Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Development
at Converge: Partners in Access
🏢 About Converge: Partners in Access
Converge: Partners in Access is a dynamic nonprofit founded in 2018, dedicated to expanding reproductive and sexual health care access in the deep South. As a Title X grantee in Mississippi and Tennessee, they operate innovative programs like the Get Personal telehealth service and a brick-and-mortar clinic, with strong backing from major funders like Packard Foundation and Pivotal Ventures. This is a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven organization with stable funding and a clear vision, where your work directly impacts health equity in underserved communities.
About This Role
As the Director of Development, you will build and lead a comprehensive development program from the ground up, diversifying revenue streams beyond government funding. This role is pivotal in securing long-term sustainability through foundation relations, major gifts, and new donor engagement, directly enabling Converge to expand its services and advocacy. You'll have the strategic freedom to shape the fundraising culture and make a lasting impact on reproductive health access in the region.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with your team or a call with a foundation program officer about a proposal. You might spend time analyzing fundraising data, drafting a major gift appeal, or meeting with board members to discuss strategy. Afternoons could involve donor outreach, planning a virtual cultivation event, or researching new funding opportunities, all while balancing the strategic needs of the organization.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Converge: Partners in Access Is Looking For
- Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from foundations, individuals, or corporations.
- Strategic thinker who can create and execute a multi-year development plan, balancing immediate revenue goals with long-term relationship building.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to inspire donors, board members, and staff while representing the organization's mission with authenticity.
- Knowledge of or strong interest in reproductive health, sexual health, or social justice issues, with the ability to navigate sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism.
📝 Tips for Applying to Converge: Partners in Access
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any experience with reproductive health, family planning, or healthcare access, even if it's tangential.
Quantify your fundraising successes (e.g., 'grew major gifts program by 40%' or 'secured $2M in foundation grants') to demonstrate tangible impact.
Research Converge's existing funders (Packard, Schusterman, Pivotal Ventures) and mention how you'd build on these relationships in your cover letter.
Showcase your ability to work remotely and independently, as this is a fully remote role; include examples of managing virtual teams or projects.
Be prepared to discuss your approach to development in the context of a politically sensitive issue like reproductive rights, showing you're both passionate and strategic.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for reproductive and sexual health access, and why Converge's mission resonates with you personally.", 'Your experience in development strategy, specifically in building or scaling fundraising programs, with concrete examples of success.', 'Your understanding of the funding landscape for reproductive health, including familiarity with major foundations and trends in philanthropy.', 'Your ability to work collaboratively with government agencies, healthcare providers, and community partners, as Converge does.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read about Converge's history, mission, and recent news, including the opening of the Jackson clinic and the Get Personal program.
- → Look into their existing funders and any recent grants or partnerships mentioned on their website or in press releases.
- → Understand the Title X program and its impact on family planning services in Mississippi and Tennessee, as well as current challenges.
- → Check out their social media and blog to get a sense of their voice and priorities, and see if they've published any development-related content.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Converge or the specific role—they're looking for genuine interest and alignment.
- Avoid focusing only on your own career goals; instead, emphasize how your skills can advance Converge's mission and growth.
- Don't overlook the importance of remote work skills; ensure you highlight your ability to be self-motivated and communicate effectively in a virtual setting.
📅 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 Converge: Partners in Access!