Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Director of Philanthropy

at Fistula Foundation

🏢 About Fistula Foundation

Fistula Foundation is a unique nonprofit dedicated exclusively to treating obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury affecting women in developing countries. The organization stands out for its laser-focused mission, high efficiency (consistently receiving top ratings from charity watchdogs), and proven impact—having funded over 100,000 life-changing surgeries. Working here means joining a team that transforms women's lives through direct medical care, offering a clear, measurable humanitarian impact.

About This Role

As Senior Director of Philanthropy, you'll lead major gift fundraising by managing a portfolio of 100–150 donors giving $10k–25k, with clear goals for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. This role is pivotal in expanding the pipeline of high-capacity supporters to fund life-saving fistula surgeries, directly contributing to the foundation's growth and sustainability. You'll ensure donors are deeply engaged and recognized, using Raiser's Edge to track interactions and drive strategic moves.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves reviewing your donor portfolio in Raiser's Edge to plan outreach, making calls or meetings to cultivate prospects, and drafting personalized stewardship updates for existing donors. You might research new high-capacity prospects, collaborate with the team on pipeline strategy, and ensure all donor interactions are logged for future moves, all while keeping the mission of fistula treatment at the forefront of communications.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Fistula Foundation Is Looking For

  • Has 7+ years in nonprofit fundraising with a proven track record in major gifts, specifically closing six-figure+ gifts from individual donors.
  • Demonstrates authentic relationship-building skills, able to connect donors emotionally to the mission of treating obstetric fistula.
  • Is highly organized and detail-oriented, with experience using Raiser's Edge CRM to manage donor portfolios and pipeline movement.
  • Possesses a bachelor's degree (advanced degree or CFRE certification is a plus), showing commitment to professional fundraising standards.

📝 Tips for Applying to Fistula Foundation

1

Quantify your major gifts success: Use specific metrics (e.g., 'secured $500k in six-figure gifts over 2 years') to demonstrate your ability to close high-value donations.

2

Highlight Raiser's Edge proficiency: Mention how you've used it for donor tracking, pipeline management, and reporting, as this is explicitly required.

3

Show passion for the mission: Research fistula treatment and mention why Fistula Foundation's focused approach resonates with you—avoid generic nonprofit enthusiasm.

4

Tailor your resume to major gifts: Emphasize experience with donor portfolios, cultivation strategies, and stewardship plans, not just general fundraising.

5

Provide examples of expanding donor pipelines: Describe how you've identified and engaged new major donor prospects through research or referrals.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your proven success in closing six-figure+ major gifts, with specific examples of cultivation and solicitation strategies.', "Experience managing a large donor portfolio (100+ donors) and using CRM systems like Raiser's Edge for meticulous record-keeping.", "Passion for Fistula Foundation's mission, showing understanding of obstetric fistula and why their exclusive focus appeals to you.", "Ability to authentically connect with donors and expand pipelines, referencing how you've identified new prospects in past roles."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Fistula Foundation's impact metrics: Review their annual reports to understand surgery numbers, geographic reach, and donor recognition programs.
  • → Obstetric fistula specifics: Learn about the condition, treatment, and why it's a neglected issue—this shows genuine interest in the cause.
  • → The foundation's major donors and campaigns: Explore their website for named donors, fundraising events, or past initiatives to tailor your approach.
  • → Charity ratings: Check their ratings on Charity Navigator or GuideStar to discuss their efficiency and transparency in interviews.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your process for cultivating a major donor from identification to closing a six-figure gift—use a real example.
2 How would you approach expanding the donor pipeline at Fistula Foundation, given their specific focus on fistula treatment?
3 Discuss your experience with Raiser's Edge: How do you use it for donor stewardship, tracking interactions, and reporting?
4 How do you ensure donors feel meaningfully engaged and recognized throughout the year, beyond standard thank-yous?
5 Why are you drawn to Fistula Foundation's mission, and how would you communicate its impact to potential major donors?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing on general fundraising experience without emphasizing major gifts or six-figure+ donation success.
  • Failing to mention Raiser's Edge or CRM experience, as this is a core requirement for donor management.
  • Showing lack of knowledge about obstetric fistula or Fistula Foundation's exclusive mission—this suggests poor research.

📅 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 Fistula Foundation!

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