Application Guide

How to Apply for Development & Events Fellow

at Environmental League of Massachusetts

🏢 About Environmental League of Massachusetts

The Environmental League of Massachusetts is unique as a leading advocacy organization specifically focused on Massachusetts' environmental policy, working toward a net-zero economy while protecting the state's natural resources. What sets ELM apart is its dual-entity structure with the ELM Action Fund, allowing for both advocacy and political action, plus their high-profile events like Earth Night at Fenway Park that blend environmental mission with community engagement.

About This Role

This Development & Events Fellow plays a crucial role supporting both fundraising and event execution, with particular focus on ELM's signature Earth Night event at Fenway Park. The position offers hands-on experience in nonprofit development through prospect research, partnership management, and corporate sponsor outreach, directly contributing to ELM's advocacy work and resource mobilization.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching potential foundation donors in the morning, updating Salesforce records with prospect information, then shifting to Earth Night planning tasks like coordinating with corporate sponsors or managing event logistics. You'd likely participate in team meetings about development strategy and spend time preparing materials for partnership outreach.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Environmental League of Massachusetts Is Looking For

  • Has demonstrated organizational skills with experience managing multiple projects or events simultaneously
  • Possesses strong research capabilities, particularly in identifying individual donors or foundation prospects
  • Shows genuine interest in environmental advocacy and Massachusetts-specific policy issues
  • Has practical experience with Microsoft Office (especially Excel for tracking and PowerPoint for presentations)

📝 Tips for Applying to Environmental League of Massachusetts

1

Highlight any experience with event coordination, especially if related to fundraising or environmental causes

2

Mention specific research projects where you identified prospects or compiled donor information

3

If you have Salesforce experience, detail how you've used it for tracking or reporting (even if limited)

4

Reference ELM's specific initiatives or recent policy wins to show you've done your homework

5

Emphasize your attention to detail by describing how you've managed complex logistics or data

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in Massachusetts environmental policy and ELM's advocacy approach", 'Examples of organizational skills applied to events or development work', 'Experience with prospect research or donor outreach (even if academic or volunteer-based)', 'Why you want to gain experience in nonprofit development specifically at an environmental organization']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → ELM's recent policy victories and current advocacy priorities in Massachusetts
  • → Details about Earth Night - past events, sponsors, and format
  • → ELM's leadership team and board members
  • → The difference between ELM and the ELM Action Fund and how they work together

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach researching new foundation prospects for an environmental nonprofit?
2 Describe your experience with event coordination, particularly for fundraising events
3 What interests you about working on Earth Night at Fenway Park specifically?
4 How do you stay organized when managing multiple projects with competing deadlines?
5 What Massachusetts environmental issues are you most passionate about and why?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic environmental passion without specific knowledge of Massachusetts issues
  • Focusing only on events without addressing the development/research components
  • Not demonstrating understanding of how development supports advocacy work
  • Overlooking the remote nature of the position and not addressing how you'll stay organized

📅 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 Environmental League of Massachusetts!

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