Application Guide

How to Apply for Audience Growth Lead (Social)

at GiveDirectly

🏢 About GiveDirectly

GiveDirectly is revolutionizing international aid by providing unconditional cash transfers directly to people living in extreme poverty, bypassing traditional bureaucracy. Their evidence-based approach has established cash transfers as the gold standard in foreign aid effectiveness. Working here means contributing directly to ending extreme poverty through a transparent, data-driven model that respects recipients' autonomy.

About This Role

As Audience Growth Lead (Social), you'll be the architect of GiveDirectly's social media presence, creating compelling content that translates complex poverty solutions into engaging stories. You'll directly amplify the organization's mission by growing their digital community and driving awareness of their impactful cash transfer programs. This role bridges storytelling with data analytics to demonstrate how direct giving transforms lives.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by analyzing overnight social performance metrics, then collaborate with program teams to identify compelling recipient stories from Kenya or Malawi. After creating Canva graphics or short videos highlighting how cash transfers enabled someone to start a business, you'd schedule content across platforms while monitoring conversations about effective altruism. The day ends with reporting on how social engagement is driving traffic to donation pages or research publications.

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🎯 Who GiveDirectly Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of experience growing social followings for mission-driven organizations or social impact brands, not just commercial products
  • Can create empathetic content that humanizes poverty solutions while maintaining GiveDirectly's evidence-based, non-patronizing tone
  • Understands how to leverage social algorithms to reach audiences interested in effective altruism, international development, and philanthropy
  • Is proficient with tools like Canva/CapCut for creating accessible content that highlights recipient stories without exploitation

📝 Tips for Applying to GiveDirectly

1

Include metrics showing how you've grown social audiences for nonprofit or social impact organizations specifically

2

Create a mini-portfolio showing how you'd translate GiveDirectly's research papers or recipient stories into social content

3

Demonstrate understanding of their 'no strings attached' philosophy by avoiding paternalistic language in your application

4

Show how you'd track KPIs that matter for fundraising/advocacy (not just vanity metrics)

5

Reference specific GiveDirectly campaigns like their climate cash transfers or refugee support programs

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience translating complex social impact data into accessible, engaging social content', "How you've grown audiences for mission-driven organizations (not just commercial brands)", "Your understanding of GiveDirectly's unique value proposition: direct cash transfers as the most effective form of aid", 'Specific ideas for social campaigns that highlight recipient autonomy and evidence-based outcomes']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Watch GiveDirectly's documentary 'The People's Money' and note social content opportunities
  • → Study their research publications on cash transfer effectiveness at givedirectly.org/research
  • → Analyze their current social presence across platforms to identify gaps and opportunities
  • → Understand their major programs: climate cash transfers, refugee support, and extreme poverty alleviation

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you create social content about cash transfers that avoids poverty porn or exploitation?
2 What metrics would you prioritize to show social media's impact on GiveDirectly's mission?
3 How would you translate their rigorous research findings into engaging social formats?
4 Describe a social campaign concept for their climate cash transfer program in Malawi
5 How would you handle negative comments about 'just giving cash' versus traditional aid?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on commercial brand experience without nonprofit/social impact examples
  • Using paternalistic language about 'helping the poor' instead of empowering recipients
  • Proposing generic social strategies without addressing GiveDirectly's specific evidence-based approach
  • Emphasizing vanity metrics (likes/followers) over meaningful engagement that drives mission impact

📅 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 GiveDirectly!

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