Application Guide

How to Apply for Managing Director, Native Americans in Philanthropy

at Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP)

🏢 About Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP)

Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) is the only national organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous-led philanthropy, working to transform the sector by centering Native worldviews and priorities. Working here means contributing to systemic change that directly supports Native communities and professionals, with a remote-first culture that values Indigenous perspectives.

About This Role

As Managing Director, you will serve as the operational backbone of NAP, partnering closely with the CEO to turn strategic vision into actionable plans. You will lead fundraising, oversee all business operations, and drive growth, making this role critical to NAP's mission of reshaping philanthropy to be more equitable for Native communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the CEO to align on strategic priorities, followed by a meeting with the development team to review a major grant proposal. Afternoon could involve reviewing program metrics, a one-on-one with the HR manager about staff development, and ending with a call with a Native nonprofit partner to explore a collaboration.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) Is Looking For

  • An experienced executive with 10+ years of progressive leadership, including at least 5 years in a senior management role, ideally within a nonprofit or philanthropic organization.
  • A strategic thinker with a proven track record of developing and executing strategic plans that have resulted in measurable organizational growth and sustainability.
  • A skilled fundraiser who has successfully diversified revenue streams and secured major gifts, grants, or partnerships, particularly within the philanthropic or Native nonprofit sector.
  • Someone deeply committed to Indigenous values and community, with cultural competency and experience working with Native American tribes or organizations.

📝 Tips for Applying to Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP)

1

Highlight any experience you have working with Native American communities or organizations, even if it's through volunteer work or board service; NAP values cultural connection.

2

In your resume and cover letter, quantify your impact in previous strategic planning and fundraising roles—e.g., 'Led a strategic plan that increased revenue by 40% over three years.'

3

Tailor your application to show you understand NAP's mission to transform philanthropy; use language that reflects an Indigenous worldview, such as 'collective impact' and 'community-centered.'

4

Address the remote nature of the role by mentioning your experience managing distributed teams and your comfort with virtual collaboration tools.

5

Submit a clear, concise cover letter that demonstrates your strategic thinking and leadership philosophy, not just a list of accomplishments.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your alignment with NAP's mission and your understanding of Indigenous philanthropy and the challenges Native communities face.", "Your experience in strategic planning and fundraising, with specific examples of how you've driven organizational growth and sustainability.", 'Your leadership style and how you foster collaboration across diverse teams, especially in a remote environment.', 'Your commitment to equity and your vision for how NAP can further its impact in the philanthropic sector.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read NAP's latest annual report and strategic plan to understand their current priorities, funding sources, and impact metrics.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key issues in Native philanthropy, such as the history of underfunding of Native-led organizations and the 'Trust-Based Philanthropy' movement.
  • → Research the board of directors and key staff to understand the leadership team's background and areas of expertise.
  • → Look into NAP's programs and initiatives, such as the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation partnership or their fellowship programs.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach developing a strategic plan for NAP that balances short-term wins with long-term sustainability?
2 Describe a time you successfully led a fundraising campaign or diversified revenue sources. What was your strategy?
3 How do you ensure that an organization's operations and culture align with its mission, especially when that mission is rooted in Indigenous values?
4 What experience do you have working with Native American tribes or organizations, and how has that shaped your leadership?
5 How would you manage a remote team to ensure effective communication, accountability, and morale?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't use generic nonprofit jargon without connecting it to NAP's specific mission; avoid phrases like 'best practices' without acknowledging Indigenous ways of knowing.
  • Don't overlook the remote aspect; failing to address how you'll lead and engage a distributed team can signal a lack of fit.
  • Don't neglect to mention your fundraising experience; this role is heavily focused on sustainability, so omitting it is a critical error.

📅 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 Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP)!

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