Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Strategy

at EdFund

🏢 About EdFund

EdFund is a unique nonprofit that bridges rigorous education finance research with actionable state policy solutions. Working here means directly influencing how states fund education, with a focus on equity and evidence-based decision-making. The remote-first culture and mission-driven team offer a chance to shape impactful policy at scale.

About This Role

As Director of Strategy, you will be the operational and strategic linchpin, translating the Executive Director's vision into quarterly and annual plans that drive organizational growth. You'll own EdFund's brand identity, lead partnerships with foundations, and streamline internal processes to maximize efficiency. This role is impactful because you'll directly enable EdFund to expand its reach and influence in education finance policy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a check-in with the Executive Director to align on strategic priorities, followed by drafting a partnership proposal for a foundation. After lunch, you'd lead a cross-functional team meeting to streamline our grant reporting process, then review branding materials for an upcoming policy brief. The day ends with a virtual coffee with a potential partner to explore collaboration opportunities.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who EdFund Is Looking For

  • A seasoned strategist with 10+ years in nonprofit education, education policy/finance, or consulting, who has demonstrated success in scaling organizations or programs.
  • Expert project manager and organizational designer, adept at standardizing processes and leading cross-functional teams to execute complex initiatives.
  • Exceptional communicator who can distill complex education finance topics into compelling narratives for diverse audiences, including policymakers and funders.
  • Proven relationship builder with a track record of securing foundation partnerships and managing external cultivation efforts.

📝 Tips for Applying to EdFund

1

Customize your resume to highlight specific examples of scaling organizations or programs, including metrics like growth in reach, funding, or team size.

2

In your cover letter, directly connect your experience in education policy or finance to EdFund's mission of translating research into policy solutions.

3

Showcase your brand-building and communications skills by including links to external-facing materials you've created (e.g., reports, website copy, or thought leadership).

4

Mention any familiarity with state-level education finance systems or policy landscapes, as this demonstrates domain expertise.

5

Prepare a brief one-page strategy proposal on how you would approach EdFund's next phase of growth, and submit it as an optional attachment to stand out.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your ability to translate a visionary leader's goals into actionable, measurable plans and your experience with quarterly/annual strategic planning.", "Highlight your expertise in building partnerships with foundations and managing donor relationships, citing specific grants or collaborations you've secured.", "Demonstrate your knack for brand differentiation by describing how you've positioned a previous organization uniquely in a crowded field.", 'Show your operational savvy by providing examples of process improvements that increased efficiency or reduced costs in a nonprofit or consulting setting.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review EdFund's recent publications and policy briefs to understand their research focus and key findings.
  • → Study the bios of the Executive Director and Board members to understand their backgrounds and strategic priorities.
  • → Analyze EdFund's current website and social media presence to assess their brand positioning and identify gaps.
  • → Research the education finance policy landscape in key states (e.g., Texas, California) to understand EdFund's target audience.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a 12-month strategic plan for EdFund, given its current focus on research and policy?
2 Describe a time you scaled a program or organization; what were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?
3 How would you approach building EdFund's brand to stand out among other education finance research organizations?
4 Walk us through your process for managing a cross-functional project with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
5 How do you cultivate and steward foundation relationships? Give an example of a successful partnership you built from scratch.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid a generic application that doesn't reference EdFund's specific mission or recent work; tailor everything to their focus on policy-relevant research.
  • Don't overlook the importance of process improvement experience—emphasize your operational skills, not just your strategic thinking.
  • Steer clear of jargon-heavy language; EdFund values clear communication for policymakers, so demonstrate your ability to simplify complex topics.

📅 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 EdFund!

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