Application Guide
How to Apply for Part-Time Managing Director of Major Gifts
at Action Kivu, Inc.
🏢 About Action Kivu, Inc.
Action Kivu is a nimble, mission-driven nonprofit that directly operates the Congo Peace School in partnership with the Dillon Henry Foundation. Your work will help provide quality, peace-focused education to children in eastern Congo, one of the most challenging regions in the world.
About This Role
As the part-time Managing Director of Major Gifts, you will be the primary driver of individual and faith-based giving, identifying and cultivating new major donors, churches, and small foundations. Your efforts will directly expand the school’s funding base and ensure its long-term sustainability.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start by reviewing a list of new small family foundations identified through grant research, then draft personalized outreach emails. Later, you could hop on a Zoom call with a church leader interested in supporting the school, followed by updating your donor tracking spreadsheet and preparing a cultivation plan for a high-potential individual donor.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Action Kivu, Inc. Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of major gifts experience, with a proven track record of closing gifts of $10,000+ from individuals and small foundations.
- Demonstrates specific experience fundraising for African causes, ideally through churches, temples, or diaspora networks.
- Is skilled with grant research tools like Foundation Directory Online or iWave to uncover new small family foundations.
- Possesses an existing network of Africa-supporting donors or faith communities and can leverage it immediately.
📝 Tips for Applying to Action Kivu, Inc.
In your resume, highlight specific dollar amounts and number of donors cultivated for African-focused nonprofits, not just general major gifts work.
Mention any personal connections to eastern Congo or peace education initiatives to show genuine passion.
Tailor your cover letter to explicitly address how you will leverage faith-based networks (churches, temples) for this role.
Include examples of grant research you’ve conducted that led to new foundation funding.
Since the role is remote and part-time, emphasize your self-motivation and ability to work independently with a small team.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience raising major gifts for Africa, particularly from individuals and faith communities.', 'Your familiarity with the landscape of Africa-supporting donors and how you plan to tap into it for Action Kivu.', 'Concrete examples of using grant research tools to identify and secure small family foundation grants.', 'Your alignment with the mission of peace and nonviolence education in conflict-affected regions.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read about the Congo Peace School’s curriculum and its focus on peace and nonviolence.
- → Review Action Kivu’s recent annual reports and donor lists to understand their current funding sources.
- → Look into the Dillon Henry Foundation’s mission and how it partners with Action Kivu.
- → Familiarize yourself with the broader landscape of nonprofits supporting education in the DRC.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic fundraising language that doesn’t mention Africa or faith-based giving specifically.
- Don’t apply without showing you understand the unique challenges of fundraising for a small, remote nonprofit.
- Don’t overlook the part-time nature; ensure you explain how you’ll manage your time effectively.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Action Kivu, Inc.!