Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, New Cities, What Works Cities

at Results for America

🏢 About Results for America

Results for America is the leading national nonprofit helping policymakers at all levels of government harness evidence and data to solve major challenges, with a mission to make investing in what works the 'new normal.' Its flagship What Works Cities initiative, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, supports city governments across the country in using data and evidence to improve residents' lives, guided by the first-ever international standard for data-driven local government: What Works Cities Certification.

About This Role

As Manager, New Cities for What Works Cities, you will lead the recruitment, onboarding, and early support of new cities joining the WWC initiative, helping them understand and pursue Certification. You will serve as a key relationship manager and coach for city leaders, ensuring they have the tools and guidance to embed data-driven decision-making into their operations. Your work directly expands the reach of WWC, enabling more cities to improve outcomes for residents through evidence-based governance.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve hosting a virtual onboarding session for a new city, reviewing their initial data assessment, and coordinating with internal WWC coaches to align support. You might also spend time preparing materials for a Certification workshop, responding to city inquiries, and updating project trackers to ensure milestones are met. Collaboration with team members across time zones is common, as is occasional travel to city sites or team retreats.

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🎯 Who Results for America Is Looking For

  • Experience working directly with city governments or local public sector leaders, ideally in a consulting, coaching, or capacity-building role.
  • Familiarity with data-driven decision-making, performance management, or evidence-based policymaking in a municipal context.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple city relationships and workstreams simultaneously in a remote environment.
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and present complex concepts clearly to city staff and leaders.

📝 Tips for Applying to Results for America

1

Highlight any direct experience you have working with city governments or local policymakers—be specific about the cities and the outcomes you helped achieve.

2

Familiarize yourself with the What Works Cities Certification criteria and reference them in your application to show you understand the initiative's framework.

3

Emphasize your ability to build relationships and coach city staff remotely, as this role is remote and involves significant virtual engagement.

4

Demonstrate your understanding of Results for America's mission and the broader evidence-based policymaking movement in your cover letter.

5

Use examples that show you can manage multiple projects and stakeholders, as the role involves supporting several new cities simultaneously.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience working with or within city governments, including any coaching or capacity-building you've done.", 'Your understanding of What Works Cities Certification and how you would help new cities navigate the process.', 'Your ability to manage relationships and projects remotely, with examples of successful virtual collaboration.', "Your passion for data-driven governance and alignment with Results for America's mission to make evidence-based policymaking the norm."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study the What Works Cities Certification criteria and the cities that have already achieved certification to understand the standards and best practices.
  • → Read Results for America's recent reports and blog posts to understand their current priorities and approach to evidence-based policymaking.
  • → Learn about Bloomberg Philanthropies' role in funding and supporting What Works Cities, including any recent announcements or expansions.
  • → Explore the What Works Cities website, including case studies and resources, to get a sense of the support provided to cities.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach recruiting and onboarding a new city into the What Works Cities initiative?
2 Describe a time you helped a government entity use data or evidence to improve a program or policy. What was the outcome?
3 How would you handle a city that is resistant to adopting data-driven practices?
4 What do you know about What Works Cities Certification, and how would you explain its value to a city leader?
5 How do you prioritize and manage multiple city relationships and projects in a remote work environment?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too generic about your interest in government or data—show specific knowledge of municipal challenges and the What Works Cities model.
  • Failing to demonstrate experience working directly with city officials or in a local government context, which is critical for this role.
  • Overlooking the remote nature of the role and not addressing how you successfully manage relationships and projects virtually.

📅 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 Results for America!

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