicate effectively in a fully remote team environment?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter—failing to mention Summer Search's mission or specific programs suggests lack of interest.
  • Avoid overstating your CRM skills; if you haven't used Raiser's Edge, be honest but highlight transferable CRM experience.
  • Don't ignore the remote aspect—candidates who don't demonstrate self-motivation or remote communication skills may be overlooked.

📅 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

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Summer Search!

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