How to apply for Vice President of Development

About Girls on the Run International

Girls on the Run International is a nonprofit that runs a physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in the US and Canada. Its evidence-based curriculum integrates running to build social, psychological, and physical skills. Employees have described the culture as collaborative, flexible, and inspiring in a third-party survey.

About the role

The Vice President of Development reports to the Chief Development Officer and leads the corporate revenue strategy and portfolio. The role is accountable for growing a $2M corporate portfolio and personally raising $1.2MM+ annually, with at least $625K in new contributed income each fiscal year. This is a senior, externally facing business development position focused on corporate partnerships.

A typical day

A typical day might include prospecting calls with corporate decision-makers, preparing partnership proposals, and meeting with the Chief Development Officer to review pipeline and strategy. You would also track progress against the $1.2MM+ personal goal and the $2M portfolio growth target. Because the role is remote, you would coordinate with colleagues and partners through video calls and email.

Who Girls on the Run International is looking for

• Has a track record of personally generating $1.2MM+ in annual contributed income, including at least $625K in new business.
• Has experience growing and managing a corporate portfolio of $2M or more.
• Is comfortable in a senior, externally facing business development role that requires direct solicitation and relationship building.
• Can work remotely and is based in the US.

Tips for this application

• Quantify your fundraising results in your resume and cover letter: state the exact annual revenue you personally raised and the amount of new income you secured.
• Name specific corporate partners you have secured or grown, and describe the size and structure of those partnerships.
• Explain how you would approach growing a $2M corporate portfolio and hitting the $1.2MM+ personal goal, including your prospecting and stewardship process.
• Connect your experience to Girls on the Run's program model: a physical activity-based positive youth development program with an evidence-based curriculum.
• Address your ability to work remotely and collaborate with a national team, since the role is remote and reports to the Chief Development Officer.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your personal track record of raising $1.2MM+ annually, with at least $625K in new contributed income.', 'Your experience growing a corporate portfolio to or beyond $2M.', 'How you build and sustain corporate partnerships, including specific examples of companies you have worked with.', "Why you want to apply your corporate fundraising skills to Girls on the Run's mission and program model."]

Research before applying

• Read Girls on the Run International's most recent annual report and IRS Form 990 to understand its revenue sources and corporate partnerships.
• Review the organization's website to learn about its curriculum, program locations, and core values.
• Look up current corporate sponsors and partners listed on the Girls on the Run website or in press releases.
• Find the third-party work culture survey mentioned in the job description to learn what employees say about the organization.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would build a strategy to grow the $2M corporate portfolio and personally raise $1.2MM+ in your first year.
• Examples of corporate partnerships you have personally secured, including the solicitation process and results.
• How you identify, qualify, and close new corporate prospects.
• How you would work with the Chief Development Officer and other teams in a remote setting.
• How you would communicate Girls on the Run's evidence-based curriculum and program impact to corporate funders.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a resume that does not state exact fundraising totals, such as annual revenue raised and new income secured.
• Focusing only on general nonprofit fundraising experience without showing corporate business development results.
• Ignoring the personal fundraising goal of $1.2MM+ and the new income requirement of $625K in the application materials.