Application Guide

How to Apply for Major Gifts Officer {Director of Major Giving- Director level}

at All Our Kin

๐Ÿข About All Our Kin

All Our Kin is a national nonprofit that champions family child care educators, providing them with training, support, and advocacy. Working here means contributing to a proven model that has impacted over 45,000 children annually and is shaping policy for equitable child care. The organization's strength-based, high-touch approach and 25-year legacy make it a uniquely mission-driven place to grow your career.

About This Role

As the Major Gifts Officer (Director level), you will lead the strategy and execution of major gift fundraising, working closely with the Chief Development Officer. This role is pivotal in securing the resources needed to sustain and expand All Our Kin's programs, directly impacting the quality and availability of family child care. You'll be the driving force behind cultivating and stewarding high-net-worth donors, making a tangible difference in the lives of educators and children.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing prospect research, making calls or virtual meetings with potential major donors, and preparing tailored proposals. You'll also collaborate with the CDO on strategy, update donor records, and possibly attend virtual events to network with supporters. Each day is a mix of strategic planning and direct engagement, all aimed at securing transformative gifts for the organization.

๐ŸŽฏ Who All Our Kin Is Looking For

  • Proven track record of successfully closing major gifts ($25k+) in a nonprofit environment, ideally within education or social services.
  • Strategic thinker with experience developing and implementing major gift programs, including prospect research, cultivation, and solicitation.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and inspire donors, board members, and internal stakeholders.
  • Self-motivated and organized, able to work independently in a remote setting while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Passion for early childhood education and commitment to equity and social justice, aligned with All Our Kin's mission.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to All Our Kin

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific major gift fundraising results, such as dollars raised, number of donors, and growth in portfolio.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to All Our Kin's mission of supporting family child care educators, mentioning your understanding of the importance of early childhood education.

3

Given the remote nature and New York Tri-State focus, emphasize your ability to work independently and your familiarity with the region's philanthropic landscape.

4

Research recent news and initiatives from All Our Kin, and reference them in your application to show you've done your homework.

5

Proofread your application meticulouslyโ€”attention to detail is crucial in a fundraising role where you'll represent the organization to donors.

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

["Your passion for early childhood education and why All Our Kin's model resonates with you personally.", 'Your specific experience in major gifts, including examples of successful solicitations and how you built donor relationships.', "Your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in family child care, and how your skills can help advance All Our Kin's mission.", 'Your ability to work remotely and manage a major gift program autonomously, while collaborating effectively with a small team.']

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Read All Our Kin's annual reports and strategic plan to understand their impact and future goals.
  • โ†’ Look into recent news articles or press releases about their policy initiatives or expansion into new states.
  • โ†’ Explore their website to learn about their programs, such as the Family Child Care Institute and their advocacy work.
  • โ†’ Research the key funders and partners of All Our Kin to understand their donor base and philanthropic network.
Visit All Our Kin'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 major gifts strategy for All Our Kin, given its national reach and local focus?
2 Describe a time you cultivated a major donor from initial contact to a significant gift. What steps did you take?
3 How do you stay motivated and productive while working remotely? Can you give an example of a successful remote project?
4 What do you know about the family child care landscape, and why is it important to invest in these educators?
5 How would you collaborate with the CDO and other team members to ensure major gift efforts align with overall fundraising goals?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that could apply to any nonprofitโ€”make it clearly specific to All Our Kin.
  • Avoid focusing solely on your own achievements without linking them to the organization's mission and impact.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of the remote aspectโ€”ensure you address how you'll manage remote work and relationship building without in-person meetings.

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 All Our Kin!