Application Guide
How to Apply for Executive Director / President
at Code for Science & Society (CS&S)
🏢 About Code for Science & Society (CS&S)
Code for Science & Society (CS&S) is a unique nonprofit fiscal sponsor that provides operational and strategic backbone support to 20 public interest technology projects in open data, open source, and research infrastructure. Unlike traditional nonprofits, CS&S enables project leaders to focus on mission-driven work by handling finance, governance, and sustainability. Working here means directly supporting the infrastructure that makes data and technology work for the public good, in a remote-first, mission-driven environment.
About This Role
As Executive Director/President, you will lead CS&S through a pivotal transition, setting strategic direction and ensuring the organization's fiscal sponsorship model remains best-in-class. You'll oversee a portfolio of 20 sponsored projects, manage relationships with funders and stakeholders, and navigate a shifting funding landscape while championing public interest technology. This role is impactful because you'll shape how data and technology can improve social and economic lives for all.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve meeting with project leaders to address operational challenges, strategizing with the board on fundraising initiatives, and representing CS&S in conversations with funders or partners. You'll balance high-level strategic planning with hands-on problem-solving, ensuring that sponsored projects have the support they need to thrive. Expect frequent virtual collaboration and a focus on fostering a cohesive remote culture.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Code for Science & Society (CS&S) Is Looking For
- Proven executive leadership in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, ideally with experience in fiscal sponsorship, open source, or public interest technology.
- Strong financial acumen and experience with diverse funding models, including grants, contracts, and individual giving, to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and support a portfolio of projects or programs, with a collaborative and service-oriented leadership style.
- Deep commitment to equity, data ethics, and the power of open technology to drive social change, with experience navigating political and cultural challenges.
📝 Tips for Applying to Code for Science & Society (CS&S)
Highlight any direct experience with fiscal sponsorship or serving as a backbone organization for projects; CS&S will look for familiarity with this unique model.
Showcase your ability to lead through transition—mention specific examples of how you've stabilized and grown an organization during leadership changes or funding shifts.
Demonstrate knowledge of the public interest tech landscape by referencing specific projects in CS&S's portfolio (e.g., open data, open source) and how you would support them.
Emphasize your remote leadership skills: CS&S is remote-first, so provide examples of how you've managed distributed teams and fostered culture virtually.
Address the current political and funding climate head-on in your cover letter, outlining your vision for navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities for public interest technology.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your vision for CS&S's next chapter: how you will build on its strong foundation and lead during a time of transition and opportunity.", 'Concrete examples of your experience with fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit management, or supporting open source/open data projects.', 'Your approach to fundraising and financial sustainability in a shifting landscape, including diversifying revenue streams.', "Your commitment to equity and the social impact of data and technology, with specific examples of how you've advanced these values."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore CS&S's website, especially the Fiscal Sponsorship Program and the list of 20 sponsored projects, to understand the breadth of their work.
- → Research the outgoing leader's tenure and any public statements about the transition to understand the context and expectations for the new ED.
- → Investigate the current funding landscape for public interest technology, including recent trends in philanthropy and government funding.
- → Look into key funders and partners of CS&S, and any public reports or impact stories, to grasp the organization's reputation and network.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on general nonprofit leadership without addressing the specific fiscal sponsorship model—CS&S needs someone who understands this unique structure.
- Ignoring the political and cultural climate: candidates who don't acknowledge the heightened visibility and vulnerability of public interest tech may seem out of touch.
- Overlooking the remote-first nature of the role: failing to demonstrate experience with distributed teams or virtual leadership can be a major drawback.
- Being vague about fundraising: CS&S needs a leader who can articulate concrete strategies for financial sustainability amid a shifting landscape.
📅 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 Code for Science & Society (CS&S)!