Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Director

at Footprint Project

🏢 About Footprint Project

Footprint Project is a unique nonprofit that combines disaster response with clean energy innovation, deploying mobile microgrids to reduce fossil fuel use and empower community resilience. Working here means directly contributing to frontline communities' access to sustainable power during crises, blending environmental impact with humanitarian aid.

About This Role

As Development Director, you'll own the full lifecycle of fundraising—from foundation grants to corporate partnerships—and shape a strategy that diversifies revenue streams. Your work directly funds the deployment of microgrids in disaster zones, making you a linchpin in scaling the organization's impact.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing grant deadlines and updating the CRM, followed by drafting a proposal for a foundation focused on climate resilience. You'd then meet with the team to align on budget needs, and later pitch a corporate sponsor for a microgrid deployment. Afternoons could involve a call with a government program officer and analyzing donor data to refine the annual strategy.

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🎯 Who Footprint Project Is Looking For

  • A development professional with 3+ years of experience securing five- and six-figure grants from foundations and government sources, ideally in climate, disaster relief, or clean energy.
  • A strategic thinker who can design a comprehensive development plan blending grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
  • An exceptional writer and communicator who can craft compelling proposals and reports, and build strong relationships with funders and partners.
  • A detail-oriented project manager proficient in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and grant budget management, with experience supervising staff or volunteers.

📝 Tips for Applying to Footprint Project

1

Highlight specific grants you've secured (amount and funder type) that align with Footprint Project's mission—e.g., climate resilience, disaster recovery, or clean energy.

2

Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with diverse revenue streams: foundation, government, corporate, and individual giving, not just one area.

3

In your cover letter, mention your understanding of the disaster management cycle and how your fundraising strategy would support each phase.

4

Include a brief example of how you've used CRM data to track and improve donor engagement or grant reporting.

5

Research Footprint Project's recent deployments (e.g., in Puerto Rico or Louisiana) and reference them to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for sustainable disaster response and reducing fossil fuel use in frontline communities.', 'Concrete examples of securing five- and six-figure grants from foundations or government agencies, with specific outcomes.', 'Your experience designing and implementing a multi-channel development strategy that includes earned revenue or blended finance.', 'How your supervisory experience and project management skills will help scale their fundraising operations.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Footprint Project's past projects and deployments (e.g., microgrids in Puerto Rico, Louisiana) to understand their impact and language.
  • → Look at their current funding partners (listed on website or 990) to identify potential alignment or gaps.
  • → Read their blog or news section to learn about recent milestones and challenges in the disaster energy space.
  • → Understand the competitive landscape: other nonprofits in disaster relief and clean energy (e.g., GRID Alternatives, Direct Relief) and how Footprint Project differentiates.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you secured a major grant from a new funder—what was your approach and what made it successful?
2 How would you design a development strategy that balances foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual gifts for a small nonprofit?
3 What experience do you have with government grants (e.g., FEMA, DOE) and what are the key compliance requirements?
4 How do you prioritize and manage multiple grant deadlines and renewal cycles?
5 Tell us about a challenge you faced in supervising a development team and how you resolved it.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention their specific focus on mobile microgrids or disaster resilience.
  • Overemphasizing individual fundraising events (e.g., galas) when the role prioritizes grants and corporate partnerships.
  • Failing to provide concrete metrics (dollar amounts, number of grants) for past fundraising achievements.

📅 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 Footprint Project!

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