Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Development & Communications at The War Horse

at Bash Advisory

🏢 About Bash Advisory

The War Horse is a nonprofit newsroom that combines hard-hitting investigative journalism with powerful storytelling to illuminate the true cost of military service. It stands out for its mission-driven focus on accountability and democracy, offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of journalism, advocacy, and fundraising.

About This Role

As Director of Development & Communications, you will lead a unified strategy to drive revenue growth and amplify The War Horse’s impact through compelling storytelling. This role is pivotal in sustaining the organization’s mission by building a robust funding pipeline and deepening engagement with donors and the public.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team stand-up to coordinate on a new donor cultivation event and a press release. You’d then review donor pipeline data, draft a major gift proposal, and meet with the editorial team to align a feature story with a fundraising appeal. Afternoon could involve a strategy session on a new digital campaign and a call with a potential foundation partner.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Bash Advisory Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 8+ years of experience managing a portfolio of individual and institutional donors, preferably in journalism, veterans, or nonprofit sectors.
  • A strategic communicator who can craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including major donors, foundations, and the public.
  • A collaborative leader with experience managing a team, setting budgets, and overseeing CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, EveryAction).
  • An innovative thinker who embraces experimentation in fundraising and communications while maintaining a disciplined approach to resource allocation.

📝 Tips for Applying to Bash Advisory

1

Highlight any experience with military or veteran-related causes, as The War Horse’s mission is deeply tied to military service.

2

Showcase specific examples of how you’ve integrated development and communications strategies to drive revenue growth.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize metrics: dollars raised, donor retention rates, or campaign reach.

4

Mention familiarity with investigative journalism or narrative change work, as The War Horse values storytelling.

5

Include a brief note on how you’ve used CRM data to inform fundraising decisions.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Express genuine passion for The War Horse’s mission of accountability and improving public understanding of military service.', 'Demonstrate your ability to lead a unified strategy by citing past successes in aligning development and communications.', 'Highlight your experience in stewarding high-net-worth donors and securing major gifts.', 'Show how your leadership style fosters creativity and collaboration within a small, mission-driven team.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read several of The War Horse’s recent investigations and features to understand their storytelling style and impact.
  • → Review their annual reports and donor communications to see how they currently frame their mission.
  • → Look into their current funding sources (foundations, individuals, etc.) and any recent campaign launches.
  • → Understand the landscape of journalism nonprofits and how The War Horse differentiates itself.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you balance the need for unrestricted funding vs. restricted grants for specific projects?
2 Describe a time you turned around a struggling fundraising campaign or donor pipeline.
3 How would you measure the success of a unified development and communications strategy?
4 What’s your approach to storytelling for a niche audience like veterans and military families?
5 How do you prioritize when resources are limited, and how do you experiment with new fundraising channels?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic fundraising language without connecting it to The War Horse’s specific mission.
  • Don’t overlook the communications aspect: this role requires equal focus on storytelling, not just development.
  • Don’t propose overly ambitious plans without acknowledging resource constraints—show strategic thinking.

📅 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 Bash Advisory!

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