Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Development

at Southeast Community Foundation

🏢 About Southeast Community Foundation

Southeast Community Foundation (SCF) is a mission-driven nonprofit that has been transforming lives in Los Angeles since 2015 through high-impact, targeted small group tutoring. Their focus on closing achievement gaps and raising student success makes them a unique and rewarding place to work for those passionate about educational equity.

About This Role

As Director of Development, you will lead all fundraising efforts to support SCF's $2M annual budget, driving major gifts, grants, events, and corporate partnerships. This role is critical to expanding SCF's impact and ensuring sustainable resources for students.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing grant deadlines and meeting with the Executive Director to align on funding priorities. You could spend the afternoon meeting with a major donor over coffee, then drafting a corporate sponsorship proposal, and end the day analyzing donor data to identify new prospects.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Southeast Community Foundation Is Looking For

  • A seasoned development professional with 5+ years of nonprofit experience, specifically in securing major gifts and grants, and a proven track record of expanding donor relationships.
  • An exceptional communicator who can craft compelling narratives and engage diverse stakeholders, from individual donors to corporate partners.
  • A strategic thinker with strong organizational skills, able to independently manage multiple projects and meet fundraising goals.
  • A passionate advocate for educational equity who is energized by SCF's mission and can inspire others to support it.

📝 Tips for Applying to Southeast Community Foundation

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific fundraising metrics, such as dollars raised, donor retention rates, or number of new major gifts secured.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to SCF's tutoring model and the LA community to show genuine interest.

3

Research SCF's current donors and past campaigns; mention how you'd leverage existing relationships or target similar foundations.

4

Prepare a sample development plan outline for the first 90 days, focusing on diversifying funding sources and building pipeline.

5

Highlight any experience with contract roles or interim leadership, as this is a contract position.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your success in raising funds for educational nonprofits, with specific examples of major gifts or grants you've secured.", "Show your understanding of SCF's unique tutoring model and how your development strategy aligns with their mission.", 'Demonstrate your ability to partner with executive leadership and board members to drive fundraising initiatives.', 'Express your enthusiasm for a contract role and your commitment to making an immediate impact within a set timeframe.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review SCF's website and annual reports to understand their funding sources, program impact, and donor recognition.
  • → Look up recent news or press releases about SCF's tutoring programs or community partnerships in LA.
  • → Identify current board members and their professional backgrounds to understand potential donor networks.
  • → Research similar tutoring organizations in LA to see how SCF differentiates itself and where funding opportunities may overlap.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a comprehensive development strategy to reach a $2M annual budget with limited existing infrastructure?
2 Describe a time you cultivated a long-term donor relationship from initial contact to major gift.
3 What experience do you have with grant writing and managing foundation relationships?
4 How would you partner with the Executive Director and Board Chair to increase SCF's visibility?
5 How do you prioritize competing fundraising activities (events, grants, major gifts) when resources are constrained?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic cover letters; failing to mention SCF's specific tutoring model or LA focus signals lack of interest.
  • Don't overlook the contract nature; be prepared to discuss your flexibility and how you'll deliver results in a limited timeframe.
  • Avoid vague statements about fundraising success; provide concrete numbers and outcomes from past roles.

📅 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 Southeast Community Foundation!

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