Application Guide
How to Apply for Philanthropic Advisor**Chicago Based**
at Movement Voter Project
🏢 About Movement Voter Project
Movement Voter Project uniquely operates as a strategic funding intermediary that channels resources directly to grassroots organizations building progressive power year-round, not just during election cycles. Their model focuses on long-term movement building rather than transactional political giving, making them a critical infrastructure organization for progressive donors who want systemic change beyond individual candidates.
About This Role
As a Philanthropic Advisor, you'll manage approximately 150 major donors who contribute $10,000+ annually, developing personalized engagement strategies that connect their giving to Movement Voter Project's portfolio of grassroots organizations. This role directly fuels progressive movement building by securing sustainable funding for organizations working on social justice, voting rights, and policy transformation across the country.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves virtual donor meetings to discuss how their giving supports specific grassroots organizations in Movement Voter Project's portfolio, researching and qualifying new donor prospects aligned with progressive movements, and preparing personalized proposals that connect donor interests to movement needs. You'll spend significant time in the donor database tracking interactions and developing engagement strategies while staying current on social justice movements and policy developments.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Movement Voter Project Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of proven success securing major gifts of $10,000+ from progressive donors who care about systemic change, not just electoral politics
- Can demonstrate experience managing a full donor portfolio independently with minimal administrative support, including prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship
- Possesses specific knowledge of progressive movement ecosystems, social justice organizations, and how grassroots power building differs from traditional political fundraising
- Is passionate about Movement Voter Project's unique model of channeling funds directly to movement organizations rather than traditional political campaigns
📝 Tips for Applying to Movement Voter Project
Quantify your major gift fundraising experience specifically - mention how many $10,000+ gifts you've secured, portfolio size you've managed, and any experience with progressive donors
Demonstrate understanding of Movement Voter Project's specific model by mentioning their focus on year-round organizing rather than just election cycles
Highlight any experience with donor databases commonly used in progressive fundraising (EveryAction, NGP VAN, Salesforce for nonprofits)
Show how you've worked independently with minimal support - give specific examples of managing your own calendar, preparing materials, and tracking interactions
Connect your passion for social justice to specific movements or organizations that align with Movement Voter Project's portfolio (racial justice, climate, economic justice, etc.)
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience securing major gifts ($10,000+) from progressive donors and managing a portfolio of similar size', "Understanding of Movement Voter Project's unique role as a funding intermediary for grassroots organizations, not a direct service provider", "Examples of how you've developed personalized donor engagement strategies based on interests and affinities", 'Your ability to work independently in a remote setting while maintaining strong donor relationships']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study Movement Voter Project's specific grantees and funding priorities - understand which organizations they fund and why
- → Research their leadership team and board to understand their movement backgrounds and connections
- → Review their annual reports or public materials to understand their funding model and impact metrics
- → Look into their partner organizations and how they position themselves within the progressive funding ecosystem
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on electoral politics experience without demonstrating understanding of year-round movement building
- Using generic fundraising language without connecting to progressive values or social justice movements
- Failing to demonstrate experience working independently in a remote setting with minimal administrative support
- Not being able to speak specifically about major gift fundraising ($10,000+) with quantifiable results
📅 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!