Application Guide

How to Apply for Communications & Fundraising Specialist (DevComm) — Freelance Contractor

at What We Say

🏢 About What We Say

What We Say is a consulting practice dedicated to social justice, working exclusively with clients in abortion access, information democracy, press freedom, and cybersecurity education. Their focus on hope-based framing and activist voice makes them a unique player in progressive advocacy, offering contractors the chance to contribute to high-impact causes.

About This Role

This role sits at the intersection of communications and fundraising, requiring you to draft activist-toned content and secure 6-to-7-figure grants. You'll manage donor stewardship and conduct funder research, directly fueling the financial sustainability of movements that defend democracy and bodily autonomy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with drafting a newsletter for an abortion access client, then shift to refining a grant proposal for a digital rights foundation. After lunch, you could conduct funder research, update donor touch points in a CRM, and end the day by editing talking points for a press release. Throughout, you'll toggle between activist tone and formal grant language.

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🎯 Who What We Say Is Looking For

  • Has demonstrable experience in nonprofit and progressive advocacy, with fluency in intersectionality and feminist movement work.
  • Comfortable oscillating between writing punchy op-eds and crafting rigorous grant applications, with a track record in donor relationships and grant writing.
  • Knows the major progressive funding ecosystem and is comfortable with tech-adjacent fields like cybersecurity and digital rights.
  • Proficient in MailChimp and WordPress, and can manage donor touch points with precision.

📝 Tips for Applying to What We Say

1

Tailor your portfolio to include both short-form activist content (e.g., op-eds, newsletters) and long-form grant proposals—show range.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly name a progressive funder you know (e.g., Ford Foundation, Open Society) and explain why they align with What We Say's clients.

3

Highlight any experience with hope-based framing or narrative change, as this is central to the company's approach.

4

Since it's a remote contract role, emphasize your self-management skills and experience working asynchronously with teams.

5

Research What We Say's clients and mention one specific campaign or client that resonates with you in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your ability to toggle between activist voice and grant-writing precision, with concrete examples.', 'Familiarity with the progressive funding landscape and tech-adjacent issues like cybersecurity or digital rights.', "Your commitment to social justice and how your personal values align with the company's mission.", 'Specific experience with donor stewardship and personalized communication, not just mass appeals.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read recent op-eds or newsletters from What We Say's clients to understand their voice and issues.
  • → Study the funding priorities of major progressive foundations (e.g., Ford, MacArthur, Open Society) to anticipate donor alignment.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key players in cybersecurity education and information democracy (e.g., EFF, Access Now).
  • → Review What We Say's website and any public case studies to understand their consulting approach.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you approach writing for different audiences (e.g., a donor vs. a grassroots activist)?
2 Can you walk us through a successful grant application you led, from research to submission?
3 How do you stay current on the progressive funding ecosystem and tech-adjacent issues?
4 Describe a time you managed competing deadlines between communications and fundraising tasks.
5 What does hope-based framing mean to you, and how would you apply it in a fundraising context?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference the company's specific focus on abortion access, information democracy, or cybersecurity.
  • Overemphasizing creative writing without demonstrating grant-writing or donor stewardship experience.
  • Ignoring the tech-adjacent aspect—failing to show any knowledge of digital rights or cybersecurity issues.

📅 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 What We Say!

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