Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Grants & Institutional Partnerships

at ReSurge International

🏢 About ReSurge International

ReSurge International is a leading global health organization that provides reconstructive surgical care and training to underserved communities in low- and middle-income countries. By focusing on building local surgical capacity, they create lasting impact, making it a unique place for professionals who want to drive systemic change in global health.

About This Role

This role is pivotal in securing the institutional funding that powers ReSurge's surgical training programs. You'll not only steward existing funder relationships but also craft compelling proposals that translate complex programmatic work into impactful narratives, directly enabling the organization to expand its reach and save lives.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve drafting a letter of inquiry for a foundation while also preparing a report for a corporate partner, then jumping on a call with a program officer to discuss a potential renewal. You might also collaborate with the finance team to align budget narratives for a proposal, and later review a program's monitoring data to strengthen a stewardship report.

🎯 Who ReSurge International Is Looking For

  • A seasoned grants professional with 7+ years of experience in institutional fundraising, specifically with foundations and corporations.
  • An exceptional writer who can distill complex medical and programmatic details into clear, persuasive proposals and reports.
  • A strategic relationship manager who can cultivate and steward funders, understanding their priorities and building long-term partnerships.
  • A collaborative team player who can work cross-functionally with programs, finance, and communications to gather data and craft cohesive narratives.

📝 Tips for Applying to ReSurge International

1

Highlight specific examples of grants you've secured from foundations or corporations, including dollar amounts and the cultivation process.

2

Demonstrate your understanding of global health or international development by mentioning any relevant experience or coursework.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize both strategic portfolio management and hands-on writing, as this role requires both.

4

In your cover letter, express genuine passion for ReSurge's mission and mention their focus on surgical capacity building as a unique approach.

5

Research ReSurge's recent grants and partnerships (via their website or annual report) and reference them in your application to show you've done your homework.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience in writing successful grant proposals for international health or development programs.', 'Your ability to build and manage relationships with institutional funders, leading to multi-year support.', 'Your knack for translating complex data and program outcomes into compelling stories for diverse audiences.', "Your enthusiasm for ReSurge's specific model of training local surgeons and building sustainable surgical capacity."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review ReSurge's website thoroughly, especially their 'Our Work' and 'Impact' sections, to understand their programs and metrics.
  • Look at their recent annual report and financial statements to see their funding sources and priorities.
  • Search for news articles or interviews featuring ReSurge's leadership to get a sense of their strategic direction.
  • Check their social media channels to see recent updates and the tone of their communications.
Visit ReSurge International's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you turned a challenging funder rejection into a successful re-engagement.
2 How do you prioritize competing deadlines when multiple grant reports and proposals are due simultaneously?
3 How would you approach a foundation that has never funded surgical programs? What data would you use to make the case?
4 Give an example of how you've worked with program staff to gather information for a proposal when they were busy with implementation.
5 What strategies do you use to stay informed about trends in global health philanthropy and adapt your approach?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't mention ReSurge's specific mission or programs.
  • Focusing only on your grant writing skills without showing strategic thinking or relationship management experience.
  • Not providing concrete examples of successful grants you've secured, including the size and scope of the awards.

📅 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 ReSurge International!