Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Director, Houston

at Susan G. Komen

🏢 About Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen is the only organization addressing breast cancer on multiple fronts—research, community health, global outreach, and public policy—making a comprehensive impact. With a 100% virtual working environment and a culture of open communication and continuous improvement, it offers flexibility and a mission-driven team atmosphere.

About This Role

As Development Director, you'll lead a community-based fundraising team in Houston, implementing year-round fundraising programs and collaborating with state, regional, and national teams. Your work directly fuels groundbreaking research and local support services, making a tangible difference in the fight against breast cancer.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start with a virtual team check-in to review fundraising progress and address challenges. Spend the morning meeting with corporate partners or local volunteers via video call, then analyze campaign data and prepare reports for regional leadership. Afternoons might involve drafting donor communications, planning a community event, or collaborating with national teams on best practices.

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🎯 Who Susan G. Komen Is Looking For

  • Based in Houston, TX, with deep knowledge of the local philanthropic landscape and community networks.
  • Proven experience in leading fundraising teams and managing year-round campaigns, ideally in a nonprofit or health-related field.
  • Strong virtual collaboration skills, as the role operates in a 100% remote environment while requiring local market engagement.
  • Passionate about Komen's mission and comfortable with data-driven fundraising strategies and public speaking.

📝 Tips for Applying to Susan G. Komen

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific fundraising metrics (e.g., dollars raised, team size, event attendance) and tie them to Komen's mission.

2

In your cover letter, mention any personal connection to breast cancer or community health to show genuine passion.

3

Research Komen's current fundraising initiatives in Houston (e.g., Race for the Cure, MORE THAN PINK Walk) and suggest how you'd enhance them.

4

Since the role is remote but Houston-based, emphasize your ability to self-manage and use virtual tools (Zoom, CRM) effectively.

5

Address the requirement for leading a team; if you have experience managing volunteers or staff remotely, highlight that.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express alignment with Komen's mission and your understanding of their multi-faceted approach to ending breast cancer.", "Detail your experience in community fundraising and how you've driven results in a similar market size.", 'Showcase your leadership style and ability to collaborate across teams, especially in a virtual environment.', "Mention specific local Houston connections or partnerships that could benefit Komen's fundraising efforts."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Komen's 2024 annual report and recent impact data to understand funding priorities and outcomes.
  • → Study Komen's Houston market history: past event revenues, top donors, and community partnerships.
  • → Learn about Komen's virtual work culture by reading employee testimonials on Glassdoor or their careers page.
  • → Familiarize yourself with Komen's advocacy initiatives, as they may intersect with fundraising roles.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you engage Houston's corporate and community partners to support Komen's events?
2 Describe a time you turned around a struggling fundraising campaign—what steps did you take?
3 How do you manage a team remotely while ensuring they meet fundraising goals?
4 What strategies would you use to increase participation in the Race for the Cure or similar events?
5 How do you stay current with breast cancer research and incorporate that into donor communications?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic cover letters; failing to mention specific Komen programs or Houston market details shows lack of research.
  • Don't overlook the remote nature of the role—emphasizing in-person networking without addressing virtual collaboration may seem out of touch.
  • Steer clear of focusing solely on event logistics; Komen values strategic fundraising and donor relationships over tactical execution.

📅 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 Susan G. Komen!

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