Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Manager, Start Early WA
at Start Early
🏢 About Start Early
Start Early is a national leader in early childhood education and care, with a deep commitment to advancing equitable systems for children and families. The Washington affiliate (SEWA) builds on two decades of home visiting expertise and statewide systems change, offering a mission-driven, collaborative culture where employees are empowered and valued. Working here means contributing to lasting impact for Washington's youngest residents and their families.
About This Role
The Development Manager will drive fundraising for Start Early Washington by identifying new funding opportunities, writing grant proposals and reports, and managing funder relationships. You'll also help launch the Washington Fund, an individual giving strategy, and collaborate with program and policy staff. This role is pivotal in securing resources that sustain and expand critical early childhood services across Washington state.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve drafting a grant proposal for a foundation, meeting with program staff to gather data for a report, and researching new corporate funders. You could also spend time planning the launch of the Washington Fund, coordinating with the national development team, and updating donor records. Expect regular virtual collaboration and occasional evening calls with funders or partners.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Start Early Is Looking For
- Proven experience in grant writing and fundraising for nonprofits, preferably in early childhood, education, or social services.
- Strong relationship management skills with foundation, corporate, and individual donors, including stewardship and reporting.
- Ability to work independently in a remote setting while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and national partners.
- Passion for early childhood issues and alignment with Start Early's core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
📝 Tips for Applying to Start Early
Highlight specific grant writing achievements, including dollar amounts secured and funder types (foundation, corporate, individual).
Demonstrate familiarity with Washington state's early childhood landscape and funding environment in your cover letter.
Emphasize experience launching or managing individual giving programs, as this is a key responsibility.
Show how you've collaborated with program and policy staff to develop compelling proposals and reports.
Use the cover letter to convey your commitment to Start Early's mission and values, referencing their work in Washington specifically.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
Focus on your grant writing success and ability to manage funder relationships. Highlight any experience with individual giving campaigns. Emphasize your knowledge of early childhood systems in Washington and your alignment with Start Early's values. Mention your ability to work remotely and collaboratively with diverse teams.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Start Early's national and Washington-specific programs, especially home visiting and policy initiatives.
- → Research key funders in Washington state that support early childhood, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Thrive Washington.
- → Understand the Washington Fund's goals and how it fits into SEWA's broader fundraising strategy.
- → Review Start Early's core values and recent impact reports to align your application with their culture.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Start Early Washington or early childhood.
- Failing to quantify fundraising results or grant success in your resume.
- Neglecting to show familiarity with individual giving strategies, as this is a core part of the 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!