Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Manager (Major Gifts)

at Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)

🏢 About Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)

FARA is a nimble, mission-driven nonprofit singularly focused on curing Friedreich's ataxia (FA), a rare neurodegenerative disease. Working here means directly impacting patients and families, with a collaborative culture and close ties to top researchers. The remote structure offers flexibility while maintaining a tight-knit team environment.

About This Role

As Development Manager, you'll drive major gift fundraising ($10k+) to fuel cutting-edge FA research. You'll build and manage a donor pipeline, cultivate relationships, and oversee planned giving—directly enabling treatments and a cure. This role is pivotal in sustaining FARA's rapid scientific progress.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start with donor database review and follow-up emails, then a virtual meeting with the CEO to discuss pipeline progress. Afternoon includes a face-to-face (or Zoom) donor visit to cultivate a $50k prospect, plus drafting a stewardship report for a recent $25k gift. End the day by researching new prospects using iWave and updating moves management in Raiser's Edge.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) Is Looking For

  • A seasoned major gift officer with 5+ years of experience securing $10k+ gifts, ideally in health or rare disease nonprofits.
  • Proficient in Blackbaud (Raiser's Edge) and iWave, using data to identify prospects and track moves management.
  • A strategic relationship-builder who thrives on face-to-face meetings and can engage donors personally with FARA's story.
  • Self-motivated and organized, comfortable working remotely while collaborating with leadership and Board.

📝 Tips for Applying to Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)

1

Tailor your resume to highlight quantifiable major gift successes (e.g., 'secured $500k from 15 donors in FY23').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention FA or rare disease experience—even personal connection—to show passion.

3

Research FARA's current research portfolio (e.g., clinical trials) and reference it to demonstrate genuine interest.

4

Emphasize proficiency with Blackbaud and iWave; if you've used them, list specific modules (e.g., Raiser's Edge NXT).

5

Since the role is remote, highlight your ability to work independently with examples of self-managed projects.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express personal alignment with FARA's mission to cure FA and urgency of funding research.", 'Detail specific major gift achievements, including donor acquisition, cultivation, and solicitation strategies.', "Show understanding of FARA's unique position as a patient-founded organization and how you can amplify donor trust.", 'Mention your comfort with remote work and proactive communication style to keep leadership informed.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read FARA's latest annual report and research pipeline to understand current funding priorities.
  • → Learn about Friedreich's ataxia symptoms, patient demographics, and FARA's role in drug development.
  • → Review FARA's leadership team (CEO, Board) to understand reporting structure and fundraising culture.
  • → Explore FARA's donor recognition programs and past major gift campaigns (e.g., 'CureFA').
Visit Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you identify and prioritize major donor prospects for a rare disease like FA?
2 Describe a time you managed a donor through a multi-year cultivation cycle leading to a six-figure gift.
3 How do you leverage events (e.g., FARA's annual symposium) to engage major donors?
4 What strategies would you use to grow FARA's planned giving program?
5 How do you track and report progress to a Board while working remotely?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic fundraising cover letter—failing to mention FA or rare disease shows lack of research.
  • Avoid exaggerating major gift experience; be honest about portfolio size and ask amounts.
  • Don't overlook the remote aspect—ensure your application addresses how you stay productive without direct supervision.

📅 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 Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)!

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