Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Development

at National Foster Youth Institute

🏢 About National Foster Youth Institute

The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) is a non-partisan organization that uniquely centers the voices of current and former foster youth in child welfare reform. By creating leadership pipelines and fostering direct engagement with policymakers, NFYI empowers those with lived experience to drive systemic change. Working here means joining a mission-driven team at a pivotal growth moment, with the chance to expand opportunities for foster youth nationwide.

About This Role

As Director of Development, you will lead fundraising strategy to fuel NFYI's expansion and systems-level impact. This senior role involves building relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners, while managing a development team. Your work directly enables foster youth to influence policy and transform child welfare.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with your development team to review progress on grant deadlines and donor outreach. You could then meet with a major donor via video call to discuss their philanthropic interests, followed by drafting a proposal for a foundation. Afternoon might involve analyzing fundraising data to refine strategy, and ending with a call with the CEO to align on upcoming campaigns.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who National Foster Youth Institute Is Looking For

  • Proven track record in nonprofit fundraising, with at least 7-10 years of experience and a history of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
  • Deep understanding of child welfare issues and a passion for centering the voices of those with lived experience; familiarity with foster care reform is a strong plus.
  • Strong strategic thinking skills, able to design and execute a comprehensive development plan that includes major gifts, grants, events, and digital campaigns.
  • Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with experience engaging high-net-worth donors and presenting to boards or executive leadership.

📝 Tips for Applying to National Foster Youth Institute

1

Tailor your resume to highlight fundraising achievements with measurable outcomes (e.g., 'Increased annual giving by 40%' or 'Secured $500K multi-year grant').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your motivation to NFYI's mission of youth-led policy change; mention any personal or professional experience with foster care or social justice.

3

Research NFYI's current programs (e.g., Youth Leadership Academy, Policy Fellowships) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

4

If you have experience with remote work or leading distributed teams, emphasize that—since this role is remote with a preference for LA or DC.

5

Avoid generic statements; instead, demonstrate knowledge of NFYI's non-partisan approach and its focus on systems change rather than direct service.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for foster youth empowerment and alignment with NFYI's mission of 'nothing about us without us'.", "Specific fundraising successes that mirror the organization's growth stage (e.g., scaling a development program, launching a major gifts initiative).", 'Your ability to build authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, policymakers, and youth leaders.', 'Why you are excited about the remote nature of the role and how you will stay connected with the team and donors.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review NFYI's website thoroughly, especially their programs (Youth Leadership Academy, Storytelling Institute) and their policy impact stories.
  • → Read NFYI's annual reports or financial statements to understand their current funding sources and growth trajectory.
  • → Look up recent news or press releases about NFYI's advocacy efforts or partnerships with elected officials.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the child welfare policy landscape, including key legislation like the Family First Prevention Services Act.
Visit National Foster Youth Institute's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a development plan to double NFYI's revenue over the next three years?
2 Describe your experience with donor stewardship and how you build long-term relationships with major donors.
3 How do you ensure that fundraising strategies align with an organization's mission and values, especially when engaging high-net-worth donors?
4 What is your experience with grant writing and foundation relations? Can you share a successful grant proposal you led?
5 How do you approach equity in fundraising, particularly for an organization centering marginalized youth?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing too much on general fundraising experience without connecting it to NFYI's specific mission of youth-led systems change.
  • Overlooking the remote nature of the role—failing to address how you will manage a remote team or work independently.
  • Using a one-size-fits-all cover letter that doesn't mention foster youth or policy reform; NFYI looks for genuine mission alignment.

📅 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 National Foster Youth Institute!

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