Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Development

at The Warming Place

🏢 About The Warming Place

The Warming Place is a lean, mission-driven nonprofit that has raised over $500,000 annually to combat homelessness on Nantucket. As a remote-first team, you'll have the autonomy to shape fundraising strategy while making a tangible impact on a vulnerable community.

About This Role

As Director of Development, you'll lead major gifts fundraising, manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, and execute a comprehensive strategy to grow revenue. Your work directly sustains shelter and support services for Nantucket residents experiencing homelessness, with a focus on cultivating long-term donor relationships.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing your donor portfolio and prioritizing outreach calls for the week. Midday, you could meet with the Executive Director to align on a cultivation strategy for a high-capacity prospect. Later, you might draft a stewardship plan for recent donors or coordinate logistics for the upcoming summer gala.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Warming Place Is Looking For

  • A fundraising professional with 3+ years of experience and a proven track record of securing $25,000+ major gifts.
  • A self-starter comfortable working in a small, evolving organization, with a hands-on approach and ability to work independently.
  • An excellent communicator who can build strong relationships with donors, board members, and the Executive Director.
  • Proficient with donor databases and standard office tools; experience with seasonal or second-home donor communities is a plus.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Warming Place

1

Quantify your major gift success: include dollar amounts raised, number of donors cultivated, and any portfolio growth metrics.

2

Tailor your resume to highlight moves management experience—show how you've identified, cultivated, solicited, and stewarded donors.

3

Mention any experience with summer galas or annual appeals, as these are key responsibilities in the role.

4

Demonstrate comfort with remote work and small teams: give examples of how you've been proactive and self-directed.

5

If you have experience with seasonal donor communities (e.g., second-home owners), make sure to highlight it prominently.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for the mission of addressing homelessness and your understanding of Nantucket's unique community dynamics.", 'Specific examples of major gift fundraising success, especially gifts of $25,000 or more.', 'Your experience working in a small, lean organization and your ability to be hands-on and self-directed.', 'Your approach to building and maintaining donor relationships, including moves management and stewardship.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review The Warming Place's website and annual reports to understand their current programs, impact, and donor base.
  • → Research Nantucket's homelessness challenges and the organization's role in the community to speak knowledgeably about the mission.
  • → Look into the summer gala—find past event details, themes, and any press coverage to understand its importance.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the Nantucket donor community, especially seasonal residents and philanthropic trends.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with major gift solicitation: walk us through a $25,000+ gift you closed.
2 How would you design a major gifts strategy for an organization that currently relies heavily on an annual appeal and gala?
3 How do you approach donor stewardship and engagement, especially with seasonal or remote donors?
4 Tell us about a time you worked with a board to strengthen donor relationships or fundraising alignment.
5 How would you prioritize fundraising activities in a small team with limited resources?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic fundraising language—be specific about major gifts and moves management, not just 'fundraising experience'.
  • Don't overlook the importance of the summer gala; treat it as a key strategic event, not just a party.
  • Don't assume a large team or big budget—emphasize your ability to work lean and be hands-on.

📅 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 Warming Place!

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