Application Guide

How to Apply for Executive Director

at Crimson Goes Blue

🏢 About Crimson Goes Blue

Crimson Goes Blue (CGB) stands out as the first alumni-based activist organization in the nation, uniquely leveraging the Harvard community's influence to drive Democratic victories and protect democracy. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that combines elite network power with grassroots activism, making every effort count in high-stakes political battles.

About This Role

As Executive Director, you'll lead CGB's strategic growth, fundraising, and political impact from the ground up, overseeing everything from major donor cultivation to race selection. This role offers the rare opportunity to shape a nimble, high-impact organization during a critical election cycle, directly influencing the fight for democratic integrity.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with remote staff to review fundraising targets and race updates, followed by a donor call with a Harvard alum to discuss a major gift. Afternoon could involve strategizing with the political team on priority races and preparing for a board meeting, with evening hours spent at a virtual volunteer training or coalition call.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Crimson Goes Blue Is Looking For

  • A seasoned nonprofit or political leader with 7+ years of progressive experience, ideally within alumni networks or movement-building organizations.
  • A proven fundraiser with a track record of securing six- or seven-figure gifts and building sustainable donor pipelines.
  • A strategic political mind who deeply understands electoral dynamics and can identify priority races where CGB's resources will have maximum impact.
  • A Harvard graduate or affiliate who can authentically engage the alumni community and leverage that network for recruitment and donations.

📝 Tips for Applying to Crimson Goes Blue

1

Highlight your Harvard connection prominently in your resume and cover letter—mention your degree year, house, or extracurricular involvement that shows deep ties.

2

Quantify your fundraising success: include specific dollar amounts raised, number of major donors cultivated, and growth percentages from previous roles.

3

Demonstrate your understanding of CGB's dual focus on strategic giving and targeted activism by citing examples where you balanced fundraising with on-the-ground political work.

4

Tailor your cover letter to address current political challenges (e.g., election integrity, anti-authoritarianism) and how your leadership can advance CGB's mission.

5

Include any experience with remote team management, as this role is fully remote; mention tools and strategies you've used to maintain culture and productivity.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your personal commitment to electing Democrats and defending democratic institutions, with specific examples of past political engagement.', 'Your Harvard affiliation and how it uniquely positions you to mobilize the alumni community.', 'Your experience in both fundraising and political strategy, showing you can balance revenue generation with mission impact.', "Your vision for scaling CGB's membership and donor base while maintaining its agile, activist-driven culture."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review CGB's website and recent press releases to understand their endorsed races, partner organizations, and public messaging.
  • → Study the Harvard alumni network's political giving patterns—look at HBS or HAA donor data if available—to identify potential donor segments.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the current state of election integrity debates and key legislation (e.g., Voting Rights Act updates) to speak knowledgeably.
  • → Analyze CGB's social media presence and past campaigns to gauge their tone and activist engagement strategies.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you prioritize races for CGB's involvement in the upcoming election cycle? Walk us through your criteria.
2 Describe your approach to major gift fundraising from Harvard alumni. How would you identify and cultivate prospects?
3 How do you balance strategic giving (donating to key races) with targeted activism (volunteer mobilization) in a resource-constrained organization?
4 What experience do you have managing a remote team? How do you ensure accountability and cohesion?
5 How would you handle a situation where a major donor's views conflict with CGB's mission or endorsed candidates?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't downplay the Harvard requirement—if you're not an alum, don't apply; if you are, lead with it. The organization's identity is built on this network.
  • Avoid generic fundraising language; instead, be specific about major gift strategies and donor stewardship, as this is a key need.
  • Don't present yourself as purely a political strategist or purely a fundraiser—CGB needs a leader who excels at both and can integrate them.

📅 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 Crimson Goes Blue!

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