Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Manager, Development

at Partnership for Public Service

🏢 About Partnership for Public Service

The Partnership for Public Service is a unique nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to making the federal government work better. Working here means contributing to nonpartisan efforts to improve government effectiveness, with a strong reputation for impact and thought leadership. Employees are part of a mission-driven team that values innovation and collaboration.

About This Role

This role is pivotal in expanding the Partnership's funding base in California, focusing on high-net-worth individuals and foundations. As a Senior Manager, you'll lead fundraising strategy, cultivate relationships, and secure significant gifts to support the Partnership's mission. Your work directly enables programs that strengthen the federal government, making it both rewarding and impactful.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing your portfolio of California donors, scheduling virtual meetings or calls to cultivate relationships, and drafting a grant proposal. You might spend time researching new prospects using donor databases and Salesforce, then collaborate with program staff to align funding opportunities. Afternoons could be spent planning a virtual donor briefing or preparing materials for an upcoming event.

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🎯 Who Partnership for Public Service Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 7+ years of experience, including direct solicitation of six-figure gifts from individuals and foundations.
  • Proven track record in building and managing a portfolio of 40+ donors, with expertise in California's philanthropic landscape.
  • Strategic thinker who can develop and execute fundraising plans, and is comfortable with data-driven donor research using CRM tools like Salesforce.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, able to engage donors through events and personalized stewardship, and craft compelling grant proposals.

📝 Tips for Applying to Partnership for Public Service

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific fundraising revenue you've generated, especially from California donors and foundations, with dollar amounts and percentages.

2

In your cover letter, mention any connections you have to California philanthropy or the Partnership's mission, and detail your experience with major gifts ($10k+).

3

Research the Partnership's recent initiatives and reports, and reference them to show your alignment with their work.

4

Highlight your proficiency with Salesforce or similar donor CRMs, and provide examples of how you've used data to drive fundraising decisions.

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to self-manage and communicate effectively across time zones, and any experience with virtual events.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for public service and government effectiveness, and why the Partnership's mission resonates with you.", "Your specific experience in California fundraising, including any networks or knowledge of the region's philanthropic community.", 'Quantifiable successes in cultivating and soliciting major gifts from individuals and foundations, with concrete outcomes.', 'Your strategic approach to building a donor pipeline and your ability to write compelling proposals and reports.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read the Partnership's annual report and recent publications to understand their impact and priorities.
  • → Research the current funding landscape for government reform and identify key California foundations that align with the mission.
  • → Learn about the Partnership's leadership and any recent news about their initiatives to speak knowledgeably in interviews.
  • → Look into the team structure and how this role collaborates with the broader development team and program staff.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with major gift solicitation. How do you approach a $10k+ ask?
2 How would you identify and cultivate new donor prospects in California, given the remote nature of the role?
3 Can you share a time you had to develop a fundraising strategy from scratch? What steps did you take?
4 How do you use Salesforce (or similar CRM) to track and segment your portfolio? Provide examples.
5 How would you engage donors remotely, and what virtual cultivation events have you organized?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't send a generic cover letter – make sure it's tailored to the Partnership and this specific role.
  • Avoid focusing only on your fundraising numbers without explaining your strategy and relationship-building approach.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of California-specific knowledge; if you lack it, show a plan to quickly build it.

📅 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 Partnership for Public Service!

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