Application Guide

How to Apply for Expert Advisory Services Manager

at Center for Disaster Philanthrophy

🏢 About Center for Disaster Philanthrophy

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) is unique as a pioneering organization dedicated to transforming how philanthropy responds to disasters, moving beyond reactive giving to strategic, equitable recovery. Working at CDP means being part of a trusted, expert resource that directly influences how hundreds of foundations and corporations maximize their impact during humanitarian crises, with a core mission focused on minimizing disaster impacts through thoughtful and responsive approaches.

About This Role

As the Expert Advisory Services Manager, you'll lead client engagements from needs assessment through delivery, designing disaster strategies and managing a pipeline of consulting projects. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape how philanthropic dollars flow into disaster recovery, build and oversee a network of expert consultants (CDPCorps), and translate complex disaster management concepts into actionable client strategies that promote equitable outcomes.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve conducting a client consultation to assess disaster strategy needs, facilitating a virtual workshop on equitable recovery practices, then collaborating with the CDPCorps network to develop tailored recommendations. You'll likely spend time managing project timelines, drafting consulting reports, and engaging in business development conversations with potential philanthropic partners.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Center for Disaster Philanthrophy

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Center for Disaster Philanthrophy Is Looking For

  • Has 5-7 years of hands-on experience in disaster/emergency management AND consulting/philanthropic advising, not just one area
  • Demonstrates proven ability to manage multiple complex programs independently while building productive client relationships
  • Possesses specific experience developing scopes of work, budgets, and managing projects in domestic or international disaster contexts
  • Can translate nebulous client needs into concrete deliverables and has experience designing/facilitating workshops or training

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Disaster Philanthrophy

1

Quantify your experience managing disaster-related projects - specify number of projects, budget sizes, and types of disasters (hurricanes, wildfires, international crises)

2

Highlight specific examples where you've translated complex disaster concepts into actionable strategies for non-experts or philanthropic audiences

3

Demonstrate your understanding of equitable recovery by mentioning specific frameworks or approaches you've used in previous disaster work

4

Show your business development experience in consulting contexts - mention pipeline management metrics or successful client acquisition examples

5

Reference CDP's specific programs or initiatives in your application materials to show you've researched their unique approach to disaster philanthropy

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your experience bridging disaster management expertise with client advisory services - how you've made technical concepts accessible to philanthropic audiences", 'Specific examples of managing complex disaster programs with considerable independence and latitude', 'Your approach to building and maintaining productive client relationships in consulting contexts', "How your philosophy aligns with CDP's focus on equitable recovery and strategic disaster philanthropy"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → CDP's Disaster Philanthropy Playbook and their specific frameworks for strategic giving
  • → Recent CDP disaster funds and how they've allocated resources (hurricane, wildfire, or international crisis responses)
  • → CDP's research publications and how they approach knowledge mobilization in the philanthropy sector
  • → The organization's partnerships with specific foundations or corporations mentioned in their case studies
Visit Center for Disaster Philanthrophy's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would conduct a needs assessment for a foundation client new to disaster philanthropy
2 Describe your experience managing a cadre of consultants or experts - how do you ensure quality and consistency?
3 How would you design a workshop to help corporate donors develop their first disaster giving strategy?
4 Share an example of a complex disaster program you managed independently and the challenges you navigated
5 How do you stay current on disaster trends and translate that knowledge into actionable advice for clients?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on emergency response experience without demonstrating advisory/consulting skills for philanthropic audiences
  • Using generic disaster management terminology without showing understanding of philanthropic contexts and constraints
  • Failing to demonstrate experience with the full project lifecycle - from business development through delivery and evaluation

📅 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 Center for Disaster Philanthrophy!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →