Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Director

at Resources Legacy Fund

🏢 About Resources Legacy Fund

Resources Legacy Fund (RLF) is a unique organization that builds alliances to secure a just and resilient world, having protected over five million acres of land and ocean and generated over $30 billion for conservation and climate initiatives. Working at RLF means contributing to high-impact environmental and climate justice projects while being part of a remote, collaborative team that values strategic thinking and innovation.

About This Role

As Development Director, you will lead RLF's overall fundraising strategy, setting goals and supporting principal fundraisers to meet revenue targets. This role is impactful because you will directly drive the financial resources needed to advance bold conservation and climate solutions, while also strengthening donor stewardship and expanding the donor base.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing donor data in Salesforce to identify prospects, then preparing briefing materials for a board member's upcoming donor meeting. You might have a virtual check-in with the CEO to refine the annual fundraising plan, followed by a call with a foundation program officer to discuss a potential grant. Afternoon could involve analyzing fundraising metrics and updating the team on progress toward revenue goals.

🚀 Application Tools

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🎯 Who Resources Legacy Fund Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraising professional with 10+ years of progressive experience, including strategy and management, not just execution.
  • Expert in designing fundraising operations and systems, with hands-on proficiency in CRM tools like Salesforce.
  • Skilled in supporting high-level fundraisers with research, materials, and talking points for donor cultivation and asks.
  • A strong communicator who can manage multiple priorities and is knowledgeable about philanthropic foundations and family offices.

📝 Tips for Applying to Resources Legacy Fund

1

Tailor your resume to highlight leadership in development strategy and operations, not just individual fundraising success.

2

In your cover letter, mention specific experience with Salesforce or similar CRMs and how you used data to drive fundraising decisions.

3

Showcase your ability to support board members or senior leaders in donor asks by providing concrete examples.

4

Research RLF's recent initiatives (e.g., climate justice policies) and subtly reference them to demonstrate alignment.

5

Quantify your achievements: e.g., revenue growth, donor retention rates, or number of new foundation partnerships.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience in designing and managing fundraising operations and systems, not just direct solicitation.', 'Highlight your ability to build relationships with philanthropic foundations and family offices.', 'Show how you have supported principal fundraisers (staff or board) with research and materials to secure major gifts.', "Express passion for RLF's mission of conservation and climate justice, and connect it to your own values."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review RLF's website and recent annual reports to understand their key initiatives and funding sources.
  • → Look into their major campaigns, such as the 30x30 conservation goal or climate justice policy work.
  • → Research the board members and key staff to understand who you would be supporting as principal fundraisers.
  • → Explore news articles about RLF's partnerships and funding milestones (e.g., $30 billion generated).
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you assess and improve RLF's current fundraising operations, including CRM usage?
2 Describe a time you supported a board member or senior leader in a major donor ask – what was your role?
3 How do you prioritize and manage multiple fundraising goals and deadlines?
4 What strategies would you use to diversify RLF's donor pool beyond foundations?
5 How do you stay informed about philanthropic trends, especially in conservation and climate justice?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing too much on your own direct fundraising numbers without showing strategic or operational leadership.
  • Not demonstrating familiarity with RLF's mission and recent projects – generic environmental interest isn't enough.
  • Downplaying the importance of systems and CRM experience – this role requires operational expertise, not just relationship-building.

📅 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 Resources Legacy Fund!

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