Application Guide

How to Apply for Development and Partnerships Director

at Data for Progress

🏢 About Data for Progress

Data for Progress is a pioneering progressive research organization that uses cutting-edge polling and data analysis to advance progressive policies and candidates. Its unique blend of data-driven insights and political impact makes it a compelling place for those passionate about using evidence to shape a more equitable future.

About This Role

As the Development and Partnerships Director, you will lead the organization's fundraising strategy to support a $4+ million budget, managing a diverse portfolio of foundation grants, individual donors, and institutional partnerships. This role is impactful because you'll directly enable Data for Progress to produce research that influences national policy debates and electoral outcomes.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start by reviewing a foundation deadline calendar and coordinating with the research team on a proposal for a new climate poll. Midday, you'd have a call with a potential institutional partner to discuss a fee-for-service project, followed by drafting a donor update email. You'd also check in with the Executive Director to prep for an upcoming meeting with a major foundation.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Data for Progress Is Looking For

  • You have 5+ years of experience in fundraising or partnerships, ideally in progressive politics or nonprofit advocacy, with a proven ability to close six-figure+ grants.
  • You excel at building relationships with foundations and major donors, and you have a track record of growing a donor portfolio and meeting revenue targets.
  • You are highly organized and can manage multiple deadlines and complex proposals, coordinating with internal teams to produce compelling materials.
  • You have strong writing skills, able to craft persuasive proposals and donor communications that align with Data for Progress's mission and data-driven approach.

📝 Tips for Applying to Data for Progress

1

Tailor your resume to highlight quantifiable fundraising results (e.g., 'grew foundation grants by 30% year-over-year') and specific partnerships you've cultivated.

2

In your cover letter, demonstrate familiarity with Data for Progress's research (e.g., cite a specific poll or report) and explain how your experience aligns with their c3/c4 structure.

3

Showcase your project management skills by mentioning systems you've built for tracking opportunities and deadlines, as this is a key requirement.

4

Mention any experience with fee-for-service revenue models, as this is a unique aspect of their fundraising mix.

5

If you have a network in progressive philanthropy or political data, highlight it—this role is about pipeline growth.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for progressive data and research, and how your fundraising expertise can amplify their impact.', 'Highlight your experience managing both c3 (philanthropic) and c4 (political) fundraising streams, showing you understand the legal and strategic nuances.', "Provide specific examples of how you've cultivated and closed major partnerships or grants, including any innovative approaches you've used.", 'Mention your ability to work remotely and collaborate with a distributed team, as this role is fully remote.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Data for Progress's recent polls and reports (e.g., on climate, healthcare, or electoral issues) to understand their research focus and style.
  • → Look into their c3 and c4 structures—Data for Progress Action (c4) and Data for Progress (c3)—to understand how fundraising differs for each.
  • → Research their major foundation funders and past partnerships to identify potential gaps or opportunities you could address.
  • → Read about the organization's history and founding to understand its culture and how it differentiates from other progressive polling groups.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach growing our foundation grants portfolio while also expanding fee-for-service partnerships?
2 Describe a time you managed a complex proposal with multiple internal stakeholders. How did you ensure deadlines were met?
3 How do you stay organized when tracking dozens of opportunities and relationships? What tools or systems have you used?
4 What is your experience with c3/c4 fundraising, and how do you ensure compliance while maximizing revenue?
5 How would you prepare the Executive Director for a high-stakes donor meeting, and what materials would you provide?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic fundraising resume—avoid listing only event planning or annual giving without showing major gifts or grants experience.
  • Don't overlook the fee-for-service component; ignoring this revenue stream suggests you haven't fully read the job description.
  • Don't neglect to show familiarity with progressive politics or data—this role requires alignment with their mission and methods.

📅 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 Data for Progress!

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