Application Guide

How to Apply for Donor Relations Manager/Senior Manager

at Palestine Legal

🏢 About Palestine Legal

Palestine Legal is a unique organization dedicated to defending the civil rights of activists advocating for Palestinian freedom in the U.S., specifically challenging legal bullying and harassment tactics. Unlike traditional legal nonprofits, they focus exclusively on protecting free speech around Palestinian advocacy, making them a critical support system for the solidarity movement. Working here means directly contributing to protecting constitutional rights in a politically charged space.

About This Role

This Donor Relations Manager/Senior Manager leads all major donor relationships and strategies for Palestine Legal, managing the largest portfolio of high-value supporters. The role involves designing and executing donor engagement from prospecting to stewardship, including donor briefings and events, to secure sustainable funding for their legal defense work. This position is impactful because it directly fuels the organization's ability to defend activists against legal intimidation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing donor portfolio data in the CRM to identify cultivation opportunities, preparing for donor calls by researching their giving history and interests in Palestinian rights, and coordinating with legal staff to develop compelling updates for major donors. You might also draft personalized outreach for upcoming donor briefings and strategize on expanding the recurring donor program between major campaigns.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Palestine Legal Is Looking For

  • Has 5-8+ years of fundraising experience specifically with major donors in social justice or legal advocacy nonprofits, with proven ability to cultivate six-figure gifts
  • Demonstrates genuine commitment to Palestinian rights through previous work, volunteerism, or detailed knowledge of the U.S. Palestine solidarity movement
  • Possesses exceptional relationship-building skills with diverse, intergenerational donors who may have varying perspectives on Middle East politics
  • Is highly proficient with fundraising CRMs and data analysis tools to manage donor portfolios and track engagement metrics effectively

📝 Tips for Applying to Palestine Legal

1

Explicitly mention your experience with major donors in social justice contexts, quantifying gift sizes and retention rates if possible

2

Demonstrate specific knowledge of Palestine Legal's recent cases or campaigns in your materials to show genuine engagement with their mission

3

Highlight experience with donor events like house parties or briefings for activist communities, not just traditional galas

4

Show familiarity with fundraising in politically sensitive environments and how you've navigated donor concerns in controversial causes

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize both relationship management AND technical skills with CRMs/donor databases relevant to nonprofit fundraising

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your personal connection to or understanding of Palestinian rights advocacy and why it aligns with your values', "Specific examples of major donor strategies you've developed and implemented, particularly for social justice organizations", "How you've used fundraising tech tools (CRMs, Excel) to manage donor portfolios and improve engagement", 'Your approach to building relationships with diverse stakeholders across different generations and backgrounds']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Palestine Legal's recent annual reports and donor communications to understand their current funding priorities and donor base
  • → Study specific cases they've litigated (like campus free speech cases or defending BDS activists) to understand their legal strategies
  • → Research the broader U.S. Palestine solidarity movement landscape to understand their position within it
  • → Look into their leadership team and board members to understand organizational culture and priorities
Visit Palestine Legal's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a major donor strategy for an organization working on a politically controversial issue like Palestinian rights?
2 Describe your experience managing donor relationships through periods of increased public scrutiny or controversy
3 What metrics do you track to measure donor engagement success, and how do you use CRM data to inform strategy?
4 How would you design a donor briefing about Palestine Legal's recent legal victories for supporters with varying levels of Middle East knowledge?
5 Tell us about a time you successfully upgraded a donor's giving level and what relationship-building techniques you used
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic fundraising language without connecting it to social justice or Palestinian rights specifically
  • Failing to demonstrate concrete knowledge of Palestine Legal's work beyond their mission statement
  • Emphasizing corporate fundraising experience without showing how it translates to activist donor communities

📅 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 Palestine Legal!

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