Application Guide

How to Apply for Part‑Time Fundraising Development Contractor

at UUJusticePA (formerly UUPLAN)

🏢 About UUJusticePA (formerly UUPLAN)

UUJusticePA (formerly UUPLAN) is a statewide social justice advocacy organization rooted in Unitarian Universalist values, working to influence public policy in Pennsylvania. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful systemic change while being part of a dedicated, mission-driven team.

About This Role

As a Part-Time Fundraising Development Contractor, you will play a critical role in sustaining and growing the organization's financial resources. You'll design and implement fundraising strategies, manage donor communications, and identify grant opportunities, directly enabling UUJusticePA to continue its advocacy work.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by reviewing emails and responding to donor inquiries, then drafting a fundraising appeal or updating the donor database. You could spend time researching grant opportunities, writing a proposal, or meeting virtually with the team to align fundraising efforts with current advocacy campaigns.

🎯 Who UUJusticePA (formerly UUPLAN) Is Looking For

  • Proactive self-starter who can independently manage fundraising projects and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
  • Detail-oriented with a proven track record in fundraising or development, including experience with donor databases and grant writing.
  • Excellent communicator who can craft compelling donor appeals, grant proposals, and stewardship materials.
  • Organized and able to balance multiple priorities, such as coordinating campaigns, tracking donor interactions, and researching new funding sources.

📝 Tips for Applying to UUJusticePA (formerly UUPLAN)

1

In your resume and cover letter, highlight specific fundraising results (e.g., amounts raised, number of donors, grants secured) to demonstrate your impact.

2

Research UUJusticePA's current campaigns and legislative priorities (e.g., criminal justice reform, economic justice) and mention how your fundraising skills can support these causes.

3

Since it's a part-time contract role, clearly outline your availability and how you manage time effectively for multiple projects.

4

Show familiarity with Unitarian Universalist principles or progressive faith-based advocacy; it's a plus if you understand their values-driven approach.

5

Tailor your application to emphasize remote work experience, as this role is fully remote; provide examples of how you stay productive and connected.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine passion for social justice and alignment with UUJusticePA's mission and values.", 'Emphasize your specific experience in fundraising strategy, donor communications, and grant identification.', 'Mention your ability to work independently and proactively in a remote, part-time capacity.', 'Highlight any experience with small nonprofits or advocacy organizations, showing you understand their unique fundraising challenges.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review UUJusticePA's website and recent news to understand their current campaigns, achievements, and legislative focus.
  • Look into their past fundraising efforts, such as annual appeals or events, to see what has worked and what could be improved.
  • Understand the Unitarian Universalist principles and how they inform the organization's advocacy work.
  • Check their social media and newsletters to get a sense of their tone and how they communicate with supporters.
Visit UUJusticePA (formerly UUPLAN)'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a fundraising strategy you designed and executed. What was the outcome?
2 How do you prioritize and manage multiple fundraising tasks, such as donor emails and grant deadlines?
3 What experience do you have with donor management software or CRM systems?
4 How would you approach identifying new grant opportunities aligned with our mission?
5 Given our organization's values, how would you craft a donor appeal that resonates with our supporters?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't send a generic resume/cover letter; make sure to tailor it to UUJusticePA's mission and this specific role.
  • Avoid focusing solely on fundraising tactics without connecting them to the organization's social justice goals.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of organizational skills; be sure to provide examples of managing multiple projects and deadlines.

📅 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 UUJusticePA (formerly UUPLAN)!