Application Guide
How to Apply for Executive Director
at Appleseed Foundation
🏢 About Appleseed Foundation
The Appleseed Foundation is the central hub for a unique network of 20 justice centers across the US and Mexico, driving systemic change through policy advocacy, impact litigation, and research. Working here means joining a collaborative, community-driven movement that amplifies local efforts for national impact, with a focus on equity and justice.
About This Role
As Executive Director, you will lead the foundation's strategic priorities, foster collaboration across the network, and drive fundraising to ensure sustainability. This role is pivotal in uniting diverse justice centers to tackle systemic issues, making it a high-impact leadership opportunity at the intersection of advocacy, operations, and partnerships.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the foundation team (e.g., development, operations) to review fundraising progress and strategic initiatives. You could then join a call with a justice center director to discuss a multi-center campaign, followed by a donor meeting or a board committee call. Afternoon might involve reviewing policy updates, preparing for a public speaking engagement, or drafting a grant proposal, with time reserved for reading network updates and responding to emails from partners across the US and Mexico.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Appleseed Foundation Is Looking For
- A seasoned nonprofit leader with 10+ years of senior experience, including a proven track record in fundraising (e.g., securing major gifts, grants, or corporate partnerships) and donor relationship management.
- Deeply knowledgeable about systemic social justice advocacy, with familiarity with policy advocacy, impact litigation, and community partnerships—ideally having worked on issues like racial justice, immigration, or economic equity.
- Experienced in leading or collaborating within networks, coalitions, or decentralized models, with the ability to balance autonomy with alignment across 20+ centers.
- An exceptional communicator and relationship-builder who can serve as the public face of the foundation, inspire diverse stakeholders, and navigate complex board relations.
📝 Tips for Applying to Appleseed Foundation
Highlight specific fundraising results (e.g., dollar amounts raised, campaigns led) and show how you've cultivated donor relationships over time—this is critical for the foundation's sustainability.
Demonstrate your understanding of the Appleseed Network by mentioning its structure (hub-and-spoke model) and citing a specific justice center or initiative (e.g., Appleseed Nebraska's work on child welfare).
Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with decentralized teams or coalitions—use terms like 'network coordination,' 'cross-organizational collaboration,' or 'federated model.'
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your leadership philosophy to the foundation's values of community-driven justice and systemic change—avoid generic nonprofit platitudes.
Include examples of how you've managed a remote or geographically dispersed team, as this role is fully remote and requires virtual coordination across time zones.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your commitment to and understanding of systemic social justice advocacy, with specific references to the Appleseed Network's work (e.g., impact litigation on voting rights or policy campaigns on education equity).", "Your fundraising expertise, including how you've diversified revenue streams and built long-term donor relationships in a nonprofit context.", 'Your experience leading networks or coalitions, emphasizing how you foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and align diverse stakeholders toward common goals.', "Your vision for the role: how you would support justice centers, strengthen the network, and advance the foundation's mission in a remote setting."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Appleseed Foundation's website and recent annual reports to understand its strategic priorities, financial health, and key programs (e.g., their work on voting rights, education, and immigration).
- → Study the Appleseed Network's structure: identify all 20 justice centers, their focus areas, and any notable recent successes or challenges (e.g., Appleseed Texas on redistricting).
- → Read recent news or press releases about the foundation to understand current issues and public stance—this will help you speak knowledgeably about their advocacy wins.
- → Look into the foundation's board of directors to understand their backgrounds and potential expectations for the new ED—this can guide your relationship-building approach.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Appleseed Network or its specific model—this shows lack of research and interest.
- Avoid focusing solely on your own achievements without connecting them to collaborative, network-level impact—the foundation values collective success over individual glory.
- Don't underestimate the importance of fundraising; failing to provide concrete examples of donor cultivation and revenue growth will signal you're not prepared for this core responsibility.
📅 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 Appleseed Foundation!