Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Manager, Public Relations

at Kiva

🏢 About Kiva

Kiva is a global nonprofit founded in 2005 that unlocks capital for underserved communities through crowdfunded microloans, with over $2 billion invested in more than 5 million borrowers across 100+ countries. It operates as a digital-first, values-driven organization with a remote team and hubs in San Francisco, Nairobi, Bogotá, and Bangkok. Working here means directly contributing to financial inclusion and empowering entrepreneurs worldwide.

About This Role

As Senior Manager, Public Relations, you will lead Kiva’s PR strategy to amplify its mission, borrower stories, and impact across global media. You’ll manage press relationships, craft compelling narratives, and drive campaigns that inspire lenders and partners. This role is pivotal in scaling Kiva’s visibility and influence as it pursues new opportunities to expand financial access.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve pitching a story about a Kiva borrower to a major outlet, drafting a press release for a new partnership, and coordinating with regional teams on localized media strategies. You’ll also monitor media coverage, prepare spokespeople for interviews, and analyze PR metrics to refine future campaigns.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Kiva Is Looking For

  • 7+ years of PR experience, ideally in nonprofit, fintech, or social impact sectors, with a proven track record of securing top-tier media coverage.
  • Deep understanding of global development issues, microfinance, or financial inclusion, and ability to translate complex impact data into engaging stories.
  • Strong existing media relationships and experience pitching to outlets like The New York Times, BBC, or TechCrunch, as well as niche international press.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences and cultures.
  • Self-starter comfortable working remotely, managing multiple projects, and collaborating across time zones with a digital-first team.

📝 Tips for Applying to Kiva

1

Highlight specific examples of PR campaigns you led that resulted in measurable impact, such as increased donations, brand awareness, or policy change.

2

Demonstrate your passion for Kiva’s mission by referencing specific Kiva campaigns, borrower stories, or impact metrics in your application.

3

Show your global mindset by mentioning experience with international media, multilingual abilities, or work in developing countries.

4

Emphasize your ability to work remotely and asynchronously, as Kiva is a digital-first organization with team members worldwide.

5

Include links to published articles, press releases, or media kits you’ve created to showcase your writing and storytelling skills.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your personal connection to Kiva’s mission and why financial inclusion matters to you.', 'A specific PR campaign you led that drove tangible results, ideally in a nonprofit or social impact context.', 'Your experience working with global media and diverse stakeholders, and how you’d leverage it for Kiva.', 'How you would approach storytelling for Kiva’s borrowers, ensuring dignity and authenticity while capturing media attention.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Kiva’s website, especially the ‘About’ and ‘Impact’ sections, to understand their model, values, and current campaigns.
  • → Read recent press coverage about Kiva to see how they are portrayed in the media and identify gaps or opportunities.
  • → Research Kiva’s leadership team and their backgrounds to understand the organizational culture and priorities.
  • → Look into Kiva’s competitors or similar organizations (e.g., Grameen Foundation, Accion) to benchmark PR strategies.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you craft a PR strategy to elevate Kiva’s profile among potential lenders and partners?
2 Describe a time you handled a crisis or negative press. What was your approach and outcome?
3 How do you measure the success of PR campaigns, and what metrics do you prioritize?
4 Can you share an example of a story you pitched that resonated with a global audience? How did you tailor it?
5 How would you collaborate with Kiva’s marketing, fundraising, and regional teams to ensure consistent messaging?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t mention Kiva’s mission or specific campaigns.
  • Focusing only on for-profit PR experience without connecting it to social impact or nonprofit contexts.
  • Neglecting to demonstrate global media experience or cultural sensitivity, which is crucial for Kiva’s international work.

📅 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 Kiva!

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