Application Guide
How to Apply for Managing Partner (Part-Time, Performance-Based & Sweat Equity)
at The Collectif
🏢 About The Collectif
The Collectif is a global network of strategists dedicated to serving the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, with a strong commitment to social justice and diversity. Unlike traditional consulting firms, it operates on a decentralized model, allowing strategists to collaborate remotely while maintaining a shared mission. This makes it an ideal workplace for professionals who value flexibility, purpose-driven work, and a community of like-minded change-makers.
About This Role
As Managing Partner, you will drive business development and lead the strategic growth of The Collectif, while also nurturing a community of strategists. This part-time, performance-based role offers sweat equity, aligning your success directly with the company's growth. Your impact will be measured by new client relationships, enhanced brand presence, and a thriving strategist network that amplifies social justice outcomes.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing a new lead from a foundation interested in strategic planning, then hopping on a call with a strategist to discuss capacity for a client deliverable. You might spend the afternoon networking at a virtual philanthropy conference, followed by a strategy session with leadership to refine the company's growth plan. The day ends with updating your pipeline and sending follow-ups to prospective clients.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Collectif Is Looking For
- A seasoned business developer with an MBA and a proven track record of generating leads and closing deals in the nonprofit, CSR, or philanthropy sectors.
- An established networker with deep connections to foundations, nonprofits, and social impact leaders—able to open doors and build trust quickly.
- A strategic thinker with a strong civil society mindset, demonstrated through prior work or volunteerism in social justice causes.
- A collaborative leader who can manage a remote team of strategists, providing support and stepping in on client deliverables when needed.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Collectif
Tailor your resume to highlight specific business development wins in the nonprofit/philanthropy space, including dollar amounts and partnerships formed.
In your cover letter, explicitly name 2-3 organizations in your network that could become clients, and explain how you would approach them.
Showcase your understanding of sweat equity models by articulating how you would drive growth to increase the company's value.
Provide a brief case study or example of how you've built a community or network in a remote setting.
Mention any experience with strategic planning and process refinement, as this role oversees organizational growth.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your established network in the nonprofit/philanthropy sector and specific relationships that align with The Collectif's mission.", 'Highlight your experience with lead generation and business development, including metrics and outcomes.', 'Demonstrate your commitment to social justice through past roles, volunteer work, or personal projects.', "Express enthusiasm for the sweat equity model and how you plan to contribute to the company's long-term success."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review The Collectif's current client list and case studies to understand their typical projects and value proposition.
- → Read about the founders' backgrounds and the company's origin story to align your values with theirs.
- → Explore their blog or social media to gauge their thought leadership and key messaging in the nonprofit space.
- → Understand the competitive landscape of nonprofit consulting networks to identify gaps The Collectif can fill.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application—this role requires a tailored approach showing specific sector knowledge and network.
- Avoid downplaying the part-time, performance-based nature; instead, show how you thrive in entrepreneurial, equity-based environments.
- Don't neglect to mention your social justice background—this is a core requirement, not a nice-to-have.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!