Application Guide

How to Apply for Philanthropy Manager

at International FOP Association

🏢 About International FOP Association

The International FOP Association is the leading global nonprofit dedicated exclusively to fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), an ultra-rare genetic condition where soft tissues progressively turn to bone. Working here means joining a mission-driven organization at the forefront of rare disease research and patient advocacy, where every fundraising dollar directly accelerates scientific discovery and supports affected families worldwide.

About This Role

As Philanthropy Manager, you'll be responsible for driving the organization's $1.5M+ annual fundraising budget through major gifts, annual appeals, monthly donors, and community fundraising. This role is critical for expanding donor relationships and implementing development strategies that directly fuel FOP research initiatives and patient support programs.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with major gift prospects to discuss FOP research updates, analyzing donor data to identify cultivation opportunities, collaborating with the Executive Director on gift solicitation strategies, and developing content for annual appeal campaigns. You'll balance strategic planning with hands-on donor relationship management, all while working remotely to support a global community affected by FOP.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who International FOP Association Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of proven fundraising success across multiple channels, with specific experience in major gift cultivation and solicitation for nonprofit organizations
  • Demonstrates a track record of exceeding revenue goals through strategic donor relationship management and stewardship
  • Possesses exceptional project management skills to coordinate fundraising campaigns while meeting tight deadlines in a remote environment
  • Shows genuine passion for rare disease advocacy and can articulate the specific impact of FOP research to potential donors

📝 Tips for Applying to International FOP Association

1

Quantify your fundraising achievements with specific dollar amounts and percentages (e.g., 'Increased major gifts by 40% to $750K annually') rather than vague descriptions

2

Highlight any experience with rare disease or medical research nonprofits, as understanding the scientific context of FOP will be crucial for donor conversations

3

Demonstrate your ability to work independently in a remote setting by mentioning specific tools or systems you've used to manage donor relationships virtually

4

Research and reference specific IFOPA initiatives like the FOP Research Registry or International FOP Symposium to show genuine interest

5

Include examples of how you've cultivated long-term donor relationships that resulted in sustained giving, not just one-time gifts

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience managing $1M+ annual fundraising budgets and how you've exceeded revenue targets", 'Examples of successful major gift solicitations (mention dollar ranges) and your cultivation process', "Why you're passionate about FOP specifically and rare disease advocacy (show you've researched the condition)", "How you've implemented development plans that complemented organizational strategic goals"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study IFOPA's current research initiatives and partnerships (check their website's research section)
  • → Understand the basics of FOP pathology and current treatment approaches to speak knowledgeably with donors
  • → Review IFOPA's annual reports and financial statements to understand their current funding mix and growth areas
  • → Research the ultra-rare disease nonprofit landscape and how IFOPA compares to similar organizations
Visit International FOP Association's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for identifying and cultivating a major gift prospect from discovery to solicitation
2 How would you approach explaining FOP research priorities to potential donors who may be unfamiliar with rare diseases?
3 Describe a time you had to adapt a fundraising strategy when initial approaches weren't meeting revenue goals
4 What metrics do you track to measure fundraising success beyond total dollars raised?
5 How do you prioritize competing fundraising channels (major gifts vs. annual appeals vs. community fundraising) when working toward an annual goal?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic fundraising experience without demonstrating specific knowledge of or interest in rare diseases
  • Focusing only on event fundraising when the role emphasizes major gifts and sustained donor relationships
  • Failing to provide concrete, quantifiable examples of fundraising achievements in previous roles
  • Not showing understanding of how remote work requires different donor engagement strategies than in-person settings

📅 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 International FOP Association!

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