Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Development
at Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, Inc.
🏢 About Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, Inc.
Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders (FCDR) is a Christian nonprofit that goes beyond immediate disaster relief to focus on long-term home rebuilding and community restoration. What sets them apart is their integration of faith into every aspect of their work, mobilizing volunteers and partners to help families recover after catastrophic loss. Working here means being part of a mission-driven team that directly impacts lives through tangible rebuilding efforts and innovative initiatives like the ROOTS Community Land Trust.
About This Role
As Director of Development, you will lead FCDR's fundraising strategy, from cultivating major donors to building partnerships with churches, corporations, and foundations. This role is pivotal because you'll directly enable the rebuilding of homes and communities, while also supporting the launch of the ROOTS Community Land Trust—a long-term housing solution. Your work will ensure sustainable funding and expand FCDR's reach, making a lasting difference for disaster survivors.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the CEO to discuss upcoming donor visits or campaign milestones. You'll spend time reviewing donor reports, drafting personalized stewardship emails, and researching potential major donors. Afternoon calls could include a video meeting with a church partner to plan a volunteer event, followed by a strategy session with the team on the ROOTS Land Trust fundraising plan. You'll end the day updating the CRM and preparing for a virtual donor appreciation event.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, Inc. Is Looking For
- A seasoned fundraising leader with 5+ years in nonprofit development, who has a proven track record of building and managing major donor pipelines and securing six-figure gifts.
- A strategic thinker who can design and execute an annual fundraising plan, while also being hands-on with donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- A relationship-builder with excellent communication skills, experienced in forging partnerships with churches, corporations, and foundations, particularly within a Christian context.
- A mature Christian whose faith aligns with FCDR's mission, and who is comfortable integrating faith into donor conversations and organizational culture.
📝 Tips for Applying to Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, Inc.
1. In your cover letter, explicitly connect your fundraising experience to disaster recovery or faith-based missions—highlight any work with churches, Christian nonprofits, or community rebuilding.
2. Showcase specific examples of building donor pipelines and securing major gifts (include dollar amounts and outcomes) from your past roles, especially if they involved long-term stewardship.
3. Mention any experience with CRM implementation or donor tracking systems, as FCDR is looking to improve their systems.
4. Demonstrate your understanding of FCDR's unique model: they rebuild homes, not just provide aid. Reference the ROOTS Community Land Trust in your application to show you've researched their initiatives.
5. Tailor your resume to highlight leadership in fundraising strategy, not just event planning or general nonprofit work—emphasize revenue growth, donor retention, and partnership development.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
Emphasize your alignment with FCDR's Christian mission and your passion for disaster rebuilding. Highlight your experience in major donor cultivation and partnership development with churches and corporations. Show how you've successfully led fundraising plans and can help launch the ROOTS Community Land Trust. Finally, convey your ability to work remotely and manage donor relationships virtually.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → 1. Read about Fuller Center for Housing (the parent organization) and FCDR's history to understand their Christian foundation and disaster rebuilding focus.
- → 2. Explore the ROOTS Community Land Trust initiative—understand what it is, why it matters, and how it fits into FCDR's mission.
- → 3. Look at FCDR's recent news, blog posts, or annual reports to see their current projects, partnerships, and fundraising priorities.
- → 4. Research the disaster rebuilding landscape, especially in the regions FCDR serves (e.g., recent hurricanes, floods) to understand the context of their work.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1. Don't ignore the Christian faith requirement—if you're not comfortable with a faith-based mission, this role isn't for you. Avoid generic language about 'values' and instead speak authentically about your faith.
- 2. Don't present yourself as a 'generalist' fundraiser. This role needs a strategic leader; focus on your experience in major gifts, pipeline management, and partnership development.
- 3. Don't overlook the remote nature of the job. Avoid implying you need constant supervision or in-person interaction. Show examples of successful remote work and virtual donor engagement.
📅 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 Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, Inc.!