Application Guide
How to Apply for Head of Finance
at Longview Philanthropy
🏢 About Longview Philanthropy
Longview Philanthropy is a nonprofit that designs and executes bespoke giving strategies for major donors, focusing on long-term problems like existential risk and global catastrophic risks. Working here means directly influencing how significant philanthropic capital is deployed, offering a unique blend of strategic finance and high-impact philanthropy. The remote-first, US-based team is small, agile, and dedicated to maximizing the effectiveness of every dollar.
About This Role
As Head of Finance, you will build the finance function from the ground up, overseeing accounting, FP&A, treasury, and financial strategy. You'll establish systems, processes, and controls to support rapid growth, giving leadership clear financial visibility while managing grant finance, restricted funds, and investment activities. This role is pivotal in ensuring that Longview's financial infrastructure scales effectively to support its ambitious philanthropic mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing cash flow and investment performance, meeting with leadership to discuss budgeting for upcoming grant cycles, and evaluating new software to automate reporting. You could also spend time designing controls for restricted fund compliance, collaborating with external auditors, and strategizing on how to allocate resources to maximize philanthropic impact. Expect a mix of strategic planning and hands-on financial management in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Longview Philanthropy Is Looking For
- Extensive experience in building and scaling finance functions in high-growth or rapidly evolving organizations, ideally within nonprofits or mission-driven entities.
- Deep expertise in grant finance, restricted fund management, and compliance, with a track record of implementing robust financial controls and reporting.
- Strategic thinker with hands-on capability in FP&A, treasury, and investment management, able to determine when to build internally versus outsource.
- Tech-savvy and forward-thinking, with demonstrated success in leveraging automation, AI, and financial software to streamline processes and enhance decision-making.
📝 Tips for Applying to Longview Philanthropy
Highlight specific instances where you built finance systems from scratch, especially in nonprofits or organizations managing restricted funds and grants.
Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Implemented new FP&A system that reduced reporting time by 30%' or 'Managed $50M+ in restricted funds with 100% compliance.'
Research Longview's philanthropic focus areas (e.g., long-term problems, existential risk) and mention how your financial leadership can support their unique donor strategies.
Emphasize any experience with automation and AI in finance, as the role explicitly calls for implementing these technologies.
Address the remote nature of the role by showcasing your ability to lead finance functions in a distributed team, with examples of successful remote collaboration.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your hands-on experience building finance infrastructure (accounting, FP&A, treasury) in a scaling organization, particularly with restricted funds and grants.', "How you've used technology and AI to automate financial processes and improve efficiency, aligning with Longview's forward-looking approach.", 'Your ability to provide strategic financial visibility to leadership, enabling informed decision-making in a philanthropic context.', "Your passion for Longview's mission and how you can contribute to maximizing the impact of philanthropic capital through robust financial stewardship."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Longview Philanthropy's website, especially their approach to bespoke giving strategies and focus areas like long-term problems and existential risk.
- → Research the founders and key team members to understand their backgrounds and philanthropic philosophy.
- → Look into recent projects or grants Longview has facilitated to grasp the scale and complexity of funds they manage.
- → Understand the landscape of philanthropic advising and donor-advised funds, including common financial compliance and reporting requirements.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on for-profit finance experience without addressing the nuances of nonprofit accounting, grant management, and restricted funds.
- Neglecting to mention specific technologies or automation tools you've used, as this role requires a tech-forward mindset.
- Being vague about your experience building systems and processes; candidates should provide concrete examples of scaling finance functions.
📅 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 Longview Philanthropy!