Application Guide

How to Apply for MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT-(Development, fundraising, partnerships)

at The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership

🏢 About The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership

The Chisholm Legacy Project is unique as a dedicated resource hub specifically for Black frontline climate justice leadership, focusing on systems change through regenerative, cooperative, and democratic approaches rather than traditional environmentalism. Working here means directly supporting Black communities on the frontlines of climate impacts while advancing equity-centered solutions that transform extractive systems into living economies.

About This Role

This Managing Director role involves designing and implementing a comprehensive multi-year development and communications strategy that aligns with the organization's values while leading fundraising efforts to secure multi-million-dollar resources. The position is impactful because it directly enables the organization's mission by diversifying funding and amplifying Black frontline voices through strategic communications and team leadership.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve strategizing with the executive team on funding opportunities aligned with Black frontline climate justice, reviewing communications materials to ensure they center community voices, and mentoring development staff on values-aligned fundraising approaches. This could include drafting grant narratives that connect regenerative economics with racial equity while identifying partnership opportunities with aligned organizations.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership Is Looking For

  • Has 15+ years in nonprofit development with 5+ years in senior leadership, specifically with experience securing funding for organizations focused on racial justice, climate justice, or Black-led movements
  • Demonstrates proven success in achieving multi-million-dollar fundraising goals through diverse revenue streams (grants, major gifts, partnerships) for values-aligned organizations
  • Possesses exceptional narrative-building skills with portfolio examples of speeches, op-eds, or grant proposals that center Black communities and systems change
  • Shows experience leading communications strategies that amplify marginalized voices while maintaining organizational values across all platforms

📝 Tips for Applying to The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership

1

Quantify your fundraising achievements specifically for racial justice, climate justice, or Black-led organizations—mention dollar amounts raised and portfolio diversification

2

Include writing samples that demonstrate your ability to center Black frontline communities in narratives (grant proposals, speeches, or op-eds about climate justice)

3

Explicitly connect your development strategy experience to systems change and regenerative economics in your resume summary

4

Highlight any experience with remote team leadership in justice-focused organizations

5

Reference specific Chisholm Legacy Project initiatives or values in your application materials to show genuine alignment

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience designing development strategies for Black-led or racial justice organizations', "Examples of how you've successfully diversified funding portfolios while maintaining values alignment", 'Your approach to mentoring teams in inclusive, justice-centered workplaces', 'How your communications experience centers marginalized voices in climate narratives']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → The organization's specific programs supporting Black frontline climate justice leaders
  • → Their public communications and values alignment in current messaging
  • → Key partners and funders mentioned in their materials or annual reports
  • → The 'living economy' and 'regenerative systems' frameworks referenced in their mission
Visit The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a 3-year development strategy that aligns with the organization's focus on transitioning from extractivism to regenerative systems?
2 Describe your experience fundraising for Black-led climate justice initiatives and how you would identify aligned funders for this specific mission
3 How would you ensure communications consistently center Black frontline communities while advancing systems change messaging?
4 What's your approach to mentoring a remote team working on emotionally demanding justice issues?
5 Share a specific example of a grant proposal or campaign you led that successfully amplified marginalized voices
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic environmental fundraising examples without racial justice or Black community focus
  • Proposing traditional nonprofit development approaches without addressing systems change or extractivism
  • Failing to demonstrate specific experience with multi-million-dollar budgets for justice-focused organizations

📅 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 The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership!

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