Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Manager

at Center for Open Science

🏢 About Center for Open Science

The Center for Open Science is a mission-driven nonprofit uniquely focused on improving scientific transparency and reproducibility through open-source tools. Unlike traditional tech companies, COS directly addresses systemic issues in research culture by creating infrastructure that aligns scientific practices with core values of openness. Working here means contributing to meaningful change in how science is conducted globally.

About This Role

This Development Manager role is critical for securing funding that enables COS to build and maintain its open-source tools for scientific transparency. You'll manage donor relationships, develop grant proposals, and support fundraising events—directly impacting the organization's ability to advance open science initiatives. Your work ensures researchers worldwide have access to tools that make their work more reproducible and trustworthy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching potential major donors who support open science initiatives, drafting sections of a grant proposal for a foundation focused on research infrastructure, and coordinating with the marketing team on an upcoming fundraising campaign. You'd likely spend time managing donor data in the CRM system while preparing materials for an upcoming virtual fundraising event that showcases COS's impact on scientific transparency.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center for Open Science Is Looking For

  • Has 4+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated success in donor relationship management and grant writing
  • Possesses exceptional organizational skills to juggle multiple priorities like donor research, Annual Fund campaigns, and grant reporting simultaneously
  • Is a strategic thinker who can serve as a thought partner on fundraising strategy while handling logistical details of event planning
  • Has experience collaborating with marketing/communications teams and understands charitable registration requirements

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Open Science

1

Highlight specific experience with donor research and qualification workflows—COS needs someone who can systematically identify and cultivate major donors

2

Demonstrate understanding of scientific funding landscape by mentioning specific grant-making organizations that support open science initiatives

3

Show how you've managed constituent and gift data in previous roles, as this is explicitly mentioned in the responsibilities

4

Connect your experience to COS's mission by explaining why open science matters to you personally or professionally

5

Provide concrete examples of collaborating with marketing teams on campaigns, as this role requires cross-departmental coordination

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your experience with nonprofit fundraising in mission-driven organizations, specifically how you've managed donor relationships and grant processes", "Understanding of COS's mission and how your skills directly support advancing open science through sustainable funding", 'Examples of successfully managing multiple fundraising priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail', 'Experience working with diverse partners and maintaining confidentiality in sensitive donor situations']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore COS's specific tools like OSF (Open Science Framework) to understand what you'd be fundraising for
  • → Research their current funders and partnerships to understand their funding landscape
  • → Review their annual reports or transparency reports to understand their financial needs and priorities
  • → Learn about the open science movement and current challenges in scientific reproducibility
Visit Center for Open Science's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach donor research and qualification for a nonprofit focused on scientific transparency?
2 Describe your experience with grant proposal development for mission-driven organizations—what strategies have worked best?
3 How have you collaborated with marketing/communications teams on fundraising campaigns in previous roles?
4 What experience do you have managing state charitable registration requirements?
5 How would you serve as a thought partner on fundraising strategy while handling the administrative aspects of this role?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic fundraising experience without connecting it to COS's specific mission of open science
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of the technical/scientific context of COS's work
  • Overemphasizing corporate fundraising experience without showing adaptability to nonprofit constraints and culture

📅 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 Center for Open Science!

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