Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Development
at Freshwater Future
🏢 About Freshwater Future
Freshwater Future is a unique nonprofit that empowers grassroots community groups across the Great Lakes region to protect and restore local waters. By combining grantmaking, professional development, and policy advocacy, they amplify local voices to achieve systemic change—like securing $5 billion for Great Lakes restoration and passing the Great Lakes Compact. Working here means being part of a nimble, mission-driven team that directly supports over 2,000 community groups.
About This Role
The Director of Development will lead Freshwater Future's fundraising strategy to ensure sustainable growth, partnering closely with the Executive Director and Board to set ambitious revenue goals. This role is impactful because it directly funds the grants and training that enable communities to fight for clean water, from stopping invasive species to preventing water diversions. You'll be the architect of a comprehensive development plan that fuels the organization's mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the Executive Director to review progress on a major gift proposal, followed by a call with a foundation program officer to discuss a grant application. After lunch, you'd analyze donor data in your CRM to identify lapsed supporters for a re-engagement campaign, then draft a thank-you video for a recent donor event. The afternoon could include a board committee meeting to plan a virtual fundraising gala.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Freshwater Future Is Looking For
- Experienced in nonprofit fundraising with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals, ideally in environmental or community-focused organizations.
- Skilled in strategic planning and able to develop multi-year fundraising plans that balance annual needs with long-term growth.
- A collaborative leader who can partner effectively with the Executive Director, Board, and leadership team to align fundraising with organizational priorities.
- Comfortable working remotely and managing a development program with limited staff, leveraging tools like CRM systems to track donor relationships and progress.
📝 Tips for Applying to Freshwater Future
Highlight specific examples of how you've grown a fundraising program, including metrics like percentage increase in revenue or number of new major donors acquired.
Demonstrate familiarity with the Great Lakes region and water issues—mention any relevant experience with environmental or community organizing nonprofits.
In your cover letter, explain how you would adapt your fundraising approach for a small, remote team that relies on partnerships with grassroots groups.
Show your ability to work with a Board of Directors by describing a time you successfully engaged board members in fundraising activities.
Research Freshwater Future's current donors and grantors (e.g., foundations like the Joyce Foundation or individual supporters) and reference how you might build on those relationships.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your passion for clean water and community-driven solutions, aligning with Freshwater Future's mission as a catalyst for local action.", 'Detail your experience in creating and executing a comprehensive development plan that includes major gifts, grants, and annual appeals.', 'Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with leadership and board to set and achieve ambitious fundraising goals.', 'Mention any experience with remote work and managing a fundraising program with limited resources, as this role is fully remote and the team is lean.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Freshwater Future's website and annual reports to understand their current funding sources (grants, individual donors, events) and recent campaigns.
- → Read about their key policy wins, like the Great Lakes Compact and Asian carp prevention, to speak knowledgeably about their impact.
- → Look into the Great Lakes region's environmental challenges and the role of grassroots groups to show you grasp their model.
- → Check the backgrounds of the Executive Director and Board members to identify potential alignment or connections.
💬 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—failing to mention Freshwater Future's specific work with community groups or water policy will seem uninformed.
- Avoid being overly focused on large institutional grants without acknowledging the importance of individual donors and grassroots fundraising.
- Don't overlook the remote nature of the role—failing to address how you'll stay connected and productive in a distributed team can raise concerns.
📅 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 Freshwater Future!