Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Director of National Policy and Coalitions, National Roundtable on Ending Poverty

at Goodnation

🏢 About Goodnation

Goodnation is a unique philanthropic innovator that has deployed over $85M to address root causes of societal challenges through vetted nonprofits and initiatives. Unlike traditional grantmakers, they act as a trusted fiscal sponsor and strategic partner, empowering changemakers to reform systems and protect vulnerable populations. Working here means joining an organization that drives meaningful social impact by connecting resources with transformative community projects.

About This Role

This Senior Director role leads the National Roundtable on Ending Poverty, co-developing and executing a national community-integrated policy strategy to reduce poverty. You'll spearhead the American Economic Security Index (AESI) measurement initiative while coordinating a growing network of community funders engaged in federal policy advocacy. The position directly harnesses local philanthropic power to advance high-impact federal policies that expand economic opportunity and strengthen social safety nets.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve facilitating a Working Group call to align community funders around specific policy priorities, analyzing data for the American Economic Security Index development, and strategizing with national community-based power building leaders to create integrated grantmaking options. You'd likely spend significant time coordinating advocacy efforts between local community foundations and federal policy initiatives while developing engagement strategies to grow the coalition membership.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Goodnation Is Looking For

  • Has 5-10 years of experience in philanthropy/foundation spaces with proven success leading or working within funder coalitions at local, state, or national levels
  • Demonstrates entrepreneurial drive to scale social change through policy and advocacy work at federal, state, and/or local levels
  • Is a natural bridge-builder who thrives in diverse coalition environments and can inspire community funders into coordinated action
  • Possesses deep commitment to poverty reduction and economic security, with experience developing consensus among stakeholders with varying priorities

📝 Tips for Applying to Goodnation

1

Quantify your coalition-building achievements—specifically mention how many members you've grown coalitions to and what percentage increases you've achieved

2

Highlight any experience with economic measurement tools or indices similar to the American Economic Security Index (AESI) concept

3

Demonstrate your understanding of community foundation dynamics by referencing specific examples of working with or organizing these types of funders

4

Show how you've integrated policy advocacy with grantmaking in previous roles, as this role requires creating 'aligned giving' options

5

Include concrete examples of how you've facilitated constructive dialogue among diverse stakeholders to build consensus on policy priorities

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience building and managing funder coalitions, including size, geographic scope, and policy focus areas', "Examples of how you've successfully integrated community perspectives into national policy strategies", 'Your entrepreneurial approach to scaling social change through coordinated advocacy and grantmaking', 'Demonstrated commitment to poverty reduction and economic security measurement initiatives']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Goodnation's current portfolio of vetted nonprofit organizations and unique initiatives, particularly those focused on poverty reduction
  • → The existing National Roundtable on Ending Poverty structure and any publicly available materials about its current work
  • → Community foundation networks and their typical engagement with federal policy (like Council on Foundations or regional associations)
  • → Existing economic security measurement tools and indices to understand the landscape the AESI will enter
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach expanding the coalition to 1,000+ community foundation members nationwide?
2 Describe your experience developing or implementing economic measurement tools similar to the American Economic Security Index
3 How have you previously balanced national policy strategy with local community integration in your work?
4 What strategies would you use to sustain momentum and foster unity among diverse coalition members with potentially competing priorities?
5 How would you create 'aligned giving' options that connect community funders with federal policy advocacy opportunities?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on direct service experience without demonstrating policy/advocacy or coalition-building expertise
  • Presenting as purely an implementer rather than an entrepreneurial leader who can drive scaled social change
  • Failing to show understanding of how community foundations operate differently from other philanthropic entities

📅 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 Goodnation!

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