Application Guide
How to Apply for American Economic Security Index Senior Director
at Goodnation
🏢 About Goodnation
Goodnation is a trusted fiscal sponsor and philanthropic innovator that has deployed over $100M to vetted nonprofits addressing root causes like poverty and systemic inequity. What sets them apart is their direct policy impact: their National Roundtable on Ending Poverty in America has mobilized nearly 1,000 foundations across all 50 states and helped advance bipartisan housing legislation. Working here means joining a fast-growing, mission-driven team where philanthropy and federal policy intersect to create real change.
About This Role
As the Senior Director of the American Economic Security Index, you will lead the design, development, and launch of a flagship index that measures economic security across the U.S., likely tracking indicators like wages, tax credits, care costs, healthcare costs, and housing costs. You will work at the intersection of research, policy, and philanthropy, translating complex data into actionable insights for funders, policymakers, and the National Roundtable coalition. This role is pivotal in shaping the narrative and evidence base for ending poverty in America.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve leading a virtual meeting with the Index development team to review data collection progress, then joining a call with National Roundtable foundation partners to gather input on indicator selection. Later, you might draft a policy brief summarizing key findings for federal lawmakers, and end the day strategizing with Goodnation leadership on how to launch the Index to maximize media and policy impact.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Goodnation Is Looking For
- Proven experience building or managing large-scale economic or social indices, preferably in a policy or philanthropic context.
- Deep knowledge of U.S. economic security policy areas such as wages, federal tax credits, care costs, healthcare costs, and housing costs.
- Strong track record of collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including foundations, government agencies, and community organizations.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate data into compelling narratives for both technical and non-technical audiences.
📝 Tips for Applying to Goodnation
Highlight any experience you have with poverty alleviation or economic security metrics—Goodnation is laser-focused on ending poverty, so show you understand the nuances of measuring it.
Reference the National Roundtable on Ending Poverty in America and its Economic Blueprint in your application to demonstrate you've done your homework on their key initiative.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and lead cross-functional teams, as this role is remote and likely involves coordinating with partners across all 50 states.
If you have experience with fiscal sponsorship or philanthropic grantmaking, mention it—Goodnation's model as a fiscal sponsor means they value understanding of nonprofit finance and compliance.
Use specific examples of how you've turned data into policy impact, such as influencing legislation or guiding funding decisions, to align with Goodnation's action-oriented culture.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your direct experience developing economic indices or similar measurement tools, and how you ensured they were rigorous and actionable; (2) your understanding of the interconnected policy areas in Goodnation's Economic Blueprint (wages, tax credits, care costs, healthcare costs, housing costs) and how you would integrate them into the Index; (3) your ability to convene and collaborate with philanthropic leaders, as the Index will serve the National Roundtable's network of ~1,000 foundations; and (4) your passion for ending poverty in America and why Goodnation's approach resonates with you.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Goodnation's website, especially their National Roundtable on Ending Poverty in America and the Economic Blueprint, to understand their theory of change and current policy priorities.
- → Read the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and any public materials about the 2026 Housing Sprint to see how Goodnation translates research into legislative wins.
- → Research existing economic security indices (e.g., from Brookings, Urban Institute, or Federal Reserve) to identify best practices and gaps that Goodnation's Index could fill.
- → Look up recent news or reports on poverty in America, particularly around wages, tax credits, care costs, healthcare costs, and housing costs, to speak fluently about the issues.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic language about 'making a difference' without tying it to Goodnation's specific focus on poverty and economic security—they want to see concrete alignment with their mission.
- Don't overlook the policy component: this role is not just about data analysis but about influencing federal policy, so failing to mention policy engagement is a mistake.
- Avoid treating this as a purely academic research role; Goodnation is action-oriented and wants someone who can translate data into real-world impact for funders and policymakers.
📅 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!