Application Guide

How to Apply for Development & Donor Outreach Coordinator

at Mercado Global

๐Ÿข About Mercado Global

Mercado Global is a nonprofit that bridges ethical fashion with women's economic empowerment, partnering with major brands like Levi's and Nordstrom to support Indigenous women artisans in Latin America. Working here means contributing to a mission that has generated nearly $10 million in sales for artisan partners, making a tangible impact on communities.

About This Role

This role is a front-facing fundraising position focused on donor cultivation and portfolio management. You'll work closely with the Senior Development Manager and Executive Director to open doors, build trust, and move donors through the pipeline, directly supporting the growth of our donor community and advancing our mission.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve sending personalized emails to potential donors, scheduling calls or meetings with current supporters, and updating donor records in the CRM. You might also collaborate with the Senior Development Manager on outreach strategies and prepare materials for donor meetings, all while working from your home office.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Mercado Global Is Looking For

  • A people-person with a proven track record in donor outreach or fundraising, comfortable with cold outreach and relationship-building.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to craft compelling narratives that connect donors to our mission.
  • Organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing a donor portfolio and tracking interactions in a CRM.
  • Passionate about social impact, women's empowerment, and ethical fashion, with an understanding of nonprofit development.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Mercado Global

1

Highlight any experience you have with donor cultivation or fundraising, even if it's volunteer-based, and quantify your impact (e.g., 'grew donor base by 20%').

2

Research Mercado Global's brand partnerships (Levi's, Stitch Fix, etc.) and mention how you'd leverage these in donor outreach.

3

Showcase your ability to work remotely and independently, as this is a remote-first role.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize relationship-building, not just administrative skills.

5

In your cover letter, reference a specific program or impact metric (e.g., 2,000 women entrepreneurs) to show you've done your homework.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your genuine passion for Mercado Global's mission and its unique model of connecting fashion with social impact.", "Specific examples of how you've built relationships and moved donors or supporters through a pipeline.", "Your understanding of the importance of donor stewardship and how you'd contribute to growing the donor community.", 'Your ability to work collaboratively with a small team and take initiative in a remote environment.']

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Read Mercado Global's annual report or impact page to understand their current goals and metrics.
  • โ†’ Look at their social media and recent news to see how they engage with their community and partners.
  • โ†’ Explore the brands they partner with (e.g., Levi's, Nordstrom) to understand the types of corporate relationships they value.
  • โ†’ Check out their blog or stories from artisan partners to get a feel for the human impact of their work.
Visit Mercado Global's Website โ†’

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Tell us about a time you successfully cultivated a donor or built a relationship from scratch.
2 How would you approach reaching out to a new donor who has never heard of Mercado Global?
3 How do you stay organized when managing multiple donor relationships and deadlines?
4 What do you know about Mercado Global's impact and how would you communicate it to a potential donor?
5 Describe a time you had to handle a difficult conversation or rejection in a fundraising context.
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't send a generic cover letterโ€”make it clear you understand Mercado Global's specific mission and model.
  • Avoid focusing only on administrative tasks; emphasize your relationship-building skills and donor-centric approach.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of remote work skillsโ€”highlight your ability to communicate and stay productive independently.

๐Ÿ“… 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

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Mercado Global!