Application Guide

How to Apply for Development and Prospect Research Associate

at Movement Voter Project

🏢 About Movement Voter Project

Movement Voter Project operates as a 'mutual fund' for political giving, uniquely channeling donor funds to grassroots organizing groups that shift culture, win power, and shape policy nationwide. Working here means contributing to a strategic model that amplifies local movement-building rather than traditional top-down philanthropy, ideal for someone passionate about progressive political change through community organizing.

About This Role

This Development and Prospect Research Associate role focuses on identifying and prioritizing high-potential donors through detailed research on capacity and wealth sources, while maintaining Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud data integrity. The position directly supports fundraising by creating research profiles for leadership and helping determine ask amounts, making it impactful by fueling resources for grassroots organizations across the country.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves researching individual and institutional donor prospects, documenting findings in Salesforce with detailed notes on capacity and wealth indicators, analyzing data to refine prospect prioritization, and preparing research briefings for donor advisors or leadership events. You'll balance ongoing pipeline development with maintaining data integrity across systems while supporting the fundraising team's strategic goals.

🎯 Who Movement Voter Project Is Looking For

  • Has experience with prospect research methodologies including capacity assessment and wealth sourcing for political or nonprofit fundraising
  • Is proficient with Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud or similar CRM systems with strong attention to data integrity practices
  • Can analyze data to improve prospect identification and prioritization processes
  • Demonstrates understanding of progressive political landscape and donor motivations in movement-building contexts

📝 Tips for Applying to Movement Voter Project

1

Highlight specific experience with political prospect research, not just general nonprofit fundraising

2

Mention any familiarity with the 'mutual fund' model of philanthropy or movement-based giving

3

Provide examples of how you've maintained data integrity in Salesforce or similar CRMs

4

Reference MVP's specific grantees or campaigns to show understanding of their impact model

5

Demonstrate how your research has directly influenced donor strategy or ask amounts in past roles

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with prospect research specifically for political or movement-building organizations', "How you've used data analysis to improve donor identification and prioritization processes", 'Your approach to maintaining CRM data integrity while supporting donor advisors', "Why MVP's mutual fund model resonates with your approach to political change"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review MVP's grantee organizations and recent funding cycles on their website
  • Understand the 'mutual fund' philanthropy model and how it differs from traditional foundations
  • Research the current progressive political landscape and key movement-building organizations
  • Explore how prospect research supports political fundraising in movement contexts
Visit Movement Voter Project's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for researching a prospect's capacity and determining appropriate ask amounts
2 How would you prioritize research between individual donors vs. institutional prospects for MVP?
3 Describe your experience with Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud and maintaining data integrity standards
4 How do you stay current on wealth indicators and research methodologies for political donors?
5 What excites you about MVP's approach compared to traditional political fundraising organizations?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating this as a generic development role without addressing the political/movement context
  • Focusing only on research skills without connecting to data management in Salesforce
  • Showing unfamiliarity with progressive political organizing or MVP's specific model

📅 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 Movement Voter Project!