Application Guide
How to Apply for California Senior Finance Director
at Working Families
🏢 About Working Families
The Working Families Party is a grassroots political party that fights for working people by building power at the ballot box and in the streets. They are unique in their fusion voting strategy and their focus on multi-racial, working-class alliances, making them a dynamic and impactful organization for those passionate about social justice.
About This Role
This role is pivotal in driving the financial engine for the Working Families Party's California operations. As the Senior Finance Director, you will not only own the revenue strategy but also cultivate major donors and advise key leaders, directly enabling the party's political and organizing work in the state. Your efforts will ensure the resources needed to win elections and advance progressive policies.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing fundraising metrics and emails, followed by a virtual meeting with the Director of Individual Giving to discuss strategy. You might spend the afternoon on donor calls or preparing materials for a principal's upcoming meeting with a major donor, and end the day by drafting event plans or coaching a team member on a solicitation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Working Families Is Looking For
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📝 Tips for Applying to Working Families
Tailor your resume to highlight specific fundraising targets met and major gifts secured, especially in California or similar high-cost states.
In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with the Working Families Party's mission and recent campaigns in California, such as their work on rent control or progressive taxation.
Demonstrate your ability to work remotely and independently, as the role is remote but requires significant relationship management.
Showcase any experience with political campaigns or progressive organizations, as this is crucial for understanding the fast-paced and mission-driven environment.
If you have experience with donor databases (e.g., NGP/VAN), highlight it, as this is essential for managing donor tracking and reporting.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
- Emphasize your commitment to the Working Families Party's mission and your understanding of their unique role in the progressive movement. - Highlight specific examples of how you have built and executed successful fundraising strategies, especially in California or similar contexts. - Showcase your ability to manage high-level relationships and serve as a strategic advisor to principals. - Mention any experience with labor unions, progressive donors, or PACs, as these are key constituencies for this role.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Working Families Party's key campaigns and wins in California, such as their support for Prop 15 or local progressive candidates.
- → Research their major donors and funders to understand their donor base and potential target segments.
- → Familiarize yourself with their organizational structure, including the California state chapter and the national party's finance team.
- → Look into their use of fusion voting and how they partner with other parties like the Democratic Party in California.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid a generic cover letter that doesn't mention California or the Working Families Party specifically. They want someone who is invested in their mission and state work.
- Don't underestimate the importance of experience with high-capacity donors. If you lack this, don't apply or emphasize transferable skills.
- Don't ignore the remote nature of the role. Be prepared to discuss how you stay productive and connected while working remotely.
📅 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!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Working Families!