Application Guide

How to Apply for Executive Director, When We All Vote

at Civic Nation

🏢 About Civic Nation

When We All Vote is a national, nonpartisan initiative founded by Michelle Obama in 2018, uniquely positioned at the intersection of voting and culture to close race and age voting gaps. Working here means joining a high-profile, mission-driven team that leverages celebrity and corporate partnerships to make civic engagement a cultural norm.

About This Role

As Executive Director, you will lead the overall vision, strategy, and operations of When We All Vote, overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget and expanding fundraising across philanthropic and private sectors. This role is impactful because you will directly shape the initiative's growth, serve as its primary spokesperson, and drive voter participation through innovative partnerships and grassroots mobilization.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a morning briefing with the communications team to prepare for a media interview, followed by a virtual meeting with a potential corporate partner about a voter registration drive. Afternoon could involve reviewing the annual budget with the finance director and ending with a call with a grassroots organizer about a youth engagement event in a key swing state.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Civic Nation Is Looking For

  • A senior leader with 10+ years in nonprofit, entertainment, corporate, or public sectors, who has scaled organizations and managed complex stakeholder relationships.
  • Proven fundraising expert with a track record of securing major gifts, grants, and partnerships, ideally with experience in both philanthropic and corporate giving.
  • A community organizer at heart, with 3+ years of grassroots mobilization or youth engagement experience, understanding how to turn passion into action.
  • A visionary who can lead a multidisciplinary team, foster an inclusive culture, and serve as a compelling public spokesperson for voting rights.

📝 Tips for Applying to Civic Nation

1

Tailor your resume to highlight both fundraising wins (e.g., $ amounts raised) and organizing impact (e.g., number of volunteers mobilized or voters reached).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your leadership style to Michelle Obama's values of inclusivity, nonpartisanship, and cultural relevance.

3

Showcase any experience working with entertainment or corporate partners, as When We All Vote heavily relies on these sectors for visibility and funding.

4

Quantify your achievements in strategic planning, such as percentage growth in budget, team size, or program reach under your leadership.

5

Include a brief statement on how you would approach closing the race and age voting gaps, demonstrating understanding of the initiative's core mission.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your commitment to nonpartisan voter engagement and closing the race and age voting gaps, aligning with Michelle Obama's vision.", "Your success in fundraising from diverse sources, with specific examples of major gifts or partnerships you've secured.", 'Your experience leading cross-functional teams and creating a positive, inclusive organizational culture.', 'Your ability to serve as a public face for the initiative, including media appearances or high-profile event management.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review When We All Vote's past campaigns (e.g., 'Culture of Voting' initiatives) and their measurable impact on voter turnout.
  • → Study Michelle Obama's public statements on voting rights to understand the tone and values expected of the Executive Director.
  • → Analyze the organization's current partnerships (e.g., with celebrities, corporations, and civic groups) to identify areas for growth.
  • → Read recent news about voting legislation and gaps in voter participation to speak knowledgeably about the current landscape.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you expand When We All Vote's partnerships with corporate and entertainment sectors while maintaining nonpartisan integrity?
2 Describe your approach to developing a multi-year strategic plan for a mission-driven organization with a $5M+ budget.
3 How do you ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in both internal team culture and external programming?
4 Give an example of a time you mobilized young voters or communities of color; what worked and what didn't?
5 How would you balance the need for fundraising with the organization's nonpartisan stance, especially in a polarized environment?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't emphasize partisan political experience; When We All Vote is strictly nonpartisan and must appeal across the aisle.
  • Avoid vague fundraising claims; be specific about dollars raised, grants secured, and partnerships forged.
  • Don't overlook the 'culture' aspect; this role requires blending civic engagement with pop culture, not just traditional nonprofit management.

📅 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 Civic Nation!

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