Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Development Officer

at Evidence Action

🏢 About Evidence Action

Evidence Action is a unique organization that scales evidence-based, cost-effective programs to reduce poverty across Africa and Asia. Unlike many nonprofits, it rigorously tests interventions to ensure maximum impact per dollar, making it a compelling choice for donors and staff who prioritize data-driven results. Working here means contributing to proven solutions that have already helped millions.

About This Role

As Senior Development Officer, you will drive individual fundraising from mid-level and major donors, with a focus on the tech community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Your work directly fuels the expansion of high-impact programs, and you'll have the opportunity to innovate with AI tools and new fundraising tactics to optimize revenue growth.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing Salesforce reports to track donor engagement and pipeline progress, followed by a virtual meeting with a prospective tech donor in the Bay Area. Afternoon could involve crafting a personalized solicitation proposal for a major gift, then collaborating with the communications team on a donor salon event. You might also analyze recent campaign data to test a new AI tool for donor segmentation.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Evidence Action Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 6+ years of experience, including at least 3 years in direct donor relationship management and a track record of closing six-figure gifts.
  • Deeply connected to the San Francisco Bay Area tech community, with existing relationships or a clear strategy to engage tech philanthropists.
  • Data-savvy and comfortable using Salesforce and analyzing fundraising metrics to iterate on strategies.
  • Excellent communicator who can craft compelling narratives for high-value donors and lead special projects to increase revenue.

📝 Tips for Applying to Evidence Action

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific six-figure gifts you've closed, including the donor context and the strategies used.

2

In your cover letter, mention any experience with tech donors or the Bay Area philanthropic landscape, and how you would engage that community.

3

Prepare a brief example of how you've used data (e.g., CRM analytics) to improve a fundraising campaign or donor engagement.

4

Show familiarity with Evidence Action's programs (e.g., Deworm the World, Safe Water) and their evidence-based approach.

5

If you have experience with AI tools in fundraising, mention it explicitly – the job description highlights testing AI-powered tools.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for evidence-based philanthropy and how it aligns with Evidence Action's mission.", 'Specific examples of cultivating and closing major gifts, especially from tech donors or in the Bay Area.', 'Your ability to lead special projects and innovate – mention any experience with collaborative pledges, donor salons, or AI tools.', 'Your comfort with data analysis and CRM management, particularly Salesforce, to drive strategy.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Evidence Action's current programs: Deworm the World, Safe Water, No Lean Season, and their impact metrics.
  • → Understand their 'evidence action' model – how they select and scale interventions based on rigorous research.
  • → Read their latest annual report or blog posts to get a sense of their donor engagement style and recent fundraising campaigns.
  • → Look into the Giving What We Can or GiveWell evaluations of Evidence Action to understand how donors perceive them.
Visit Evidence Action's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building a portfolio of tech donors in the Bay Area? Share your strategy for identification, cultivation, and solicitation.
2 Describe a time you used data to pivot a fundraising strategy. What metrics did you use and what was the outcome?
3 What is your experience with AI tools in fundraising? How would you test and implement new tools at Evidence Action?
4 How do you manage a portfolio of donors at different stages? Walk us through your stewardship process for a major donor.
5 Evidence Action focuses on cost-effectiveness. How would you communicate that value proposition to a potential donor?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic fundraising resume – this role emphasizes tech donors and data-driven approaches, so highlight those.
  • Avoid vague statements about 'passion for the mission' without backing them up with specific knowledge of their programs or evidence-based approach.
  • Don't ignore the Bay Area focus – if you lack connections there, propose a clear plan for building relationships.

📅 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 Evidence Action!

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