Application Guide

How to Apply for Regional Philanthropic Director, West

at Movement Voter Project

🏢 About Movement Voter Project

Movement Voter Project (MVP) operates like a 'mutual fund' for political giving, directing donor funds to the most effective grassroots organizing and movement-building groups nationwide. This innovative model allows donors to maximize their impact, while employees work at the intersection of philanthropy and social justice. MVP values deep collaboration, strategic thinking, and a commitment to shifting culture and power.

About This Role

As Regional Philanthropic Director, West, you'll lead a team of philanthropic advisors and manage a portfolio of ~125 high-net-worth donor households in the San Francisco Bay Area, driving multi-million dollar revenue goals. This role directly fuels flexible, high-impact funding for grassroots organizations, making you a critical bridge between donors and movements. You'll shape donor strategies, deepen relationships, and ensure that resources flow to where they're most needed.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team check-in to review progress on donor strategies and upcoming solicitations. You'll spend time on calls or meetings with 3-4 donor households, discussing their philanthropic goals and connecting them to MVP's grantees. Afternoon could involve analyzing portfolio data to identify next steps, preparing briefing materials for a donor event, or mentoring an advisor on a cultivation plan.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Movement Voter Project

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Movement Voter Project Is Looking For

  • A seasoned major gifts professional with 5+ years of experience managing donor relationships of $100K+ annually, ideally in a political or social justice context.
  • Deeply mission-aligned with organizing, social movements, and electoral politics; you understand the landscape and can articulate the urgency of funding grassroots power-building.
  • Highly self-directed and entrepreneurial, comfortable operating independently while also leading and mentoring a team of advisors to meet ambitious goals.
  • Based in the San Francisco Bay Area (within 1 hour of SF) and connected to the local philanthropic and progressive donor community.

📝 Tips for Applying to Movement Voter Project

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of managing a portfolio of major donors ($100K+), including metrics like dollars raised, donor retention, and portfolio growth.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal values to MVP's mission of funding grassroots organizing; mention specific organizations or movements you admire.

3

Research MVP's current portfolio of grantees and reference a few in your application to show genuine interest and understanding of their work.

4

Demonstrate your team leadership experience by describing how you've coached or developed other fundraisers to achieve their goals.

5

If you have experience with donor-advised funds or other philanthropic vehicles, highlight that—it's relevant to MVP's model.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your alignment with MVP's mission to fund grassroots organizing and movement-building, not just electoral politics.", "Specific examples of how you've cultivated and solicited major gifts ($100K+) from high-net-worth individuals, including any strategies you've used to deepen engagement.", "Your experience leading or mentoring a team of fundraisers, and how you've driven revenue growth collaboratively.", 'Your knowledge of the Bay Area philanthropic landscape and your ability to connect donors to impactful organizations.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review MVP's website and read about their current campaigns and grantees, especially in the West region.
  • → Understand MVP's 'mutual fund' model and how it differs from traditional foundations or donor networks.
  • → Look into the broader landscape of progressive infrastructure funding (e.g., Way to Win, Movement Voter Fund) to contextualize MVP's role.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key Bay Area donors and philanthropic networks that align with MVP's mission.
Visit Movement Voter Project's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you approach qualifying and cultivating a new donor prospect? Walk us through your process.
2 Tell us about a time you managed a difficult donor relationship or navigated a solicitation that didn't go as planned.
3 How do you balance the need to meet revenue targets with the long-term goal of building authentic donor relationships?
4 Describe your experience with grassroots organizing or movement work—how does it inform your fundraising?
5 How would you lead a team of advisors to collaborate effectively and share best practices?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference MVP's specific model or grantees—this shows lack of research.
  • Focusing too much on electoral politics without emphasizing the organizing and movement-building aspect that MVP prioritizes.
  • Downplaying the need to be based in the Bay Area—this is a firm requirement, so address your location clearly.

📅 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 Movement Voter Project!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →