Application Guide

How to Apply for Associate, Technology

at Partners for Public Good

🏢 About Partners for Public Good

Partners for Public Good (PPG) is a nonpartisan team of doers who work side-by-side with state and local governments to strengthen the operational systems that determine whether policy turns into results for residents. Unlike typical consulting firms, PPG stays through implementation, ensuring real change happens. If you're passionate about making government work better for communities, PPG offers a unique opportunity to have a tangible impact.

About This Role

As an Associate, Technology, you will support PPG's new Technology Delivery Portfolio, helping state and local governments with AI piloting, software implementation, and other tech initiatives. You'll work directly with government teams, providing project support and capacity building. This role is critical to PPG's expansion into technology services, offering a chance to shape how governments adopt and use technology effectively.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve a virtual check-in with your project team, followed by a working session with a government partner to map out their technology needs. You might spend the afternoon analyzing data from a software pilot, preparing a report, or facilitating a training for government staff. Depending on the week, you might travel to a client site for a few days to provide hands-on support.

🎯 Who Partners for Public Good Is Looking For

  • Has 2-4 years of experience in technology consulting, product management, or a related field, with a focus on government or public sector projects.
  • Demonstrates strong project management skills, able to manage multiple workstreams and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Possesses excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, comfortable working with diverse government officials and staff.
  • Is adaptable and willing to travel frequently (access to a major U.S. airport required) and work remotely with a distributed team.

📝 Tips for Applying to Partners for Public Good

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with government technology projects, AI adoption, or software implementation, even if it's from a non-profit or academic setting.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention why you're drawn to PPG's mission of 'staying until something has actually changed' and give an example of a time you went beyond advice to ensure implementation.

3

Since the role requires travel, mention your flexibility and willingness to travel, and if you live near a major airport, note that.

4

Research the Procurement Excellence Network and mention it in your application to show you've done your homework.

5

Use specific metrics in your resume (e.g., 'Led a software rollout that improved efficiency by 20%') to demonstrate your impact.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Highlight your passion for public service and how your technology skills can help governments deliver better outcomes.', 'Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively and your experience with implementation, not just recommendations.', 'Show that you understand the unique challenges governments face (e.g., legacy systems, budget constraints) and how you can help overcome them.', "Express enthusiasm for PPG's expansion into technology services and your eagerness to contribute to building this new portfolio."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read about PPG's recent projects and publications, especially those related to technology and innovation in government.
  • Look into the Procurement Excellence Network to understand PPG's approach to building practitioner communities.
  • Familiarize yourself with common challenges in state and local government technology adoption, such as legacy systems and procurement hurdles.
  • Check out PPG's blog or news page for insights into their current priorities and language.
Visit Partners for Public Good's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach helping a small city government pilot an AI tool for resident services with limited budget?
2 Describe a time you had to manage a project with multiple stakeholders with conflicting priorities. How did you handle it?
3 What experience do you have with software implementation, and what were the biggest challenges you faced?
4 How do you stay updated on emerging technologies like AI, and how would you translate that knowledge for a non-technical government audience?
5 Why are you interested in working at a nonpartisan organization, and how do you handle politically sensitive topics in your work?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter; make sure it's clearly tailored to PPG and this specific role.
  • Avoid focusing only on your technical skills; emphasize your ability to work with people and drive change.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of travel and flexibility; if you're not willing to travel, don't apply, and don't appear hesitant during the interview.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Partners for Public Good!