Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Development
at The Peggy Browning Fund
🏢 About The Peggy Browning Fund
The Peggy Browning Fund is unique as a nonprofit specifically dedicated to cultivating the next generation of labor lawyers and advocates for workplace justice. Unlike general legal nonprofits, it focuses exclusively on law students through fellowships, a national conference, and networking, directly shaping the future of the labor movement. Someone would want to work here to combine development expertise with a passion for workers' rights and have a tangible impact on legal education and advocacy.
About This Role
This role involves overseeing all fundraising efforts for PBF, including managing the Leadership Circle, annual campaigns, and high-level donor portfolios, while also coordinating key events like the Awards Reception and development aspects of the National Conference. It's impactful because you'll directly fund programs that place law students in labor-focused fellowships and host the premier national gathering for workers' rights in legal education, ensuring the organization's mission thrives.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve managing donor communications and portfolios in Raiser's Edge NXT, planning logistics for an upcoming Awards Reception, and collaborating with the Executive Director on annual campaign strategies. You could also be developing social media content for a fundraising drive or researching potential major gifts to support the National Conference, all while ensuring alignment with PBF's mission of advancing workplace justice.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Peggy Browning Fund Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of nonprofit development experience with proven success in managing giving programs (like Leadership Circles) and running campaigns, ideally in labor, legal, or social justice sectors.
- Demonstrates deep passion for workers' rights and the labor movement, with knowledge of key issues, organizations, or history that aligns with PBF's mission.
- Is proficient in Raiser's Edge NXT and Microsoft Office, with hands-on experience in event management (small to large, like receptions or conferences) and integrating social media into fundraising.
- Possesses strong collaboration skills to work with the Executive Director and Board, plus creativity to initiate new strategies like a planned giving system or major gifts program.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Peggy Browning Fund
Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with Raiser's Edge NXT, event coordination (mention events similar to the Awards Reception or conferences), and campaign management, using metrics like funds raised or donor growth.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your passion for workers' rights to PBF's mission—mention their fellowship programs or the National Conference to show you've researched their impact.
Provide examples of how you've used social media or media relations in past development campaigns, as this is a stated requirement for the role.
If you have CFRE certification or a related bachelor's degree, emphasize it early in your application, as it's a required qualification.
Avoid generic development language; instead, use terms like 'donor stewardship,' 'portfolio management,' and 'planned giving' from the job description to show alignment.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express genuine passion for PBF's mission of empowering law students for workplace justice, citing specific programs like the summer fellowships or National Conference.", 'Detail your experience with development strategies mentioned in the job, such as managing Leadership Circles, running annual campaigns, or initiating planned giving systems.', "Highlight your event management skills, especially for receptions or conferences, and how they've supported fundraising goals.", "Mention your proficiency with Raiser's Edge NXT and how it has aided in donor management or campaign tracking in past roles."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore PBF's website to understand their summer fellowship programs, past Award Reception details, and the National Conference—note key partners or sponsors.
- → Look into the labor movement's current trends and major organizations to align your knowledge with PBF's mission, as strong understanding is required.
- → Review PBF's annual reports or news sections to identify their fundraising priorities, donor base, and any recent campaigns or events.
- → Investigate the nonprofit's leadership, including the Executive Director and Board members, to understand their backgrounds and potential collaboration points.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention PBF's specific programs or mission related to workers' rights and law students.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of experience with Raiser's Edge NXT, event management, or campaign coordination as outlined in the requirements.
- Overlooking the importance of the labor movement in your application—not demonstrating knowledge or passion for workers' rights issues.
📅 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 The Peggy Browning Fund!