Application Guide

How to Apply for Major Gift Officer

at Catalyst for Educational Change

🏢 About Catalyst for Educational Change

Catalyst for Educational Change (CEC) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to improving student outcomes through systemic change in education. As a lean, growing organization, CEC offers a unique opportunity to directly shape its fundraising strategy and build long-term sustainability, with a collaborative culture that values authentic relationships and impact.

About This Role

As the Major Gift Officer, you will be the driving force behind CEC's next phase of fundraising growth, managing the full donor lifecycle from prospect research to stewardship. This role is impactful because you will secure major gifts ($10K+) that directly fund programs improving educational equity, while working remotely with travel for face-to-face donor meetings.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with reviewing prospect research and updating CRM notes, followed by virtual meetings with the leadership team to align on strategy. Afternoon could involve a phone call with a foundation program officer and drafting a tailored proposal, with weekly travel to meet donors in person or attend community events.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Catalyst for Educational Change Is Looking For

  • Proven track record of cultivating and closing major gifts of $10,000 or more, ideally in education or mission-driven nonprofits.
  • Skilled in building authentic, long-term relationships with corporate partners, individual donors, and foundations.
  • Comfortable with data-informed fundraising, using CRM tools to track prospects and tailor engagement strategies.
  • Self-motivated and able to work remotely, with willingness to travel for donor meetings and events.

📝 Tips for Applying to Catalyst for Educational Change

1

Highlight specific major gifts you've closed (amount and context) and how they advanced the organization's mission.

2

Showcase your experience with full donor lifecycle management, from research to stewardship, with concrete examples.

3

Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with leadership and board members, as CEC values team alignment.

4

Tailor your resume to include corporate and foundation giving experience, as the role spans multiple funding sources.

5

Mention any familiarity with education sector challenges or passion for improving student outcomes.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine passion for educational equity and CEC's mission to improve student outcomes.", 'Detail your experience in major gift fundraising, including specific dollar amounts and donor types (corporate, foundation, individual).', "Demonstrate understanding of CEC's current growth phase and how your skills can build long-term sustainability.", 'Highlight your ability to work remotely while maintaining strong donor relationships through travel and events.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review CEC's website and recent impact reports to understand their programs and current funding sources.
  • → Look into their leadership team and board members to identify potential connections or shared networks.
  • → Research their history of major gifts and any public donor lists to gauge past fundraising success.
  • → Understand the education nonprofit landscape, especially organizations focused on systemic change.
Visit Catalyst for Educational Change's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you cultivated a major donor from initial contact to a significant gift. What was your strategy?
2 How do you prioritize prospects and manage a portfolio of donors across different funding sources?
3 How would you collaborate with CEC's leadership and board to align fundraising with strategic priorities?
4 What experience do you have with data-informed fundraising and CRM tools?
5 How do you stay motivated and productive while working remotely?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying without mentioning any specific knowledge of CEC's mission or programs.
  • Focusing only on corporate giving if you lack experience with individual major donors or foundations.
  • Overlooking the travel requirement or failing to convey enthusiasm for face-to-face donor meetings.

📅 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 Catalyst for Educational Change!

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