Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Operations & Annual Giving Manager
at Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.)
🏢 About Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.)
Gorilla Doctors is the only organization in the world providing hands-on veterinary care to mountain and Grauer's gorillas in East Central Africa. Founded in 1986 at Dian Fossey's request, their work has contributed to mountain gorillas being the only great ape species with a growing population—nearly doubling since they began. Working here means directly supporting a unique conservation mission with a tangible, measurable impact on endangered wildlife.
About This Role
As the Development Operations & Annual Giving Manager, you'll be the administrative backbone of the development department, ensuring data integrity, managing donor customer service, and executing annual giving programs. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you'll also have the opportunity to gain front-line fundraising experience. Your work will directly fuel the veterinary care that keeps gorillas healthy and thriving.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve processing donor gifts and acknowledgments in the CRM, pulling reports for the CDO, coordinating logistics for an upcoming annual appeal, and responding to donor inquiries. You might also collaborate with the communications team on email segmentation or attend a virtual meeting with the field team to update them on fundraising progress. Your work ensures that every donation is accurately recorded and stewarded, directly supporting gorilla conservation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.) Is Looking For
- 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit development operations, database management, or annual giving, preferably in a conservation or international NGO setting.
- Proficiency with donor CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar) and advanced Excel skills; experience with data hygiene and segmentation.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple deadlines for annual appeals, donor acknowledgments, and reporting.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a donor-centric approach to customer service and a keen eye for detail.
- Passion for wildlife conservation and a commitment to Gorilla Doctors' mission; ability to work remotely and collaborate across time zones.
📝 Tips for Applying to Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.)
Address your application email to Adrienne Miller, Development Operations Manager, and mention the specific job title in the subject line.
Highlight any experience with donor databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect, Salesforce) and quantify your impact (e.g., 'managed 5,000+ donor records with 99% accuracy').
Demonstrate familiarity with annual giving strategies, such as direct mail, email appeals, and giving days; include metrics like response rates or revenue growth.
Show your passion for conservation by referencing Gorilla Doctors' unique model and how your skills can support their mission.
Since this is a remote role, emphasize your ability to work independently, manage time zones, and use collaboration tools like Slack, Asana, or Zoom.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience in development operations, particularly data management and donor stewardship, and how it ensures a smooth annual giving cycle.', "Specific examples of how you've improved donor data accuracy or increased annual giving revenue in a previous role.", 'Your ability to provide excellent donor customer service and handle sensitive information with discretion.', "Your enthusiasm for Gorilla Doctors' mission and how you see this role contributing to their conservation impact."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Gorilla Doctors' website, especially their 'About Us,' 'Our Work,' and 'Impact' sections, to understand their veterinary care model and conservation outcomes.
- → Read recent annual reports or newsletters to learn about their fundraising activities and donor base.
- → Research the mountain and Grauer's gorilla conservation status, including threats and successes, to speak knowledgeably about the context.
- → Look up the backgrounds of the Chief Development Officer and Adrienne Miller on LinkedIn to understand their priorities and leadership style.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Gorilla Doctors or the specific role—show you've done your homework.
- Failing to demonstrate technical proficiency with donor databases; be prepared to discuss specific systems and your level of expertise.
- Neglecting to highlight remote work experience or ability to work independently, as this is a fully remote position.
- Overlooking the annual giving aspect and focusing only on operations; balance both in your application.
📅 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!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.)!