Application Guide
How to Apply for Philanthropic Advisor (San Francisco Bay Area region)
at Movement Voter Project
🏢 About Movement Voter Project
Movement Voter Project (MVP) operates like a mutual fund for political giving, pooling donations to strategically fund local organizing and movement-building groups across the country. Unlike traditional philanthropies, MVP focuses on power-building in underrepresented communities, making it a unique and impactful place for donor advisors who want to directly support grassroots change. Working here means being part of a dynamic, mission-driven team that values collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact.
About This Role
As a Philanthropic Advisor, you will manage a portfolio of ~150 major donors giving $10,000+ annually, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, and guide them through the full giving cycle—from prospecting to stewardship. You'll work closely with the Western Regional Philanthropic Director to develop tailored engagement plans and facilitate face-to-face meetings that align donors' values with transformative change. This role is pivotal in fueling MVP's mission by connecting resources to the most effective local organizing efforts.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching a new prospect, preparing a tailored briefing for a donor meeting, and conducting a virtual cultivation call with a Bay Area philanthropist. You'll also collaborate with the Western team on strategy, update the CRM with donor interactions, and perhaps draft a stewardship report to show a donor the impact of their gift. The role blends independent work with team coordination, all aimed at connecting resources to grassroots power-building.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Movement Voter Project Is Looking For
- Proven experience in major gifts fundraising ($10K+), with a track record of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors in the Bay Area or similar philanthropic hubs.
- Deep understanding of and commitment to social justice, progressive causes, and movement-building; familiarity with the Bay Area donor landscape is a plus.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage high-net-worth individuals authentically and inspire them to give boldly.
- Self-motivated and organized, able to manage a large portfolio independently while collaborating effectively with a remote team.
📝 Tips for Applying to Movement Voter Project
Highlight specific examples of major gifts you've secured ($10K+) and describe your process for identifying, cultivating, and closing those gifts—MVP wants to see measurable results.
Demonstrate familiarity with the Bay Area philanthropic community by mentioning local donor networks, events, or organizations you've engaged with, showing you can hit the ground running.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and independently, as MVP is a remote-first organization; share how you stay organized and proactive without in-person supervision.
Show your passion for MVP's model of funding local organizing by referencing specific groups or initiatives MVP supports, and explain why this approach resonates with you.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience with donor portfolios of ~150, and mention any CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, EveryAction) you've used to manage relationships.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your proven ability to cultivate and solicit major gifts, with concrete examples of gifts you've secured and their impact on progressive causes.", 'Your connection to the San Francisco Bay Area and understanding of its philanthropic landscape, including key donors and networks.', "Why MVP's mutual fund model and focus on local organizing excite you, and how your values align with their mission.", 'Your experience managing a large portfolio and working remotely, with specific strategies for staying organized and proactive.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore MVP's website, especially their 'Portfolio' and 'Impact' sections, to understand the types of organizations they fund and the results they've achieved.
- → Research the Bay Area philanthropic scene: key foundations, donor-advised funds, and individual donors who support progressive causes, to speak knowledgeably in interviews.
- → Read MVP's recent reports or blog posts to grasp their theory of change and how they differentiate from traditional political giving.
- → Look up the Western Regional Philanthropic Director and other team members on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and potentially reference shared connections.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on fundraising mechanics without demonstrating a genuine commitment to social justice and movement-building—MVP wants mission-driven advisors.
- Being vague about your Bay Area network; if you don't have direct experience, avoid pretending you do, but show willingness to learn and leverage transferable skills.
- Neglecting to mention remote work experience or self-management skills; MVP is remote-first, so they need to trust you can thrive without a traditional office.
📅 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!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Movement Voter Project!