Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Manager

at Turtle Island Restoration Network

🏢 About Turtle Island Restoration Network

Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) is a 38-year-old, award-winning ocean and watershed conservation nonprofit with offices in California and Texas. They are known for grassroots activism, taking on industrial fishing, climate change, pollution, and habitat loss with a can-do attitude. Working here means being part of a passionate, fast-paced team dedicated to saving marine ecosystems and species like sea turtles.

About This Role

As Development Manager, you will work closely with the Executive Director and Program Directors to plan, execute, and monitor fundraising strategies that meet revenue goals. This hands-on role involves implementing and growing effective fundraising campaigns, with opportunities for advancement. Your work directly fuels TIRN's conservation victories, from protecting sea turtles to fighting industrial fishing.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve meeting with the Executive Director to review fundraising progress, drafting a grant proposal, reaching out to major donors, and collaborating with program staff to gather impact stories. You'll also spend time analyzing donor data and planning upcoming campaigns, all while staying connected with a remote team through virtual meetings. Expect a fast-paced environment where you juggle multiple priorities and celebrate fundraising wins that directly support conservation.

🚀 Application Tools

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🎯 Who Turtle Island Restoration Network Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, and/or events
  • Passion for ocean and watershed conservation, with a strong commitment to environmental activism
  • Self-motivated and able to thrive in a fast-paced, remote work environment with a distributed team
  • Collaborative spirit and willingness to pitch in on various tasks, as TIRN is a dynamic, all-hands-on-deck organization

📝 Tips for Applying to Turtle Island Restoration Network

1

Highlight any experience with environmental or conservation nonprofits, even if volunteer work, to show alignment with TIRN's mission.

2

Quantify your fundraising achievements (e.g., 'raised $X from individual donors' or 'increased grant revenue by Y%') to demonstrate impact.

3

Mention specific TIRN campaigns or programs (e.g., sea turtle protection, watershed conservation) in your cover letter to show you've done your homework.

4

Emphasize your ability to work remotely and independently, as this is a remote position with a team spread across California and Texas.

5

Use the phrase 'activist' or 'grassroots' in your application to resonate with TIRN's culture and language.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for ocean and watershed conservation, and why TIRN's mission specifically resonates with you.", "Concrete examples of successful fundraising strategies you've implemented, especially those relevant to TIRN's revenue goals.", 'Your ability to collaborate with executive leadership and program staff to align fundraising with organizational priorities.', 'Your adaptability and eagerness to contribute in a hands-on, fast-paced nonprofit environment.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore TIRN's website (www.seaturtles.org) to understand their key campaigns, such as sea turtle protection and watershed conservation.
  • → Research TIRN's recent victories and press releases to get a sense of their impact and current initiatives.
  • → Look up TIRN's Executive Director and Program Directors on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and leadership style.
  • → Review TIRN's financial reports (e.g., Form 990) to understand their revenue sources and fundraising priorities.
Visit Turtle Island Restoration Network's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a fundraising plan to support TIRN's ocean and watershed conservation programs?
2 Describe a time you successfully secured a major gift or grant. What was your approach?
3 How do you prioritize fundraising tasks when managing multiple deadlines and campaigns?
4 What experience do you have with donor stewardship and retention, especially in a remote setting?
5 Why are you passionate about environmental activism, and how does that drive your fundraising work?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention TIRN or environmental conservation specifically.
  • Focusing only on for-profit sales or marketing experience without connecting it to nonprofit fundraising.
  • Neglecting to demonstrate a genuine passion for the environment or TIRN's mission in your application materials.

📅 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 Turtle Island Restoration Network!

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