Application Guide

How to Apply for Major Gifts Officer

at CodeAI

🏢 About CodeAI

CodeAI is a mission-driven nonprofit making AI and computer science education accessible to every K-12 student, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups. As the organizer of the Hour of AI campaign, they've already engaged over 15% of students worldwide, and their unifying approach brings together diverse stakeholders in a divided world. Working here means being part of a global movement with tangible impact.

About This Role

As the Major Gifts Officer, you'll be the driving force behind building a new pipeline of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individual donors, transforming relationships into major gifts that fuel CodeAI's expansion. This is a pivotal role in scaling the organization's impact, directly enabling more students to access AI and CS education.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with virtual meetings with prospects or donors, followed by research on new potential donors and crafting personalized outreach. Afternoons could involve preparing proposals, coordinating with the team on fundraising campaigns, and updating your CRM, with some travel for in-person meetings when possible.

🎯 Who CodeAI Is Looking For

  • Proven track record of securing 6-figure+ gifts from individual donors, with experience in building a net-new pipeline from scratch.
  • Deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, especially in the education or technology sectors, and ability to connect with donors' passions.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and communicate a compelling vision.
  • Self-starter who thrives in a remote environment, with strong organizational skills and ability to manage a portfolio of prospects.

📝 Tips for Applying to CodeAI

1

Quantify your fundraising achievements in your resume, e.g., 'Secured $2M in major gifts within first year' to show immediate impact.

2

Tailor your cover letter to explicitly mention CodeAI's mission and the Hour of AI campaign, showing you've done your homework.

3

Highlight any experience with education or technology-related causes, and your ability to connect with donors who care about AI and CS education.

4

Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote setting, maybe by mentioning specific tools you use (CRM, virtual meeting platforms).

5

In your application, propose a brief strategy for how you'd approach building the major gifts pipeline, demonstrating your proactive thinking.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for the mission of bringing AI and CS education to all students, and why you're personally invested.", "Specific examples of how you've successfully built relationships with high-net-worth donors, including how you identified, cultivated, and closed.", 'Your understanding of the unique opportunity to engage donors in a unifying cause, and your ability to appeal to diverse political perspectives.', "Your vision for how you'd grow the major gifts program at CodeAI, showing strategic thinking and alignment with the organization's goals."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review CodeAI's website, especially their mission, programs, and impact statistics, to understand their approach to AI education.
  • Look up recent news about CodeAI, including the Hour of AI campaign, to stay updated on their latest initiatives and successes.
  • Research the K-12 AI education landscape and key competitors to understand CodeAI's unique position and how to position it to donors.
  • Learn about the backgrounds of CodeAI's leadership team and existing board members to understand their values and connections.
Visit CodeAI's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you source and identify potential major donors for CodeAI, given that the pipeline is net-new?
2 Describe a time you turned a cold lead into a major gift. What steps did you take?
3 How do you tailor your pitch to donors with different values and political views, while staying true to the mission?
4 What experience do you have with fundraising in the education or technology sectors, and how does that relate to this role?
5 How would you work with the rest of the team to ensure donor stewardship and long-term engagement?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention CodeAI specifically; this will immediately show lack of interest.
  • Avoid focusing solely on your past achievements without connecting them to the impact you can make at CodeAI.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of the mission; this is a nonprofit, and your motivation must be authentic, not just about money.

📅 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 CodeAI!