Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Operations Associate
at Land Together
🏢 About Land Together
Land Together is one of the only organizations in the country working at the intersection of environmental justice and criminal justice system reform, founded in 2002. Through in-prison and reentry programs, coalition-building, and advocacy, they cultivate justice and belonging by nurturing deep connections to nature, self, and community for people impacted by mass incarceration. Working here means directly supporting a mission that transforms lives and systems, with a team that values both precision and purpose.
About This Role
The Development Operations Associate keeps the systems behind fundraising running smoothly—from government grant reports and donor data to stewardship and campaign execution. You’ll be the operational backbone of the development team, ensuring data integrity, compliance, and efficient workflows that enable the Development Director’s strategy. This role is perfect for someone who loves details, thrives in databases, and wants to see their behind-the-scenes work fuel real change.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start your day reviewing grant reporting deadlines and updating the grants management system, then spend time cleaning donor records and preparing a stewardship mailing. Later, you’ll coordinate with the Development Director on campaign logistics, ensuring all data and materials are accurate and on track. Throughout, you’ll be the go-to person for operational questions, keeping the development engine running smoothly.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Land Together Is Looking For
- 2+ years of experience in nonprofit development or grants administration, with hands-on donor database management (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar).
- Proven ability to manage government grant reporting and compliance, including tracking deadlines and preparing accurate reports.
- Meticulous attention to detail—you notice when a record looks off and take initiative to correct it.
- Self-directed and able to translate priorities from a director into actionable plans, while flagging issues proactively.
📝 Tips for Applying to Land Together
Highlight specific experience with government grants (federal, state, or local) and the reporting software you’ve used—this is a core part of the role.
Mention any experience with donor databases by name (e.g., Salesforce, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect) and describe how you’ve ensured data integrity.
Show your passion for the intersection of environmental and criminal justice reform by referencing Land Together’s programs or mission in your cover letter.
Provide concrete examples of how you’ve improved development operations—like streamlining a reporting process or cleaning up a donor database.
Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote setting, managing multiple deadlines and communicating proactively.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your hands-on experience with government grant reporting and compliance, including specific grant types and software.', 'Your proficiency with donor databases and how you’ve maintained data integrity and supported fundraising campaigns.', 'Your alignment with Land Together’s mission—why environmental and criminal justice reform matters to you.', 'Your ability to take initiative, solve operational problems, and support a remote team effectively.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Land Together’s website, especially their in-prison and reentry programs, to understand their impact and language.
- → Research the environmental justice and criminal justice reform landscape to speak knowledgeably about the issues.
- → Look up Land Together’s recent grants and funding sources (e.g., via their annual reports or news) to understand their government grant portfolio.
- → Familiarize yourself with the donor databases and grants management systems they likely use (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud) and be ready to discuss your experience.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being vague about your grant reporting experience—they need someone who can hit the ground running with government grants.
- Failing to demonstrate attention to detail, such as typos in your application or generic examples that don’t show meticulousness.
- Ignoring the mission—applying without showing any connection to or understanding of environmental and criminal justice reform.
📅 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!