Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Major Gifts and Principal Gifts
at BridgePoint Associates
🏢 About BridgePoint Associates
BridgePoint Associates is a boutique executive search firm specializing in placing top talent in mission-driven organizations. They are known for their personalized approach and deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, making them a trusted partner for both candidates and clients. Working with them offers the opportunity to place transformative leaders in roles that have a significant social impact.
About This Role
This Senior Philanthropic Advisor role is a frontline fundraising position with a highly regarded national nonprofit, responsible for managing a portfolio of 100-125 major and principal gift donors. You will be instrumental in driving the organization's ambitious growth from $30 million to over $120 million in annual fundraising, securing gifts ranging from $100,000 to $5 million. This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact on the organization's mission while working remotely in key U.S. markets.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing your portfolio to identify next steps for cultivation, making calls or video meetings with donors to discuss their interests and the organization's impact, and preparing personalized proposals for major gifts. You might also collaborate with the AVP on strategy for principal gift prospects, attend virtual events or meetings with volunteers, and spend time on administrative tasks to ensure accurate tracking in the CRM. Evenings might include virtual donor dinners or calls with East Coast donors, depending on your time zone.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who BridgePoint Associates Is Looking For
- Proven track record in frontline fundraising, specifically in securing major gifts ($100K+) and principal gifts ($1M+), with a portfolio management experience of 100+ donors.
- Deep understanding of moves management and the ability to develop and execute strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for high-net-worth individuals and families.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage donors, board members, and internal stakeholders.
- Self-motivated and disciplined, with the ability to thrive in a remote work environment and manage a demanding travel schedule.
📝 Tips for Applying to BridgePoint Associates
Quantify your fundraising achievements: In your resume and cover letter, use specific numbers to highlight the size of gifts you've secured, your portfolio size, and your annual fundraising goals met or exceeded.
Highlight your experience with $1M+ gifts: Emphasize any experience with principal gifts or working with ultra-high-net-worth donors, as this is a key requirement for the role.
Showcase your remote work skills: Since the role is remote, provide examples of how you've successfully managed your time, communicated with team members, and maintained productivity in a remote setting.
Tailor your application to the nonprofit's mission: Research the nonprofit's cause and align your passion and experience with their mission in your cover letter and interviews.
Leverage your network: If you have any connections to BridgePoint Associates or the hiring nonprofit, ask for an introduction or referral, as this can significantly boost your application.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your direct experience in major and principal gifts, with specific examples of gifts you've secured at the $100K+ level.", 'Your proficiency in moves management and your strategic approach to building a pipeline of major donors.', 'Your ability to build lasting relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families, and your comfort working with volunteers and board members.', "Your enthusiasm for the organization's mission and your understanding of the impact of their work."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Research the specific nonprofit organization that BridgePoint Associates is recruiting for. Understand their mission, programs, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest.
- → Look into BridgePoint Associates' history and their reputation in the nonprofit sector. Familiarize yourself with their placement philosophy and the types of candidates they typically represent.
- → Investigate the organization's fundraising growth and current campaigns to understand the strategic priorities and how your role would fit into their overall advancement efforts.
- → Review the professional backgrounds of key leadership (e.g., AVP of Development) to understand their expectations and working style.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't be vague about your fundraising numbers. Avoid saying 'managed a portfolio' without specifying the size and gift amounts. Be prepared with concrete data.
- Don't underestimate the importance of relationship-building. This role is not just about closing gifts; it's about cultivating long-term relationships. Show that you're a relationship-builder, not just a fundraiser.
- Don't ignore the remote aspect. Avoid expressing a lack of comfort with remote work or a preference for an office environment. Emphasize your ability to work independently and stay connected.
📅 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!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to BridgePoint Associates!