How to apply for Assistant to CEO with Focus on Growth Projects

About Effektiv Spenden

Effektiv Spenden is a German nonprofit that recommends and facilitates donations to evidence-based, cost-effective charities. It focuses on directing money to interventions with strong evidence of impact. This role offers a chance to work directly with a startup CEO on growth projects in the effective altruism space.

About the role

The assistant supports the CEO on growth-focused projects and operational tasks. Specific work includes researching influencers for partnership opportunities, investigating strategies to increase awareness of testamentary giving, and helping plan year-end donor events. This is a volunteer, part-time role (5–10 hours per week) with flexible scheduling and a minimum 3-month commitment.

A typical day

A typical day might involve researching potential influencers for an upcoming donation campaign, drafting a summary of strategies for testamentary giving, and coordinating logistics for a year-end donor event. You would check in with the CEO, work independently on assigned tasks, and report progress. The schedule is flexible, but you need to manage your 5–10 hours per week reliably.

Who Effektiv Spenden is looking for

• Native German speaker with excellent English, able to research and communicate in both languages.
• Comfortable doing independent research on influencers and donation strategies, and summarizing findings clearly.
• Organized and reliable for event planning support and operational tasks, with 5–10 hours per week available.
• Interest in effective altruism, evidence-based charity, or nonprofit growth work.

Tips for this application

• Write your application in German if you are a native speaker, but be ready to demonstrate excellent English in a follow-up.
• Mention specific examples of research you have done, such as identifying influencers or investigating a topic, and how you presented results.
• Explain why you want to volunteer for Effektiv Spenden specifically, not just any nonprofit. Reference its focus on evidence-based giving.
• Confirm your availability for 5–10 hours per week and a minimum 3-month commitment starting immediately.
• If you have experience with testamentary giving or donor events, describe it briefly. If not, say you are willing to learn and ask what resources the team provides.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your native German and excellent English skills, with examples of using both in research or communication; (2) any experience researching influencers, partnerships, or donation strategies; (3) your ability to support event planning and operational tasks; (4) your specific interest in Effektiv Spenden's evidence-based approach and how you can contribute to growth projects.

Research before applying

• Read Effektiv Spenden's website to understand which charities they recommend and their criteria for cost-effectiveness.
• Look up the concept of testamentary giving in Germany and how nonprofits typically promote it.
• Find examples of influencer partnerships in the German nonprofit sector to see what works.
• Check if Effektiv Spenden has published any year-end donor event reports or growth updates.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you research and identify influencers for a donation campaign? Walk us through your process.
• What strategies would you investigate to increase awareness of testamentary giving offerings?
• Describe your experience with event planning or operational support. What tasks can you handle independently?
• Why do you want to volunteer for Effektiv Spenden, and what do you know about effective altruism?
• How would you manage your 5–10 hours per week to support the CEO on multiple projects?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without confirming you can commit 5–10 hours per week for at least 3 months starting immediately.
• Writing a generic cover letter that does not mention Effektiv Spenden or its evidence-based approach.
• Claiming native German proficiency if you are not a native speaker, as the role requires it.