Application Guide

How to Apply for Interim Sponsorships and Corporate Giving Director (Temporary, Part-Time)

at Race Forward

๐Ÿข About Race Forward

Race Forward is a unique racial justice organization that operates at the intersection of policy, culture, and institutional practice, developing innovative strategies to build a just, multiracial society. What makes them distinctive is their focus on systemic change through both community support and public institution transformation, offering the opportunity to work at the forefront of racial justice with tangible impact.

About This Role

This interim role provides temporary leadership for Race Forward's corporate giving and sponsorship programs during a leave period, specifically focusing on securing $1 million in FY25โ€“26 revenue with emphasis on the Facing Race event in November 2026. The position is impactful because it ensures continuity in critical revenue streams that directly fund racial justice initiatives while maintaining relationships with corporate partners aligned with the organization's mission.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve strategizing outreach to potential Facing Race sponsors, conducting virtual meetings with corporate partners to discuss alignment with racial justice goals, and developing sponsorship proposals tailored to Race Forward's specific mission. You'd also be tracking progress toward the $1 million revenue target while ensuring existing corporate relationships receive appropriate stewardship during this transitional period.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Race Forward Is Looking For

  • Has 7+ years specifically in corporate giving/sponsorship for nonprofits or social impact organizations, not just general fundraising
  • Demonstrates concrete examples of closing six- and seven-figure corporate partnerships with measurable results
  • Shows deep understanding of racial justice frameworks and can articulate how corporate partnerships advance this mission
  • Possesses exceptional relationship management skills with corporate executives and experience managing partnership renewals

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Race Forward

1

Quantify your sponsorship results specificallyโ€”mention dollar amounts raised, renewal rates, and partnership values from previous roles

2

Explicitly connect your corporate partnership experience to racial justice outcomes, not just fundraising metrics

3

Research and reference Race Forward's Facing Race conference in your application materials to show immediate understanding of their flagship event

4

Highlight any experience with interim or contract roles in nonprofit leadership positions

5

Demonstrate knowledge of their FY25โ€“26 timeline by outlining how you would approach the compressed schedule for November 2026 targets

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience managing corporate giving programs during transitional periods or interim leadership situations', "Examples of how you've stewarded corporate relationships that align with social justice missions", 'Your strategy for securing sponsorships for large-scale events similar to Facing Race', 'How your racial justice commitment informs your approach to corporate partnership development']

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Race Forward's current corporate partners and sponsorship levels (check their annual report and event materials)
  • โ†’ Details about the Facing Race conferenceโ€”past themes, attendance, sponsorship packages
  • โ†’ Their specific racial justice frameworks and terminology (e.g., 'building a multiracial democratic society')
  • โ†’ Recent Race Forward initiatives at the policy-culture-institutional practice intersection mentioned in their mission
Visit Race Forward's Website โ†’

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for securing a six- or seven-figure corporate sponsorship from identification to close
2 How would you approach corporate partners who may be new to racial justice funding?
3 Describe your experience managing sponsorship programs during leadership transitions
4 What strategies would you implement to meet the $1 million FY25โ€“26 target with emphasis on Facing Race 2026?
5 How do you balance revenue goals with maintaining authentic partnerships aligned with racial justice values?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic fundraising experience without specific corporate giving/sponsorship examples
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of racial justice beyond surface-level diversity statements
  • Not addressing the temporary, part-time nature of the role and how you would manage the compressed timeline
  • Focusing only on revenue generation without discussing relationship stewardship and mission alignment

๐Ÿ“… 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

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Race Forward!