Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Manager

at The Story of Stuff Project

🏢 About The Story of Stuff Project

The Story of Stuff Project is a unique non-profit that combines creative storytelling with environmental activism, using animated videos and community campaigns to transform consumption patterns. Working here means contributing to tangible change in sustainability while being part of a Berkeley-based team that values innovative approaches to complex environmental issues.

About This Role

As Development Manager, you'll lead a comprehensive fundraising program that fuels the organization's mission through online giving, major gifts, and foundation grants. This role is impactful because you'll directly enable the creation of educational content and campaigns that shift public consciousness about consumption, waste, and sustainability.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing donor data in Salesforce to identify major gift prospects, coordinating with the communications team on digital fundraising campaigns, and meeting with program staff to understand funding needs for upcoming sustainability initiatives. You might spend the afternoon drafting donor communications that connect giving opportunities to specific Story of Stuff Project videos or campaigns.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Story of Stuff Project Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of hands-on nonprofit fundraising experience with proven success in digital fundraising and major gifts solicitation
  • Is exceptionally tech-savvy with demonstrated expertise in Salesforce CRM management and data analysis for fundraising optimization
  • Combines strong organizational skills with discretion when handling sensitive financial information and donor relationships
  • Possesses excellent communication skills that can articulate The Story of Stuff Project's unique mission to diverse donor audiences

📝 Tips for Applying to The Story of Stuff Project

1

Quantify your fundraising achievements specifically in digital campaigns and major gifts - show how many donors you've cultivated or percentage increases you've achieved

2

Demonstrate your Salesforce expertise by mentioning specific fundraising modules or integrations you've used (like Nonprofit Success Pack or Pardot)

3

Research and reference specific Story of Stuff Project campaigns or videos in your application to show genuine engagement with their content

4

Highlight any experience with environmental or sustainability-focused nonprofits, as this shows mission alignment

5

Prepare examples of how you've managed development technology systems like ActionKit or similar email/advocacy platforms

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience managing comprehensive fundraising programs that include multiple revenue streams (digital, major gifts, grants)', 'How your Salesforce and data analysis skills have directly improved fundraising outcomes', "Your passion for environmental sustainability and how it aligns with The Story of Stuff Project's mission", "Examples of how you've contributed to annual fundraising plans and budget processes in previous roles"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Watch several Story of Stuff Project videos to understand their communication style and core messages
  • → Research their current campaigns and recent impact reports to understand their funding priorities
  • → Explore their digital presence including social media and email campaigns to analyze their current fundraising approach
  • → Learn about Berkeley's nonprofit ecosystem and environmental advocacy landscape
Visit The Story of Stuff Project's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would grow their individual donor program, specifically digital fundraising and recurring donations
2 Describe your experience with Salesforce for fundraising pipeline management and data analysis
3 How would you approach major gift solicitation for an organization focused on environmental storytelling?
4 What strategies would you use to engage donors in The Story of Stuff Project's specific mission of changing consumption patterns?
5 How have you collaborated with program staff in previous roles to align fundraising with organizational impact?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic fundraising experience without highlighting specific digital or major gifts expertise
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of The Story of Stuff Project's specific content or mission
  • Not providing concrete examples of Salesforce or development technology system experience
  • Focusing only on grant writing when the role emphasizes individual donor cultivation and digital fundraising

📅 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 The Story of Stuff Project!

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