Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Manager

at Unravel

🏢 About Unravel

Unravel Pediatric Cancer is a mission-driven nonprofit uniquely focused on pediatric cancer research, specifically working to secure funding and build strategic partnerships to advance meaningful progress. What makes Unravel special is their targeted approach to a devastating cause—working for children and families affected by cancer—which creates a deeply purposeful work environment for those passionate about making a tangible difference in healthcare and research.

About This Role

As a Development Manager at Unravel, you'll be responsible for fundraising efforts, including securing and managing corporate partnerships or sponsorships to support pediatric cancer research. This part-time role is impactful because every dollar raised directly fuels research that could lead to breakthroughs for children battling cancer, making your work instrumental in advancing the organization's mission.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching potential corporate partners in Germany, updating donor records in a nonprofit CRM like Salesforce, and drafting sponsorship proposals tailored to pediatric cancer research. You could also spend time coordinating with team members on fundraising strategies or following up on leads to secure new gifts, all while balancing tasks to maximize impact in a part-time schedule.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Unravel Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of professional fundraising experience within a nonprofit, specifically with a track record of closing gifts or sponsorships
  • Possesses hands-on experience securing and managing corporate partnerships, ideally in healthcare, research, or related sectors
  • Is proficient with nonprofit CRMs like Blackbaud, Salesforce for Nonprofits, or Raiser's Edge, and can leverage these tools for donor management
  • Demonstrates a passion for pediatric cancer causes and can articulate how their fundraising skills align with Unravel's mission

📝 Tips for Applying to Unravel

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific fundraising achievements, such as dollar amounts raised or corporate partnerships secured, using metrics from your 3+ years in nonprofit fundraising

2

Mention any experience with pediatric health, cancer research, or related causes, as this shows alignment with Unravel's mission beyond just fundraising skills

3

Explicitly state your proficiency with nonprofit CRMs (e.g., 'Experienced with Salesforce for Nonprofits for donor tracking') to match the technical requirements

4

Emphasize your ability to work effectively in a part-time capacity, perhaps by noting experience managing fundraising projects with limited hours or in flexible roles

5

Research and reference Unravel's current partnerships or funding initiatives in your application to show genuine interest and preparedness

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Highlight your 3+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with concrete examples, such as a specific corporate sponsorship you secured or a gift you closed', "Explain why you're passionate about pediatric cancer research and how your skills can advance Unravel's mission, linking it to personal or professional motivations", "Describe your experience with nonprofit CRMs and how you've used them to manage donor relationships or track fundraising progress", 'Mention your ability to thrive in a part-time role, emphasizing time management and results-driven approaches to fundraising']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Unravel's website and social media to understand their current research projects, partnerships, and funding initiatives
  • → Look into recent news or updates about pediatric cancer research trends in Germany or Europe, as this could inform your approach to partnerships
  • → Review any public reports or annual summaries from Unravel to gauge their fundraising history and organizational goals
  • → Investigate similar nonprofits in Germany to understand the competitive landscape and how Unravel differentiates itself in pediatric cancer
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you secured a corporate partnership or sponsorship in a nonprofit setting—what strategies did you use, and what was the outcome?
2 How have you used nonprofit CRMs like Salesforce for Nonprofits or Raiser's Edge to manage donor relationships or track fundraising goals?
3 Why are you specifically interested in working for Unravel Pediatric Cancer, and how does your experience align with pediatric cancer research?
4 How do you prioritize and manage fundraising tasks in a part-time role to ensure you meet targets?
5 Can you discuss a challenge you faced in fundraising and how you overcame it, particularly in a mission-driven environment like Unravel's?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning pediatric cancer or Unravel's mission, which may suggest lack of genuine interest
  • Failing to provide specific examples of fundraising achievements or CRM proficiency, as this role requires demonstrated experience
  • Overlooking the part-time nature of the role by not addressing how you'll manage time or deliver results in a limited schedule

📅 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 Unravel!

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