Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Manager (or Director), Philanthropy

at GiveDirectly

🏢 About GiveDirectly

GiveDirectly is revolutionizing international aid by providing unconditional cash transfers directly to people in extreme poverty, using rigorous evidence to challenge traditional aid models. Their unique approach has delivered over $1B to 1.5 million people across 15 countries, with a culture that's analytical, agile, and non-hierarchical. Working here means being part of a movement to make cash transfers the benchmark for foreign aid, similar to how index funds transformed finance.

About This Role

This Senior Manager/Director of Philanthropy will lead major donor fundraising efforts in the US, developing strategies to secure six- and seven-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations. The role is impactful because it directly fuels GiveDirectly's mission to end extreme poverty through cash transfers, enabling the organization to scale its evidence-based programs and influence the broader aid sector.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing donor data to identify cultivation opportunities, preparing evidence-based proposals for foundation partners, and collaborating with program teams to gather impact stories for donor communications. You'd likely participate in cross-functional meetings to align fundraising with program needs while developing strategies to engage high-capacity individual donors through personalized outreach and events.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who GiveDirectly Is Looking For

  • Proven track record of securing major gifts ($100K+) from US-based philanthropists, foundations, or corporations, with experience in international development or poverty alleviation
  • Deep understanding of evidence-based philanthropy and ability to articulate GiveDirectly's unique value proposition compared to traditional aid models
  • Experience managing donor portfolios and developing cultivation strategies for high-capacity donors, with strong relationship-building skills
  • Comfort working in a data-driven, non-hierarchical environment that values candid feedback and rapid iteration

📝 Tips for Applying to GiveDirectly

1

Quantify your fundraising achievements specifically for major gifts (e.g., 'secured $2M in multi-year commitments from 5 foundations in 2023') rather than general fundraising totals

2

Demonstrate understanding of GiveDirectly's evidence-based approach by referencing their research or comparing cash transfers to other interventions

3

Highlight experience with donor segments GiveDirectly targets: tech philanthropists, effective altruism communities, and impact-focused foundations

4

Show familiarity with their non-hierarchical culture by describing how you've thrived in similar environments or led through influence rather than authority

5

Tailor your application to show how your skills align with scaling their US philanthropy efforts specifically, not just general nonprofit fundraising

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience securing major gifts for evidence-based international development programs', "Understanding of GiveDirectly's unique model and how it differs from traditional aid organizations", 'Examples of building relationships with donor segments relevant to GiveDirectly (tech, EA, impact investors)', 'How you would approach developing a major donor strategy for their US philanthropy expansion']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → GiveDirectly's research publications and impact studies on their website to understand their evidence base
  • → Recent media coverage (NYT Magazine, Economist, Foreign Affairs) about cash transfers and GiveDirectly's role in the movement
  • → Their leadership team backgrounds and organizational structure to understand the non-hierarchical culture
  • → Current major donors and foundation partners listed on their website or in annual reports

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a cultivation strategy for a tech philanthropist who's skeptical about cash transfers versus traditional programs?
2 Describe your experience using data and evidence to make the case for funding to major donors
3 How have you navigated a non-hierarchical work environment when leading fundraising initiatives?
4 What metrics would you track to measure success in this role beyond dollars raised?
5 How would you approach building GiveDirectly's brand among US philanthropists unfamiliar with cash transfers?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing on traditional nonprofit fundraising experience without emphasizing major gifts or evidence-based approaches
  • Showing lack of understanding about cash transfers versus other aid models or questioning their effectiveness
  • Using hierarchical language or emphasizing top-down management in a culture that values collaboration and flat structures

📅 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 GiveDirectly!

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