Application Guide

How to Apply for Executive Director

at Amigos Hospitalito Atitlan

๐Ÿข About Amigos Hospitalito Atitlan

Amigos Hospitalito Atitlan (AHA) is a US-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting a community hospital in Guatemala that serves an indigenous Tz'utujil Maya population. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on global health equity while working with a passionate, all-volunteer board during a pivotal growth phase.

About This Role

As the first full-time Executive Director, you will build and implement fundraising strategies to grow the donor base and deepen relationships, while also establishing systems and best practices. You'll serve as a bridge between US supporters and on-site Guatemalan colleagues, ensuring the hospital can continue providing lifesaving care.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing donor reports and crafting personalized thank-you emails, followed by a video call with the board to discuss strategic initiatives. You might spend time researching potential grant opportunities, then connect with colleagues in Guatemala to assess needs and align fundraising efforts. Evenings could be reserved for virtual donor cultivation events or writing impact stories for newsletters.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Amigos Hospitalito Atitlan Is Looking For

  • Experienced nonprofit leader with a proven track record in fundraising, particularly in individual and institutional giving.
  • Self-directed and autonomous, comfortable working as the sole full-time staff member and managing a wide range of responsibilities.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, able to connect with diverse stakeholders from US donors to Guatemalan partners.
  • Culturally competent and sensitive to the nuances of working with indigenous communities and international partners.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Amigos Hospitalito Atitlan

1

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific fundraising achievements, such as growth in donor base or revenue, with concrete numbers.

2

Research AHA and Hospitalito Atitlan thoroughly, and mention specific aspects in your application to show genuine interest.

3

Since you'll work with an all-volunteer board, emphasize your experience collaborating with boards and leveraging volunteer support.

4

In your cover letter, address the unique challenge of being the first full-time hireโ€”show how you can build systems from scratch.

5

Highlight any experience with international development or healthcare nonprofits, and your ability to navigate cross-cultural communication.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Express passion for the mission of providing healthcare to underserved communities, especially indigenous populations.', 'Demonstrate your ability to work autonomously and take initiative, given the remote and solo nature of the role.', 'Showcase your fundraising expertise and how you can grow revenue for a small nonprofit.', "Mention your appreciation for the organization's stage of growth and your excitement to build foundational systems."]

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Learn about the Hospitalito Atitlan's history, its current services, and its impact on the community.
  • โ†’ Understand AHA's current fundraising efforts, donor base, and any recent campaigns or events.
  • โ†’ Research the Tz'utujil Maya culture and the healthcare challenges in rural Guatemala.
  • โ†’ Review the board members' backgrounds and their involvement in AHA to understand the organizational culture.
Visit Amigos Hospitalito Atitlan's Website โ†’

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach developing a fundraising strategy for a small nonprofit with limited resources?
2 Describe your experience working with a board of directors. How do you ensure alignment and communication?
3 What strategies would you use to build relationships with donors remotely and maintain engagement?
4 How do you handle cultural differences and ensure respectful collaboration with partners in Guatemala?
5 Can you share an example of a time you established new processes or systems in an organization?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid a generic cover letter that doesn't reference AHA or Hospitalito Atitlan specifically.
  • Don't downplay the importance of cultural sensitivity; this is critical for the role.
  • Avoid focusing solely on fundraising without acknowledging the need for operational and systems-building work.

๐Ÿ“… 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

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Amigos Hospitalito Atitlan!