Application Guide
How to Apply for Executive Director at National Network of Abortion Funds
at National Network of Abortion Funds
š¢ About National Network of Abortion Funds
The National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF) is a movementābuilding organization that invests in a network of autonomous abortion funds across the U.S., ensuring people can access abortion care free from shame, coercion, and criminalization. What makes NNAF unique is its commitment to resourcing and amplifying grassroots abortion funds while fostering interconnectednessāall within a multiāracial, multiāreligious, genderāexpansive remote team of 75. Working here means directly strengthening the infrastructure of abortion access at a pivotal moment for reproductive freedom.
About This Role
As Executive Director, you will lead NNAFās strategy, operations, and external presence, ensuring the network of abortion funds is sustainably resourced and connected. You will oversee a $XX million budget, guide a 75āperson remote staff, and serve as the primary spokesperson and fundraiser. This role is impactful because you will shape the future of abortion access by empowering local funds and advancing a bold vision for reproductive justice.
š” A Day in the Life
A typical day might include a morning checkāin with the senior leadership team, a strategy session with funders, and an afternoon call with abortion fund leaders to address emerging needs. You might also record a video message for staff, review budget reports, and prepare for a board meetingāall while navigating the urgency of abortion access in a shifting political landscape.
š Application Tools
šÆ Who National Network of Abortion Funds Is Looking For
- Proven executive leadership in reproductive justice, abortion access, or a related social justice movement, with experience managing a multiāmillionādollar budget and a large remote team.
- Deep commitment to abortion funding as a strategy for access, and understanding of the autonomy and interconnectedness of local funds.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising from diverse sources (individual donors, foundations, etc.) and in building relationships with funders and movement partners.
- Experience working with multiāracial, multiāreligious, genderāexpansive staff and a commitment to antiāracism, intersectionality, and inclusive leadership.
š Tips for Applying to National Network of Abortion Funds
Visit the full job description on the Riverwalker Talent Careers portal and tailor your resume to highlight executive leadership in abortion access or reproductive justiceāNNAF is specific about movement experience.
In your cover letter, explicitly reference NNAFās mission to invest in and connect autonomous abortion funds; show you understand the network model rather than treating it as a traditional nonprofit.
Demonstrate your ability to lead a remote, multiāracial staff of 75 by citing concrete examples of managing virtual teams, fostering cohesion, and supporting distributed staff.
Emphasize any experience with fundraising and donor relations, as the ED is expected to be a primary fundraiser; quantify your successes (e.g., raised $X, grew donor base by Y%).
Connect your personal values to NNAFās vision of a world where every reproductive decision is accessible and free from shame and criminalization; use language that reflects reproductive justice frameworks.
āļø What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
ā¢ Your executive leadership in reproductive justice and abortion access, specifically how youāve supported abortion funds or similar grassroots networks. ā¢ Your approach to leading a remote, multiāracial, genderāexpansive staff and maintaining connection across distances. ā¢ Your fundraising philosophy and track record, especially in resourcing autonomous local organizations. ā¢ Your vision for how NNAF can fortify interconnectedness among abortion funds and advance the movement at this pivotal moment.
Generate Cover Letter āš Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- ā Read NNAFās recent annual reports and strategic plan to understand their priorities, budget size, and network structure.
- ā Research the landscape of abortion funds in the U.S., including key challenges like stateālevel bans, funding gaps, and the role of mutual aid.
- ā Explore NNAFās public statements and campaigns (e.g., #FundAbortionBuildPower) to grasp their messaging and advocacy approach.
- ā Look into the backgrounds of NNAFās board and current leadership to understand governance and the context of this transition.
š¬ Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
ā ļø Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on broad reproductive rights rather than specifically on abortion funds and NNAFās network modelāthis shows a lack of alignment with their core strategy.
- Downplaying the importance of remote leadership or failing to address how youāll maintain connection across a dispersed staff.
- Neglecting to mention fundraising experience, as the ED is expected to be a chief fundraiser and donor relationships are critical.
š 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 National Network of Abortion Funds!