Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Digital Fundraising & Advocacy

at Earthjustice

🏢 About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is a nonprofit environmental law organization that uses the power of the legal system to protect the environment and combat climate change. With a track record of over 1,000 legal victories, they are a leading force in environmental advocacy. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that values innovation, collaboration, and impact.

About This Role

As Director of Digital Fundraising & Advocacy, you will lead the strategy and execution of all digital channels (email, SMS, web, ads) to drive revenue and grow the supporter base. You will manage a team of 8, collaborate with communications and development teams, and ensure campaigns align with Earthjustice's legal and advocacy priorities. This role is critical to funding the organization's legal battles and mobilizing supporters for environmental action.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up meeting with your digital team to review campaign performance and priorities. You'll then meet with the Development and Communications teams to align on upcoming fundraising appeals and advocacy actions. In the afternoon, you might analyze campaign data, review creative assets for an email blast, and mentor a direct report on optimizing a SMS fundraising drive.

🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • Has 10+ years of experience in digital fundraising and advocacy for mission-driven nonprofits, with a proven track record of high-volume campaigns that drive revenue and advocacy outcomes.
  • Possesses 7+ years of leadership experience managing teams and departments, with the ability to mentor and develop staff across digital fundraising and advocacy functions.
  • Excels at translating complex environmental and legal issues into compelling, action-oriented digital communications that resonate with diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrates strong project management skills, capable of juggling multiple deadlines and collaborating across departments (Communications, Development, Program) to align campaigns with organizational goals.

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Highlight specific examples of digital campaigns you've led that resulted in measurable revenue growth or advocacy wins, preferably for environmental or social justice causes.

2

Showcase your leadership experience by detailing how you've built, managed, and developed teams of at least 5-8 people, including cross-functional collaboration.

3

Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your ability to integrate fundraising and advocacy strategies, not just one or the other.

4

Mention any experience with Earthjustice's target audiences (e.g., environmentalists, young donors, legal supporters) or tools (e.g., ActionKit, EveryAction, Salesforce).

5

Include metrics! Use numbers to demonstrate the scale and impact of your campaigns (e.g., 'Grew email list by 50% and raised $2M in one year').

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express passion for Earthjustice's mission and understanding of their unique legal approach to environmental change.", 'Demonstrate your ability to lead integrated digital strategies that balance fundraising and advocacy goals, with concrete examples.', 'Highlight your experience managing teams and collaborating with multiple departments to drive alignment and results.', 'Show that you can translate complex environmental issues into compelling digital content that inspires action and donations.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review Earthjustice's current website, email sign-up flows, and donation pages to understand their digital presence and user experience.
  • Read about their recent high-profile cases (e.g., climate change, clean energy, public lands) to see how they frame issues for supporters.
  • Check their annual report and financials to understand their revenue mix and fundraising priorities.
  • Follow Earthjustice on social media and sign up for their email list to experience their digital communications firsthand.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a digital strategy that balances fundraising and advocacy goals, especially during a major legal campaign?
2 Describe a time you led a team through a significant digital campaign. What was the outcome and how did you manage team dynamics?
3 How do you stay current with digital trends (e.g., SMS, peer-to-peer, AI) and integrate them into a nonprofit's strategy?
4 Earthjustice often tackles complex legal issues. How would you simplify these for digital audiences without losing accuracy?
5 How would you measure success for a multi-channel campaign that includes both fundraising and advocacy metrics?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application. Tailor every part to Earthjustice's mission and this specific role.
  • Avoid focusing only on fundraising without showing equal expertise in advocacy and engagement.
  • Don't overlook the leadership aspect. Provide clear examples of team management and cross-departmental collaboration.

📅 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 Earthjustice!