Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Manager

at LoveYourBrain

🏢 About LoveYourBrain

LoveYourBrain is a pioneering nonprofit that combines mindfulness, yoga, and psychoeducation to support brain injury survivors and caregivers. Recognized with a Top Ten CNN Hero award, the organization is at the forefront of holistic healing and community-building, making it a uniquely mission-driven workplace where your work directly transforms lives.

About This Role

As Development Manager, you will be the engine behind fundraising success, managing over 5,000 fundraisers and donors while optimizing CRM systems and operational workflows. This role is critical to scaling the foundation’s impact, ensuring that every dollar raised amplifies programs that improve mental, physical, and social well-being for the brain injury community.

💡 A Day in the Life

You’ll start your day reviewing CRM dashboards to track fundraising progress, then hop on a video call with the Executive Director to strategize upcoming campaigns. After lunch, you’ll train new fundraisers on using the peer-to-peer platform and spend the afternoon segmenting donor lists for a personalized email appeal.

🎯 Who LoveYourBrain Is Looking For

  • You have 3+ years of nonprofit development experience, with a proven track record of managing peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns and donor portfolios.
  • You are a CRM expert (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud) who can streamline data processes, generate actionable reports, and train staff on best practices.
  • You thrive in a remote, fast-paced environment, demonstrating exceptional project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple campaigns simultaneously.
  • You are deeply aligned with LoveYourBrain’s mission, bringing empathy and a holistic mindset to your work with brain injury survivors and caregivers.

📝 Tips for Applying to LoveYourBrain

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific CRM implementations or data migrations you've led, quantifying results (e.g., 'Increased donor retention by 20% via segmentation').

2

In your cover letter, mention the CNN Hero recognition and explain why the organization’s holistic approach resonates with you personally or professionally.

3

Include a brief portfolio or case study of a successful fundraising campaign you managed, detailing your role in donor stewardship and event logistics.

4

Since the role is remote with East Coast preference, emphasize your experience with async communication tools (Slack, Asana) and your ability to self-motivate.

5

Research LoveYourBrain’s programs (yoga, mindfulness, nutrition) and reference a specific program you’d be excited to support in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for the brain injury community and alignment with LoveYourBrain’s holistic healing philosophy.', 'Specific examples of how you’ve used CRM systems to drive fundraising efficiency and donor engagement.', 'Your ability to manage large-scale peer-to-peer campaigns, including volunteer/fundraiser support and event logistics.', 'Why you’re excited about the organization’s growth phase and how your skills can help scale their impact.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Watch the CNN Hero video segment about the Executive Director to understand the organization’s origin and impact.
  • Review LoveYourBrain’s annual reports and strategic plan to grasp their growth trajectory and funding priorities.
  • Explore their program offerings (yoga, mindfulness, nutrition) and read testimonials from participants and caregivers.
  • Check their social media channels and blog to see how they engage their community and highlight fundraisers.
Visit LoveYourBrain's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a complex fundraising campaign with multiple stakeholders. How did you ensure deadlines and goals were met?
2 How would you approach training and supporting 5,000+ fundraisers using a CRM? What tools or strategies would you implement?
3 What experience do you have with donor segmentation and personalized communication? Give an example of a successful stewardship plan.
4 How do you stay organized and productive in a remote work environment? What systems do you use?
5 Why LoveYourBrain specifically? How does our mission connect with your personal or professional values?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t mention brain injury or holistic healing—this role requires genuine mission alignment.
  • Overlooking the importance of CRM experience; failing to detail your technical skills or data management successes will weaken your application.
  • Ignoring the remote work requirement; if you’re not comfortable with async communication and self-direction, this role isn’t for you.

📅 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 LoveYourBrain!