Application Guide

How to Apply for Institutional Giving Director

at Outward Bound USA

🏢 About Outward Bound USA

Outward Bound USA is a national nonprofit that has spent over 60 years transforming lives through challenge and adventure in the outdoors. As the umbrella organization for Outward Bound programs across the country, it uniquely blends youth development with experiential education, reaching diverse communities and fostering resilience. Working here means contributing to a legacy of growth and access for young people nationwide.

About This Role

As Institutional Giving Director, you will lead the charge in securing $1M+ annually from foundations and corporations, directly fueling life-changing outdoor experiences for youth. You'll own the full fundraising cycle—from identifying new prospects to crafting compelling proposals and stewarding donors—making your work tangible in every student's journey. This role is pivotal in expanding Outward Bound's reach and ensuring financial sustainability.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with reviewing a foundation's new RFP and brainstorming alignment with Outward Bound's programs. Mid-morning, you'd hop on a call with a program manager to gather impact data for a report due next week. After lunch, you'd draft a LOI for a corporate sponsor while updating Salesforce with meeting notes and next steps. You might end the day preparing for a stewardship call with a long-time foundation partner, reviewing their giving history and recent program updates.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Outward Bound USA Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from foundations and corporations, demonstrating ability to close complex institutional funding.
  • 5+ years of grant writing and institutional fundraising experience, with clear accountability for revenue results and a portfolio of successful solicitations.
  • Proficient in Salesforce or similar CRM, with disciplined habits for maintaining clean pipeline data, activity tracking, and relationship notes.
  • Skilled at translating program data and stories into persuasive narratives, with experience developing budgets and metrics in collaboration with program and finance teams.

📝 Tips for Applying to Outward Bound USA

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific dollar amounts and close rates from foundation and corporate gifts, not just general fundraising experience.

2

In your cover letter, mention a specific Outward Bound program (e.g., urban youth expeditions) and how your funding strategy could amplify its impact.

3

Demonstrate Salesforce proficiency by including examples of how you've used CRM data to drive pipeline decisions or stewardship.

4

Research current foundation partners listed on Outward Bound's website and reference how you'd strengthen those relationships.

5

Prepare a one-page 'funding opportunity memo' for a hypothetical new corporate partner to show strategic thinking.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience securing major gifts from foundations and corporations, with concrete examples of revenue achieved.', 'Show your ability to collaborate across departments—cite examples of working with program or finance teams to align funding with organizational goals.', "Highlight your storytelling skills by describing how you've turned program outcomes into compelling cases for support.", "Express genuine passion for Outward Bound's mission and outdoor education, linking it to your personal or professional values."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Outward Bound USA's website to understand their core programs (e.g., expeditions, urban centers) and recent impact reports.
  • → Review their current funder list (often in annual reports) to identify gaps or opportunities for new institutional support.
  • → Read about the 'Outward Bound' educational philosophy and how it differs from other youth development programs.
  • → Check news articles or press releases for recent partnerships or initiatives that could inform your funding strategy.
Visit Outward Bound USA's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would develop a cultivation strategy for a new foundation prospect from research to solicitation.
2 Describe a time you had to pivot a proposal after receiving negative feedback from a funder; how did you adapt?
3 How would you engage program staff to gather compelling stories and data for a grant report?
4 Outward Bound serves diverse youth; how would you ensure your funding proposals reflect equity and inclusion?
5 Given the $1M goal, how would you prioritize your portfolio and manage your time across cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic cover letters that don't reference Outward Bound's specific programs or mission—show you've done your homework.
  • Don't overstate your Salesforce skills if you're not proficient; be honest and mention willingness to learn if needed.
  • Steer clear of vague revenue claims—always back up your track record with specific figures and examples.

📅 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 Outward Bound USA!

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