Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Manager at Islamic Scholarship Fund

at Bash Advisory

🏢 About Bash Advisory

The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) is a unique nonprofit focused on increasing American Muslim representation in fields that shape public policy and public opinion through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development. Working at ISF means contributing to a fast-growing organization that directly impacts Muslim community representation in influential sectors while operating within the supportive structure of Bash Advisory.

About This Role

This Development Manager role involves coordinating donor engagement strategies across multiple segments and leading major fundraising events like the NorCal and SoCal banquets. The position is impactful because it directly expands ISF's national footprint through regional cultivation events and manages critical campaigns like Ramadan and end-of-year fundraising that fuel the organization's scholarship programs.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning coordination with the Executive Director on donor strategy, afternoon work on NorCal banquet logistics and vendor communications, and evening virtual meetings with regional volunteers in Chicago or DC. You'd likely balance campaign planning for upcoming Ramadan fundraising with stewardship outreach to existing donors across multiple time zones.

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🎯 Who Bash Advisory Is Looking For

  • Has 5-8 years of hands-on nonprofit development experience with specific expertise in donor cultivation, stewardship, and event execution
  • Demonstrates proven ability to manage complex multi-region events (California, Chicago, DC, NY/NJ) with budget and timeline responsibility
  • Possesses experience managing staff/volunteers while coordinating with an Executive Director on cohesive donor strategies
  • Shows specific familiarity with Muslim community fundraising cycles, particularly Ramadan campaigns and Islamic philanthropy norms

📝 Tips for Applying to Bash Advisory

1

Quantify your 5-8 years of development experience with specific metrics: dollars raised, donor retention rates, event attendance numbers, or campaign growth percentages

2

Highlight any experience with Muslim or faith-based nonprofit fundraising, especially if you've managed Ramadan campaigns or Islamic philanthropy programs

3

Provide concrete examples of managing multi-city events simultaneously, including vendor coordination and regional community engagement

4

Demonstrate understanding of ISF's specific mission by referencing their scholarship recipients or public policy focus areas in your materials

5

Show remote work proficiency by mentioning tools you've used for donor management (Salesforce, Bloomerang, etc.) and virtual event coordination

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with donor segmentation and cultivation strategies in nonprofit settings', 'Concrete examples of managing large-scale fundraising events (particularly banquets or galas) from planning through execution', "How your background aligns with ISF's mission of increasing Muslim representation in policy/opinion-shaping fields", 'Your approach to managing Ramadan campaigns or other culturally-specific fundraising initiatives']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → ISF's current scholarship recipients and alumni - understand which fields they're entering and their impact stories
  • → Previous ISF events and campaigns (check their social media and annual reports for NorCal/SoCal banquet details)
  • → Bash Advisory's other nonprofit clients and their development approaches
  • → Current American Muslim representation statistics in public policy, media, and related fields that ISF addresses
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your process for developing donor engagement strategies across different segments (major donors, corporate sponsors, community supporters)
2 How would you approach expanding ISF's footprint in Chicago, DC, and NY/NJ while maintaining California operations?
3 Walk us through your experience planning large banquets or galas, including budget management and vendor coordination
4 What specific strategies would you use for ISF's Ramadan campaign versus their end-of-year campaign?
5 How have you previously managed staff, interns, or volunteers in a development context?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic development experience without specific examples of donor cultivation or event management
  • No understanding of Muslim community fundraising cycles or cultural considerations
  • Inability to demonstrate multi-region event coordination or remote team management experience

📅 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 Bash Advisory!

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