Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Foundation Partnerships Manager
at DonorsChoose
🏢 About DonorsChoose
DonorsChoose is a unique nonprofit that directly connects donors with public school teachers in need, funding classroom projects that enhance student learning. With a track record of supporting over 3 million teacher requests and $1.8 billion in donations, the organization offers a tangible, scalable way to make a difference in education. Employees are driven by a mission to ensure every student has the tools and experiences for a great education.
About This Role
As Senior Foundation Partnerships Manager, you will own a portfolio of high-value institutional and individual relationships, developing long-term strategies to deepen engagement and increase investment. You'll lead complex cross-functional partnerships from cultivation through renewal, designing compelling funding strategies and persuasive proposals. This role is impactful because you'll directly secure the resources that power DonorsChoose's mission, enabling more teachers and students to thrive.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing a grant proposal deadline and drafting a concept paper for a potential foundation partner. Midday, you could have a virtual meeting with a program officer to discuss a renewal strategy, followed by a cross-functional check-in with the finance team on grant reporting. Afternoon might involve mentoring a junior team member on a stewardship plan, ending with analyzing a portfolio of funders to identify new cultivation opportunities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who DonorsChoose Is Looking For
- A seasoned fundraiser with 8+ years of experience in foundation fundraising, institutional giving, or strategic partnerships, with a proven track record of securing and managing six- and seven-figure partnerships.
- An exceptional relationship builder who can cultivate trust with foundation leaders and high-net-worth individuals, and who excels at written communication to craft persuasive grant proposals and reports.
- A strategic thinker who can align funders' priorities with DonorsChoose's mission, designing creative funding strategies that drive long-term engagement and increased investment.
- A collaborative team player who strengthens team capability by sharing successful strategies and mentoring colleagues, while also leading cross-functional initiatives.
📝 Tips for Applying to DonorsChoose
Tailor your resume to highlight specific six- and seven-figure partnership deals you've secured, including the funder type, strategy used, and impact achieved.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to DonorsChoose's mission of supporting teachers and students, showing genuine passion for education equity.
Research DonorsChoose's current funding priorities (e.g., STEM, literacy, underserved schools) and mention how your expertise aligns with those areas.
Quantify your achievements: use metrics like dollars raised, retention rates, or growth in partnership portfolio to demonstrate your impact.
Mention any experience with cross-functional collaboration (e.g., working with programs, finance, or marketing teams) as the role requires leading complex partnerships.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your success in securing and managing large-scale partnerships (six- and seven-figure) and your ability to develop long-term strategies that deepen funder engagement.', "Show your understanding of DonorsChoose's unique model and how your skills can help expand its reach and impact.", 'Highlight your exceptional written communication skills with examples of persuasive proposals or reports that led to funding.', "Demonstrate your strategic thinking by outlining how you would align a funder's priorities with DonorsChoose's mission."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review DonorsChoose's annual report and recent blog posts to understand their current funding priorities and impact stories.
- → Study their list of major funders (e.g., corporate, foundation, individual) to see the types of partners they already have and identify gaps.
- → Familiarize yourself with their platform and how teacher requests are funded, so you can speak authentically about the mission.
- → Check news articles or press releases about DonorsChoose to understand recent developments and challenges.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid being too generic: don't just list fundraising duties without tying them to DonorsChoose's mission or specific role requirements.
- Don't overlook the cross-functional aspect: failing to mention experience working with diverse teams (programs, finance, marketing) can signal a lack of fit.
- Avoid focusing only on individual giving if your background is primarily institutional; the role emphasizes foundation partnerships, so highlight that.
📅 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!