Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Philanthropy

at RIVET

🏢 About RIVET

RIVET is a youth-powered philanthropic movement that places Gen Z at the center of giving, offering programs like the Youth Impact Fund and Social Innovator Accelerator. This remote-first startup is redefining philanthropy by leveraging the passion and creativity of young leaders, making it an inspiring place for those who want to drive systemic change.

About This Role

As Director of Philanthropy, you will build and nurture a donor community to fuel RIVET's youth-led initiatives. This role blends strategic fundraising with community building, requiring you to cultivate high-net-worth donors and design engaging experiences that turn supporters into advocates for the mission.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the CEO to discuss donor pipeline priorities, followed by a call with a family foundation prospect. Afternoon could involve designing a virtual donor appreciation event with the marketing team, then drafting personalized stewardship emails to top donors. You'll end the day reviewing donor analytics and updating CRM records.

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🎯 Who RIVET Is Looking For

  • A strategic fundraiser with a track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals and family foundations, ideally in the youth or social impact space.
  • A relationship builder who thrives on creating personalized stewardship plans and can manage a pipeline of 50+ major donors.
  • A creative program designer who can craft donor engagement events (virtual and in-person) that inspire deeper involvement and leverage donor networks.
  • A collaborative, low-ego team player who enjoys working cross-functionally with a CEO, impact team, and marketing to align fundraising with organizational goals.

📝 Tips for Applying to RIVET

1

Tailor your resume to highlight quantifiable fundraising results (e.g., 'Grew donor pipeline by 40% and closed $500K in new gifts').

2

In your cover letter, reference a specific RIVET program (e.g., Youth Impact Fund) and explain how you would engage donors around it.

3

Showcase your experience with virtual fundraising and donor events, as RIVET is remote-first and likely engages donors online.

4

Include examples of how you've activated donors to recruit others (e.g., peer-to-peer campaigns or donor-hosted events).

5

Mention any familiarity with Gen Z values or youth-led movements, as this is central to RIVET's mission.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for intergenerational philanthropy and empowering youth decision-making.', "Specific examples of how you've cultivated and closed major gifts from high-net-worth individuals or family foundations.", 'Your approach to designing donor experiences that foster community and turn donors into ambassadors.', "Why RIVET's remote, startup culture appeals to you and how you'll collaborate with a lean team."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review RIVET's website and social media to understand their current donor offerings (e.g., Leadership Council tiers).
  • → Read about the Youth Impact Fund and Social Innovator Accelerator to speak knowledgeably about their impact.
  • → Look up any media coverage or interviews with RIVET's CEO to grasp their vision and fundraising priorities.
  • → Explore how other youth-focused nonprofits (e.g., DoSomething, Global Citizen) engage donors for inspiration.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you build a donor pipeline from scratch for a relatively new organization like RIVET?
2 Describe a time you turned a disengaged donor into a major advocate. What steps did you take?
3 How would you design a virtual event that makes donors feel connected to youth leaders?
4 How do you balance the need for fundraising revenue with the organization's youth-led ethos?
5 Give an example of how you've worked with a CEO or marketing team to align fundraising messaging.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic fundraising resume without connecting your experience to youth or social impact.
  • Avoid overlooking the remote nature of the role—emphasize your ability to work independently and build relationships virtually.
  • Don't propose ideas that sideline youth voices; RIVET's core value is youth leadership, so your approach must center that.

📅 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 RIVET!

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