Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Manager

at Kindle Project

🏢 About Kindle Project

Kindle Project is a creative philanthropic organization that champions community-led work on social, cultural, and ecological issues. It stands out for its values-driven approach, emphasizing trusted relationships and bold experimentation over traditional top-down philanthropy. Working here means being part of a small, nimble team that prioritizes impact and authenticity.

About This Role

As Development Manager, you will be the driving force behind Kindle Project's fundraising efforts, cultivating deep relationships with high-net-worth individuals and institutional funders. You will lead the full grant lifecycle—from research and proposal writing to reporting—and help shape fundraising strategies that align with the organization's unique values. This role is critical to sustaining and growing the resources needed to support frontline communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking Slack messages and prioritizing tasks in Asana, followed by drafting a grant proposal or report. You might have a virtual coffee meeting with a potential donor to discuss their philanthropic interests, then spend time updating donor records in Little Green Light. Afternoon could involve strategizing with the Executive Director on a new fundraising campaign or researching new foundation prospects.

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🎯 Who Kindle Project Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 5+ years of experience in individual and foundation giving, ideally in a creative or social justice-oriented nonprofit.
  • A skilled grantwriter who can craft compelling narratives that resonate with values-aligned donors and funders.
  • Tech-savvy and organized, with proficiency in CRMs like Little Green Light or Blackbaud and project management tools like Asana.
  • A relationship-builder who thrives on stewarding long-term partnerships and can represent Kindle Project's voice authentically.

📝 Tips for Applying to Kindle Project

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of successful grantwriting and donor stewardship, especially with high-net-worth individuals.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your fundraising philosophy to Kindle Project's values of trust, experimentation, and community-led work.

3

Demonstrate your tech proficiency by mentioning specific CRMs you've used (e.g., Little Green Light, Blackbaud) and how you've improved systems.

4

Research Kindle Project's grantmaking portfolio and mention a specific grantee or initiative that resonates with you.

5

Show that you understand the remote-first culture by highlighting your experience with Slack, Zoom, and asynchronous communication.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your alignment with Kindle Project's values of trusting relationships and bold experimentation in philanthropy.", "Specific examples of how you've cultivated and stewarded long-term donor relationships, particularly with high-net-worth individuals.", 'Your grantwriting track record, including any successful proposals that secured significant funding.', 'Your ability to work independently in a remote environment and your experience improving development systems.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Kindle Project's website and read about their grantmaking philosophy and current grantees to understand their focus areas.
  • → Look up recent news or blog posts about Kindle Project to see how they communicate their impact and values.
  • → Research the Executive Director and any board members to understand their backgrounds and leadership style.
  • → Review the 'About' section thoroughly to grasp how they differentiate themselves from traditional foundations.
Visit Kindle Project's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building relationships with high-net-worth donors who are new to Kindle Project?
2 Describe a time you had to pivot a fundraising strategy based on changing circumstances. What was the outcome?
3 How do you prioritize and manage multiple grant deadlines and donor communications?
4 What experience do you have with CRMs like Little Green Light or Blackbaud, and how have you used them to track donor engagement?
5 Why are you drawn to Kindle Project's model of community-led philanthropy, and how does it influence your fundraising approach?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Kindle Project's specific values or approach.
  • Overemphasizing transactional fundraising metrics (e.g., amount raised) without discussing relationship-building and alignment.
  • Failing to demonstrate comfort with remote work tools and self-management, which are critical for this role.

📅 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 Kindle Project!

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