Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Director of Institutional Giving
at iCivics
🏢 About iCivics
iCivics is a unique nonpartisan nonprofit that has revolutionized civic education through free digital resources, reaching 9 million students nationwide. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that directly impacts democracy by educating future generations, with a proven track record of scale and influence in all 50 states.
About This Role
This Senior Director role is pivotal for securing institutional funding to support iCivics' 5-year strategic plan and program expansion. You'll translate complex educational initiatives into compelling funding narratives while managing relationships with major donors, directly enabling the organization's growth and national impact on civic engagement.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve strategizing with program teams to identify funding needs, drafting a concept paper for a new digital initiative, conducting a virtual cultivation meeting with a foundation program officer, and analyzing pipeline data to forecast multi-year revenue. You'll balance creative proposal development with relationship management and strategic planning.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who iCivics Is Looking For
- Has 10+ years specifically in institutional fundraising with documented success securing 6-7 figure gifts from foundations, corporations, or government entities
- Demonstrates ability to conceptualize cross-functional programs into funding opportunities, not just write grants
- Possesses strong relationship-building skills with both internal teams and external funders, with evidence of long-term partnership cultivation
- Has experience developing multi-year fundraising roadmaps aligned with organizational strategic plans
📝 Tips for Applying to iCivics
Quantify your institutional fundraising achievements with specific dollar amounts and donor types (e.g., 'secured $2.5M from 3 national foundations for education initiatives')
Highlight experience with digital/technology-focused nonprofits or educational organizations in your resume
Research and mention specific iCivics programs like their games or curriculum in your application materials
Demonstrate understanding of nonpartisan advocacy work in civic education
Show how you've balanced organizational priorities with funder interests in past proposal development
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with 6-7 figure institutional gifts and pipeline management', "How you've translated complex programs into compelling funding narratives for mission-driven organizations", 'Your approach to building long-term relationships with institutional partners', "Alignment with iCivics' nonpartisan mission and 5-year strategic planning framework"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → iCivics' 5-year strategic plan and current program priorities
- → Their existing institutional partners and funding landscape (foundation annual reports)
- → Specific digital resources like games or lesson plans and their impact metrics
- → The organization's nonpartisan stance and how it navigates political environments
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic fundraising experience without specific institutional giving examples
- Focusing only on grant writing rather than strategic relationship management
- Not demonstrating understanding of iCivics' specific mission and nonpartisan approach
- Failing to quantify past fundraising achievements with concrete dollar amounts
📅 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!