How to apply for Operations & Development Consultant (Independent Contractor, Remote)

About American Diabetes Society

The American Diabetes Society is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that challenges conventional diabetes management by championing evidence-based carbohydrate restriction and ketogenic nutrition as tools for glycemic control and type 2 diabetes reversal. Unlike mainstream diabetes organizations, ADS explicitly promotes low-carb approaches, making it a unique player in the diabetes advocacy space. Working here means contributing to a mission that could reshape how diabetes is prevented and managed across the U.S.

About the role

As an independent contractor, you'll provide operations and development consulting for a fixed 90-day term, averaging 10-12 hours per week. Your work will likely involve building fundraising infrastructure, streamlining operations, and supporting the President in advancing ADS's mission. This role is impactful because you'll help scale a lean nonprofit that's pushing a controversial but evidence-based nutritional approach, directly influencing its ability to raise funds and expand programs.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing donor pipelines, drafting grant proposals, and optimizing internal processes for the American Diabetes Society. You'll likely have a weekly check-in with the President to align on priorities, then spend the rest of your time executing independently—whether that's researching potential funders, refining operational workflows, or preparing reports. The work is flexible but requires disciplined time management to stay within the 10-12 hour weekly commitment.

Who American Diabetes Society is looking for

• Proven experience in nonprofit operations and fundraising, ideally with small or startup nonprofits where you've had to wear multiple hats.
• Familiarity with low-carbohydrate or ketogenic nutrition and a genuine belief in its role in diabetes management—ADS is mission-driven, not neutral.
• Self-directed and comfortable working remotely with minimal supervision, able to set your own schedule and deliver against agreed milestones.
• Strong proposal-writing skills, as this engagement is awarded via a competitive RFP process, and you'll need to clearly articulate your approach and deliverables.

Tips for this application

• Submit a formal proposal, not just a resume—this is a Call for Proposals, so structure your response as a professional services pitch with scope, timeline, and deliverables.
• Explicitly state your understanding that this is an independent contractor role with no employee benefits, and confirm your ability to work 10-12 hours per week for a fixed 90-day term.
• Demonstrate familiarity with ADS's low-carb/ketogenic stance in your proposal—show you've read their materials and align with their approach, as this is a core part of their identity.
• Use the subject line exactly as specified: 'Operations and Development Proposal' and send to [email protected].
• Highlight any prior experience with diabetes, metabolic health, or nutrition-focused nonprofits, as this will set you apart from generalist consultants.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific approach to operations and development for a small, mission-driven nonprofit, including examples of past successes.', 'Why you are passionate about carbohydrate restriction and its potential to reverse type 2 diabetes—ADS wants a consultant who believes in their cause.', 'How you will manage the 10-12 hour weekly commitment efficiently and deliver measurable results within 90 days.', 'Your ability to work independently and collaborate remotely with a President who may have limited availability.']

Research before applying

• Review the American Diabetes Society's website, especially their position on carbohydrate restriction and any research or advocacy campaigns they've run.
• Look up the President, Ken, and any public statements or interviews to understand his vision and leadership style.
• Research the competitive landscape: how do organizations like the American Diabetes Association differ from ADS, and what unique value does ADS offer?
• Explore recent news or publications about low-carb/ketogenic diets for diabetes to speak knowledgeably about the evidence base.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your understanding of the current operational and development challenges facing small nonprofits like ADS, and how you would prioritize them.
• Specific fundraising strategies you would implement, given ADS's focus on low-carb nutrition and potential donor base.
• How you would measure success in the first 90 days, including key performance indicators for both operations and development.
• Your familiarity with the science behind carbohydrate restriction and how you would communicate it to donors and stakeholders.
• How you would handle potential pushback or skepticism about ADS's unconventional approach to diabetes management.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating this as a traditional job application—submitting a resume without a tailored proposal will likely be rejected immediately.
• Ignoring the independent contractor nature and asking about benefits or employee status, which shows a lack of attention to the RFP details.
• Being neutral or skeptical about carbohydrate restriction—ADS is looking for a consultant who is aligned with their mission, not just any nonprofit expert.