Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Manager

at Hip Hop Caucus

🏢 About Hip Hop Caucus

Hip Hop Caucus is a unique organization that leverages Hip Hop culture to drive social change on racial, climate, and economic justice. Working here means combining creative cultural power with grassroots advocacy to build narrative and political power for marginalized communities. It's an ideal place for someone passionate about using art and activism to create systemic change.

About This Role

As Development Manager, you'll own the institutional giving portfolio (grants) and build a new mid-level donor program from scratch. This role is impactful because you'll directly secure funding for campaigns that address critical justice issues, while developing sustainable revenue streams. Your work will empower the organization to scale its advocacy and cultural programming.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing grant deadlines and drafting a proposal for a foundation focused on climate justice. You'll then meet with the Development Marketing Specialist to coordinate a digital campaign for mid-level donors. In the afternoon, you'll research new institutional funders and prepare a stewardship email for a major donor, followed by updating the CRM with tracking data.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Hip Hop Caucus Is Looking For

  • A seasoned grant writer with 3-5 years of nonprofit development experience, including direct institutional funder relationships and a track record of secured grants.
  • Proficient in CRM databases, especially EveryAction/NGP VAN, and comfortable using data to track and report on fundraising metrics.
  • A self-starter who can build a mid-level donor program from the ground up, including segmentation, communication strategies, and stewardship plans.
  • Strong communicator with excellent writing and proofreading skills, able to craft compelling donor-facing materials that align with Hip Hop culture and justice messaging.

📝 Tips for Applying to Hip Hop Caucus

1

Tailor your resume to highlight grant writing success (e.g., dollar amounts secured, funder types) and any experience building donor programs from scratch.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your fundraising experience to Hip Hop Caucus's mission: racial, climate, and economic justice.

3

If you have experience with EveryAction/NGP VAN, mention it prominently. If not, show willingness to learn quickly.

4

Provide a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to write for diverse audiences (e.g., a grant proposal or donor appeal).

5

Research Hip Hop Caucus's recent campaigns (e.g., climate justice, voting rights) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your direct experience with institutional grant writing and relationship management, including specific funders and amounts.', 'Highlight your ability to build a new individual donor program, including strategies for acquisition and retention.', "Show how your values align with Hip Hop Caucus's mission, and mention any familiarity with Hip Hop culture or social justice movements.", 'Demonstrate your supervisory experience or ability to mentor a Development Marketing Specialist.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Hip Hop Caucus's website and recent campaigns, especially their climate justice work (e.g., 'We Are Not Okay' campaign).
  • → Look up their annual reports or impact pages to understand their funding sources and key donors.
  • → Familiarize yourself with Hip Hop culture and its intersection with activism; listen to their podcasts or watch their events.
  • → Research the Senior Director of Development (if named) and their background to understand their leadership style.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your grant writing process from research to submission and reporting.
2 How would you build a mid-level donor program from scratch? What segmentation and communication strategies would you use?
3 Describe your experience with CRM databases, especially EveryAction/NGP VAN. How have you used data to improve fundraising?
4 How do you stay organized while managing multiple grant deadlines and donor communications?
5 What draws you to Hip Hop Caucus specifically, and how do you see Hip Hop culture as a tool for social change?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Hip Hop Caucus's mission or campaigns.
  • Avoid downplaying the need for CRM proficiency; if you lack EveryAction experience, show enthusiasm to learn.
  • Don't ignore the requirement to build a new donor program; address it directly even if you haven't done it before.

📅 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 Hip Hop Caucus!

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