Application Guide

How to Apply for California Finance Director

at Working Families

🏢 About Working Families

The Working Families Party is a progressive political organization that fights for working families by building independent political power. They are known for their grassroots approach and commitment to racial, social, and economic justice, making them a unique and impactful place to work for those passionate about systemic change.

About This Role

As the California Finance Director, you will be at the helm of fundraising strategy for the state's donor community, directly fueling campaigns that champion working families. This role is pivotal in building the financial infrastructure needed to elect progressive candidates and pass transformative policies, making your work integral to the party's success in California.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing fundraising metrics and preparing call lists for principals, followed by outreach to donors or prospects. You might spend time planning an upcoming event, updating donor records in EveryAction, and meeting with the national finance team to align on strategy. The day could end with a virtual call with a major donor or a debrief on a recent fundraising push.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Working Families Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in political fundraising, with a strong track record of meeting ambitious goals, particularly in California's diverse donor landscape.
  • Expertise in major donor cultivation, events, and PAC fundraising, with the ability to create and execute a comprehensive finance plan.
  • Proficiency with CRM tools, especially EveryAction, and strong data management skills to track progress and segment donors effectively.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills, capable of leading call time for principals and coordinating with senior staff seamlessly.

📝 Tips for Applying to Working Families

1

Highlight any specific California fundraising experience or connections, as local knowledge is crucial for this role.

2

Showcase your success with EveryAction or similar CRMs by providing concrete examples of how you've used data to drive fundraising decisions.

3

Demonstrate your event planning skills by detailing a successful fundraising event you led, including the strategy and results.

4

Emphasize your ability to work remotely and collaborate across teams, as this role is remote but requires close coordination with state and national staff.

5

Tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the Working Families Party's mission and values, showing genuine alignment with their progressive goals.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for progressive politics and the mission of the Working Families Party.', 'Your specific experience with major donor fundraising and events, with quantifiable achievements.', 'Your ability to build and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan, including setting and tracking goals.', "Your familiarity with California's political and donor landscape, and how you can leverage that for the party's success."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Learn about the Working Families Party's recent campaigns and victories in California, and their current legislative priorities.
  • → Review their website and social media to understand their tone, values, and key messaging.
  • → Look up the party's national and state leadership to understand who you'd be working with and their fundraising styles.
  • → Research the California donor landscape, including key progressive donors and PACs that align with the party's mission.
Visit Working Families's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a fundraising strategy for California that aligns with the party's values?
2 Describe a time you successfully cultivated a major donor. What steps did you take?
3 How do you use data to segment donors and personalize outreach? Provide an example.
4 What experience do you have with planning and executing fundraising events? What made one particularly successful?
5 How do you stay motivated and organized when working remotely, especially when managing multiple priorities?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid a generic application that doesn't mention California or the specific duties of this role.
  • Don't overlook the importance of data management; failing to highlight your CRM skills could be a red flag.
  • Avoid focusing solely on your past achievements without connecting them to how you'd contribute to the Working Families Party's unique mission.

📅 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 Working Families!

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