Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Development - The POGIL Project - (Part-time, Hybrid or Remote)

at The POGIL Project

🏢 About The POGIL Project

The POGIL Project is a national nonprofit at the forefront of transforming STEM education through student-centered learning. With a network of passionate educators and a proven pedagogical approach, it offers a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change in teaching and learning. Working here means joining a mission-driven community that values collaboration, innovation, and impact.

About This Role

As Director of Development, you will lead fundraising strategy and execution for a growing nonprofit, focusing on individual giving and donor engagement. This part-time role allows you to shape the organization's development efforts, from annual campaigns to major gifts, directly supporting educators and students nationwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by reviewing donor reports and updating the CRM with new interactions. Mid-morning, you could draft a year-end appeal email and then have a virtual meeting with a board member to strategize on a major donor prospect. Afternoon might involve researching new potential donors and preparing stewardship materials for a thank-you call.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who The POGIL Project Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 3+ years of experience in development, donor relations, or nonprofit management, preferably in education or mission-driven organizations.
  • Excellent writer and communicator who can craft compelling appeals, stewardship materials, and donor correspondence that resonate with educators and supporters.
  • Relationship-builder who enjoys connecting with individuals, from board members to classroom teachers, and can authentically articulate the impact of POGIL.
  • Detail-oriented and tech-savvy, with experience using donor databases (Bloomerang preferred) to track interactions, segment audiences, and report on progress.

📝 Tips for Applying to The POGIL Project

1

Highlight any experience with annual giving campaigns, especially year-end appeals or Giving Tuesday, as these are key responsibilities.

2

If you have experience with Lancaster ExtraGive or similar local giving days, mention it explicitly—it's a specific event mentioned in the job description.

3

Demonstrate your familiarity with POGIL methodology: mention it in your cover letter or resume to show you understand the organization's core work.

4

Provide concrete examples of how you've cultivated major donors or increased donor retention in past roles, using numbers if possible.

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize donor database proficiency; if you've used Bloomerang, state it clearly. If not, highlight transferable CRM skills.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine passion for transforming education and student-centered learning, aligning with POGIL's mission.", 'Detail specific fundraising successes, such as campaign growth, donor retention rates, or major gift closures, with metrics.', 'Show understanding of the part-time nature and your ability to manage priorities effectively within a flexible schedule.', 'Mention your comfort with remote collaboration and your ability to build relationships virtually with donors and board members.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore the POGIL website to understand their pedagogical approach, resources, and professional development programs.
  • → Read recent news or blog posts about POGIL's impact, especially any reports on student outcomes or teacher testimonials.
  • → Familiarize yourself with Lancaster ExtraGive (sponsored by the Lancaster County Community Foundation) to understand the local giving context.
  • → Review the current board of directors and any recent annual reports to understand the organization's culture and strategic priorities.
Visit The POGIL Project's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach the Lancaster ExtraGive campaign to maximize participation and donations?
2 Describe your process for identifying and cultivating a major gift prospect from initial contact to solicitation.
3 How would you work with board members to leverage their networks for fundraising?
4 What strategies have you used to increase donor retention in annual giving programs?
5 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple campaigns and a portfolio of donors in a part-time role?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention POGIL or student-centered learning—it shows lack of research.
  • Avoid downplaying the part-time nature; instead, emphasize how you'll maximize productivity and impact within limited hours.
  • Don't overlook the importance of donor database skills—if you lack experience, proactively describe how you'll quickly learn Bloomerang or similar systems.

📅 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 The POGIL Project!

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