Application Guide

How to Apply for Managing Director, Finance

at Partners In Health

🏢 About Partners In Health

Partners In Health (PIH) is a unique global health organization that combines direct medical care with advocacy for social justice, working in some of the world's most vulnerable communities. Unlike many nonprofits, PIH partners with academic institutions to create evidence-based policies and strengthens national health systems through government collaboration. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that addresses health inequities at both local and systemic levels.

About This Role

As Managing Director, Finance at PIH, you'll oversee all financial operations for a global organization, leading a team of approximately 100 finance professionals across ten locations. This role is crucial for ensuring financial sustainability while supporting PIH's mission to bring modern medical care to underserved communities. You'll directly impact organizational strategy by linking financial planning to long-term goals in global health delivery.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing financial reports from country offices in different time zones, leading a virtual meeting with the U.S. finance team on budget forecasting, and collaborating with program directors to align financial planning with upcoming health initiatives. You'd likely spend time developing audit plans, optimizing financial systems to support field operations, and ensuring compliance across diverse international contexts.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Partners In Health Is Looking For

  • A CPA with 10+ years experience in nonprofit financial management, specifically with U.S. not-for-profit GAAP compliance and audit leadership
  • Someone who has built and optimized financial planning systems in complex, multi-location organizations (ideally with international operations)
  • A leader with experience managing large, distributed finance teams (20+ direct reports, 100+ indirect) in mission-driven environments
  • A strategic thinker who can translate PIH's global health mission into practical financial systems and processes

📝 Tips for Applying to Partners In Health

1

Explicitly highlight your experience with U.S. not-for-profit GAAP and audit management for global organizations in your resume summary

2

Quantify your team leadership experience (e.g., 'managed 25-person finance department across 8 countries') rather than using generic leadership statements

3

Research PIH's specific programs (like their work in Rwanda, Haiti, or Liberia) and mention how your financial expertise could support those initiatives

4

Demonstrate understanding of the unique challenges of nonprofit finance by discussing how you've balanced mission impact with financial sustainability

5

If you have global health or international development experience, highlight it prominently—even if it wasn't in a finance role

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with nonprofit audit management and U.S. not-for-profit GAAP compliance', "Examples of how you've built financial systems that supported organizational missions (not just profitability)", 'Your approach to leading distributed global teams in complex operational environments', "Why PIH's specific model (academic partnerships + government collaboration + direct service) resonates with your professional values"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → PIH's 'Five S's' framework (Staff, Stuff, Space, Systems, Social Support) and how finance supports this model
  • → PIH's recent financial reports and Form 990 to understand their funding structure and major initiatives
  • → The organization's partnerships with Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • → PIH's specific country programs and their different operational contexts (e.g., Rwanda vs. Sierra Leone)
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach financial planning for PIH's work in fragile states with volatile economies?
2 Describe your experience managing auditor relationships for complex global nonprofits
3 How have you previously aligned financial systems with organizational mission in resource-constrained environments?
4 What strategies would you use to develop a cohesive finance team across 10 different country offices?
5 How would you ensure financial compliance while supporting PIH's rapid response to health emergencies?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on corporate finance experience without demonstrating understanding of nonprofit financial constraints
  • Using generic leadership language without specific examples of managing distributed global teams
  • Failing to research PIH's specific model and mentioning generic nonprofit motivations instead

📅 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 Partners In Health!

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