Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Philanthropy

at PATH

🏢 About PATH

PATH is a global health nonprofit that accelerates progress toward universal health coverage by developing and scaling innovations in partnership with governments worldwide. Working here means directly contributing to health equity at scale, with a focus on measurable impact in low-resource settings. The organization's blend of R&D, implementation, and policy influence offers a unique platform for philanthropic leaders who want to fund systems-level change.

About This Role

As Head of Philanthropy, you will lead PATH's individual and family philanthropy function, mobilizing catalytic resources aligned with global health equity priorities. You will personally build trusted relationships with major donors, lead transformational asks, and close multiple seven-figure gifts. Additionally, you will strengthen the development function by leading a team of six, improving systems, and establishing data-driven pipeline management.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve meeting with a high-net-worth donor to present a tailored investment case for a PATH innovation, then working with your team to refine pipeline analytics and strategy. You could also collaborate with program leaders to translate new research into donor materials, and coach a team member on a major solicitation.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who PATH Is Looking For

  • 10+ years in major gifts or high-net-worth fundraising, with a proven track record of closing seven-figure gifts and leading transformational asks.
  • Demonstrated experience leading and growing a development team, including managing six or more fundraising professionals and building systems for pipeline management and analytics.
  • Fluency in individual and family philanthropy structures—family offices, donor-advised funds, legacy giving—and the ability to translate complex health systems and R&D work into rigorous investment cases for sophisticated donors.
  • Deep commitment to global health equity and experience working with or fundraising for international nonprofits, ideally in health or development.
  • Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage high-net-worth donors with scientific and systems-level content.

📝 Tips for Applying to PATH

1

Quantify your fundraising results: specify the number and size of seven-figure gifts you've closed, and describe your role in the solicitation process.

2

Highlight your experience managing a team of similar size (six) and your contributions to building fundraising infrastructure, such as CRM implementation or pipeline analytics.

3

Demonstrate your ability to translate complex scientific or health systems content into donor-friendly investment cases—provide a concrete example in your cover letter or resume.

4

Show familiarity with PATH's work: reference specific programs or innovations (e.g., vaccine development, diagnostic tools) and how you would fundraise for them.

5

Emphasize your experience with family offices, donor-advised funds, and legacy giving, as these are explicitly required.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your track record of closing seven-figure gifts and leading transformational asks with high-net-worth individuals and families.', 'Your experience building and managing a fundraising team, including systems for data-driven pipeline management.', 'Your ability to translate complex global health R&D into compelling investment cases for sophisticated donors.', "Your passion for global health equity and why PATH's mission and approach resonate with you."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → PATH's current programs and innovations, especially those related to universal health coverage and health equity.
  • → PATH's existing donor base and philanthropic history—who are their major supporters and what giving vehicles do they use?
  • → The global health funding landscape, including trends in individual and family philanthropy and how PATH fits in.
  • → PATH's organizational structure and how the philanthropy team interacts with program and finance teams.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building a pipeline of seven-figure prospects for PATH's global health programs?
2 Describe a time you led a transformational ask and closed a major gift. What was your strategy?
3 How would you improve PATH's development systems and data analytics to support a growing philanthropy program?
4 How do you translate complex scientific or health systems work into a compelling case for support?
5 How would you lead and mentor a team of six fundraisers to achieve ambitious revenue targets?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on fundraising mechanics without demonstrating an understanding of global health or PATH's mission.
  • Failing to provide specific examples of seven-figure gifts closed and your direct role in them.
  • Neglecting to mention experience with family offices, donor-advised funds, or legacy giving, which are key requirements.

📅 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 PATH!

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