Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Director

at KEEN Greater DC

🏢 About KEEN Greater DC

KEEN Greater DC is unique because it provides completely free, one-on-one recreational programs for youth with disabilities, focusing on empowerment rather than competition. Working here offers the opportunity to directly impact both participants and volunteer coaches through meaningful, accessible programming that removes financial barriers for families.

About This Role

As Development Director, you'll lead fundraising strategy to support KEEN Greater DC's mission of providing free programs, managing major donor relationships and overseeing events. This role is impactful because every dollar raised directly enables more children with disabilities to participate in recreational activities at no cost to their families.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing donor data in the CRM to identify cultivation opportunities, strategizing with team members about upcoming fundraising events, and conducting virtual meetings with major donors to discuss how their support directly enables free programming for children with disabilities. You'd balance independent strategic planning with collaborative oversight of donor communications and event logistics.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who KEEN Greater DC Is Looking For

  • Has 5-7 years of nonprofit development experience with proven success in major donor cultivation and portfolio management
  • Possesses strong CRM expertise (likely with systems like Salesforce or DonorPerfect) and can leverage fundraising analytics to inform strategy
  • Demonstrates experience creating and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with organizational priorities
  • Can balance independent remote work with collaborative oversight of events and donor stewardship programs

📝 Tips for Applying to KEEN Greater DC

1

Quantify your fundraising achievements in previous roles, especially major donor portfolio growth and event revenue targets met/exceeded

2

Highlight specific experience with donor databases/CRMs used in nonprofit settings (mention specific systems if possible)

3

Demonstrate understanding of KEEN's unique model by referencing their one-on-one, non-competitive approach in your materials

4

Show how your experience aligns with supporting free programming - emphasize strategies you've used to remove financial barriers

5

Provide examples of how you've worked independently in remote or hybrid settings while maintaining collaborative relationships

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience developing and executing annual fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations', 'Examples of major donor portfolio management and growth, with quantifiable results', "How your skills align with KEEN's mission of providing free programming to youth with disabilities", 'Your approach to donor stewardship and CRM management in a remote work environment']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → KEEN's specific programs in the Greater DC area and their participant demographics
  • → The organization's current fundraising events and major initiatives mentioned on their website or social media
  • → How KEEN differentiates itself from other disability-focused nonprofits in the recreational space
  • → Recent news or updates about KEEN Greater DC's impact and community presence
Visit KEEN Greater DC's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a fundraising strategy to support KEEN's goal of keeping programs completely free for families?
2 Describe your experience managing a major donor portfolio remotely and how you would personalize engagement for KEEN's donors
3 What metrics would you track in KEEN's CRM to measure fundraising success and inform strategy adjustments?
4 How would you approach donor stewardship for an organization that provides direct, visible impact like one-on-one programming?
5 Share an example of how you've successfully overseen a fundraising event from budgeting through execution and donor engagement
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic fundraising experience without specific examples of major donor management or portfolio growth
  • Focusing on competitive or team-based programming rather than KEEN's one-on-one, non-competitive model
  • Lack of remote work experience or strategies for effective donor engagement in a virtual environment

📅 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 KEEN Greater DC!

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