Application Guide
How to Apply for Community Manager, Policy Entrepreneurs Network
at Renaissance Philanthropy
🏢 About Renaissance Philanthropy
Renaissance Philanthropy is unique because it operates at the intersection of philanthropy, science, and innovation, specifically aiming to increase ambition among funders and creators. Unlike traditional nonprofits, it focuses on surfacing breakthrough ideas and incubating ambitious initiatives, offering a dynamic environment for those passionate about systemic change. Working here means contributing to high-impact projects that could shape future philanthropic and policy landscapes.
About This Role
This Community Manager role is central to the Policy Entrepreneurs Network (PEN), responsible for building and nurturing a community of Fellows through admissions, events, and operations. It's impactful because you'll directly shape the network's culture, facilitate connections among policy innovators, and ensure smooth execution of programs that could influence philanthropic and policy outcomes. You'll serve as the primary liaison between Fellows and the organization, making this a people-focused operational position.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing admissions applications and conducting background checks for PEN candidates, followed by coordinating logistics for an upcoming virtual gathering. You could spend midday drafting community communications, updating the internal website, and managing Airtable records, then wrap up by planning speaker invitations for the annual Retreat or supporting a special project with the braintrust of advisors.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Renaissance Philanthropy Is Looking For
- Has 2+ years in operations, events, or program coordination, ideally with experience in government, public policy, or Capitol Hill settings.
- Demonstrates strong project-management skills using tools like Airtable and Google Workspace, with ability to juggle admissions, events, and communications simultaneously.
- Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills, evidenced by experience drafting community updates, coordinating with speakers, and engaging diverse stakeholders.
- Shows genuine interest in community-building, with ability to cultivate a welcoming, collaborative environment for policy entrepreneurs and innovators.
📝 Tips for Applying to Renaissance Philanthropy
Highlight specific experience with Airtable or similar operational systems in your resume, as this is explicitly mentioned in the job description.
Emphasize any background in government, public policy, or Capitol Hill—even if indirect—as this is 'strongly preferred' and 'especially valued'.
Provide concrete examples of event planning or program coordination, particularly virtual and in-person gatherings, since you'll manage the annual Retreat and other PEN events.
Demonstrate your community-building skills by describing past roles where you served as a primary point of contact or fostered collaboration among members.
Tailor your application to show understanding of Renaissance Philanthropy's mission by referencing their focus on 'ambition', 'breakthrough ideas', or 'incubating initiatives'.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain why you're drawn to Renaissance Philanthropy's unique model of increasing ambition among philanthropists and innovators, not just general nonprofit work.", 'Detail your experience with admissions processes, community engagement, or Fellow onboarding, as this is a core responsibility.', 'Describe your ability to manage multiple priorities, such as coordinating events while maintaining operational systems and communications.', "Connect your background in government, policy, or Capitol Hill to the PEN community, showing how you understand the Fellows' context."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Renaissance Philanthropy's website, especially their 'Initiatives' and 'About' sections, to understand their focus on ambition and breakthrough ideas.
- → Look into the Policy Entrepreneurs Network (PEN) if publicly mentioned, or research similar fellowship programs to grasp the community's likely dynamics.
- → Review their public communications or blog posts to get a sense of their tone, values, and recent priorities.
- → Investigate their advisory board or leadership team to understand their network and potential braintrust you'll work with.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without mentioning Renaissance Philanthropy's specific focus on ambition, philanthropy, and innovation.
- Failing to highlight operational or event experience with tools like Airtable, even if you have relevant skills.
- Overlooking the importance of community-building and interpersonal skills, as this role requires being a primary point of contact for Fellows.
📅 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 Renaissance Philanthropy!