Application Guide

How to Apply for Director, Institutional Giving

at Shatterproof

🏢 About Shatterproof

Shatterproof is a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the stigma and devastation of addiction through evidence-based programs, advocacy, and public education. Founded by a father who lost his son to addiction, the organization uniquely combines personal passion with rigorous data-driven approaches, making it a compelling place for mission-driven professionals.

About This Role

As Director of Institutional Giving, you will lead Shatterproof's strategy to secure significant foundation and grant funding, directly fueling their life-saving work. This role offers the chance to build a pipeline of major institutional partners and craft compelling narratives that drive six- and seven-figure gifts, with measurable impact on addiction prevention and recovery.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing grant deadlines and updating Salesforce pipeline entries, followed by drafting a concept note for a new foundation prospect. After lunch, you could have a call with a program officer to discuss a proposal, then spend the afternoon collaborating with the programs team to gather impact data for a report. The day ends with a quick check on revenue forecasts and a note to a funder thanking them for their support.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Shatterproof Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 5–8+ years specifically in institutional giving and a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure grants from foundations.
  • An exceptional writer and storyteller who can translate complex program data into persuasive proposals and reports that resonate with grantmakers.
  • A strategic thinker who enjoys building and managing a pipeline, forecasting revenue, and proactively identifying new funding opportunities aligned to organizational goals.
  • Comfortable with CRM systems like Salesforce for tracking deadlines, reporting, and donor stewardship; bonus if experienced with grants management software.

📝 Tips for Applying to Shatterproof

1

Highlight specific examples of grants you've secured (amounts, foundation names) and how those funds were used to achieve measurable outcomes.

2

Tailor your resume and cover letter to Shatterproof's mission: mention any personal or professional connection to addiction, recovery, or public health advocacy.

3

Showcase your ability to write for different audiences by including a brief writing sample (e.g., a grant proposal summary or stewardship report) with your application.

4

Demonstrate your CRM proficiency by mentioning Salesforce or similar systems, and note any experience with grants management workflows.

5

Research Shatterproof's current foundation partners (listed on their website) and reference them in your cover letter to show genuine interest and preparation.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express passion for Shatterproof's mission and your understanding of the addiction crisis as a public health issue.", "Detail your direct experience with institutional fundraising, including specific examples of grants you've secured and how you built those relationships.", "Explain your approach to pipeline management and revenue forecasting, and how you would apply it to grow Shatterproof's institutional giving program.", "Mention your familiarity with evidence-based programs and how you would align funding opportunities with Shatterproof's strategic priorities."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Shatterproof's current programs: 'Shatterproof at Home,' 'Recovery Ready Workplace,' and their advocacy initiatives to understand funding needs.
  • → Look at their annual report and list of foundation partners (e.g., from their 'Our Partners' page) to identify potential alignment with your experience.
  • → Read about the opioid epidemic and addiction policy landscape to discuss how institutional funding can drive systemic change.
  • → Familiarize yourself with CEO Gary Mendell's story and the organization's founding narrative to connect personally during interviews.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you prioritize and cultivate relationships with new foundation prospects while maintaining current funders?
2 Describe a time you turned a declined grant application into a future funding opportunity. What was your approach?
3 How do you stay organized with multiple grant deadlines and reporting requirements across different funders?
4 What metrics do you use to measure the success of an institutional giving program, and how would you report progress to leadership?
5 Shatterproof focuses on evidence-based programs. How would you ensure grant proposals effectively communicate program impact and data?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Shatterproof's specific programs or mission—personalization is key.
  • Overlooking the 'remote' aspect: failing to discuss how you'll manage collaboration and communication across a distributed team.
  • Focusing only on past successes without articulating a clear vision for growing Shatterproof's institutional giving program.

📅 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 Shatterproof!

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