Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Leadership Operations

at Winrock International

🏢 About Winrock International

Winrock International stands out for its mission-driven focus on sustainable development across agriculture, social systems, and the environment. Working here means contributing to global impact while collaborating with a diverse team of experts. The remote-first culture offers flexibility without sacrificing meaningful work.

About This Role

This role is the strategic backbone connecting the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors, ensuring seamless governance and operational efficiency. You'll drive high-priority projects and shape organizational effectiveness, directly influencing Winrock's mission success.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing the CEO's calendar and priorities, then prep materials for an upcoming board committee call. Midday, you'd lead a cross-functional project check-in, followed by drafting a governance document. Afternoons could involve coordinating with the executive team on strategic goal tracking or handling a time-sensitive request from a board member.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Winrock International

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Winrock International Is Looking For

  • A seasoned executive assistant or chief of staff with 5+ years supporting C-suite leaders and at least 2 years directly managing board relations, including agenda setting, minutes, and compliance.
  • Expert in prioritization and project management, with a track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and tracking strategic goals in a nonprofit or international development context.
  • Exceptional communicator with polished writing skills, able to synthesize complex information for diverse stakeholders and maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Familiar with international development frameworks and passionate about sustainable solutions, with a master's degree in a relevant field preferred.

📝 Tips for Applying to Winrock International

1

Tailor your resume to highlight board governance experience explicitly, including the number of board meetings coordinated and any committee structures managed.

2

In your cover letter, reference Winrock's specific projects (e.g., climate-smart agriculture, women's empowerment) to show alignment with their mission.

3

Emphasize remote work proficiency: mention tools used (e.g., Zoom, Asana, SharePoint) and how you've maintained team cohesion virtually.

4

Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Reduced board meeting prep time by 20% through streamlined processes' or 'Managed 12 board meetings annually with 100% compliance.'

5

Check Winrock's website for recent annual reports or press releases to mention a current initiative, demonstrating genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Highlight your experience bridging executive leadership and board governance, with specific examples of coordinating meetings and driving strategic initiatives.', 'Show your ability to handle sensitive information and build trust with senior leaders and board members.', "Connect your skills to Winrock's mission: explain how your operational support advances sustainable development goals.", 'Demonstrate your project leadership by describing a special project you led that aligned with organizational strategy.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Winrock's latest annual report and strategic plan to understand their current priorities and impact areas.
  • → Read recent news about their projects (e.g., in climate resilience or gender equality) to speak knowledgeably during interviews.
  • → Look up the CEO's background and recent speeches or interviews to understand their leadership style and focus areas.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the board structure: number of members, committees, and any recent changes mentioned on their site.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would prepare for a quarterly board meeting, from agenda setting to post-meeting follow-up.
2 Describe a time you managed competing priorities from the CEO and board members. How did you decide what to tackle first?
3 How do you ensure confidentiality when handling sensitive board materials? Give an example.
4 Winrock works in international development. How would you support the CEO in tracking strategic goals across multiple country offices?
5 Tell me about a time you improved an operational process (e.g., meeting cadence, reporting) that increased efficiency.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on administrative tasks; this role is strategic. Emphasize your ability to lead projects and influence decisions.
  • Avoid generic language about 'supporting the CEO.' Be specific about governance, prioritization, and organizational effectiveness.
  • Don't neglect to mention remote work experience or tools. The role is remote, so showing you can thrive without in-person oversight is key.

📅 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 Winrock International!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →