Application Guide
How to Apply for Regional Director, Western States
at Movement Voter Project
🏢 About Movement Voter Project
Movement Voter Project (MVP) operates like a 'mutual fund' for progressive political giving—raising money from donors and channeling it to the most impactful local organizing groups across the country. Unlike traditional political committees, MVP focuses on long-term movement building, funding grassroots power to shift culture, win elections, and shape policy. Working here means directly supporting community-led change and being part of a national network of organizers and donors.
About This Role
As the Regional Director for Western States, you will be MVP's primary liaison to local groups, intermediaries, and donors in priority states like California, Alaska, Nevada, Nebraska, and Texas. You'll build deep relationships with state-based partners, conduct landscape analyses, and recommend strategic investments to build progressive power. This role is integral to ensuring resources flow to the most effective organizing efforts, especially in communities historically excluded from political power.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve a morning call with a local partner in Texas to discuss their organizing strategy, followed by an internal meeting with fellow State Advisors to share insights and coordinate investments. In the afternoon, you might analyze recent political developments in Nevada and draft a memo recommending a grant to a emerging grassroots group. You could also have a check-in with a donor to explain the impact of their contributions in the region.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Movement Voter Project Is Looking For
- Deep experience in progressive political organizing or movement building, with a strong understanding of state-level power dynamics in the Western U.S.
- Proven ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders, including grassroots leaders, donors, and national partners.
- Strategic thinker who can analyze political landscapes, identify opportunities, and make informed investment recommendations.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to represent MVP effectively and navigate complex political environments with diplomacy and cultural competence.
📝 Tips for Applying to Movement Voter Project
Highlight specific experience working in at least one of the priority states (California, Alaska, Nevada, Nebraska, Texas) and demonstrate your understanding of its political landscape.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and manage relationships across geographies, as this role requires significant travel and virtual collaboration.
Show familiarity with MVP's model of funding local organizing—mention how you've previously identified and supported grassroots groups or made strategic investment decisions.
Use your cover letter to tell a story about a time you built trust with a community or partner organization and translated that into tangible power-building outcomes.
Connect your values to MVP's mission of shifting resources to community-led change, and avoid generic language about 'progressive causes'—be specific about your commitment to movement building.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience in one or more of the priority Western states, including key relationships and knowledge of local organizing infrastructure.', "A concrete example of how you've assessed a political landscape and recommended or made investments that led to measurable power-building results.", 'Your approach to building trust with grassroots partners and balancing short-term electoral goals with long-term movement building.', "Why MVP's unique 'mutual fund' model resonates with you and how you would contribute to its success in the Western region."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore MVP's website, especially their investment philosophy, grantmaking process, and list of funded partners to understand their approach.
- → Research the political and organizing landscape in at least two of the priority states, including key progressive organizations, recent electoral outcomes, and policy fights.
- → Read MVP's annual reports or blog posts to learn about their impact and how they measure success in power building.
- → Look into the backgrounds of MVP's leadership and staff to understand the organizational culture and values.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on electoral campaigns and ignoring the long-term movement-building aspect that MVP prioritizes.
- Being vague about your experience in the Western states or failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of local dynamics.
- Approaching the role as a traditional grantmaker rather than a collaborative partner who works alongside grassroots groups.
📅 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!