Application Guide
How to Apply for Strategic Portfolio Assessment & Future Investment Strategy Consultancy (RFP)
at American Association of University Women - Headquarters
🏢 About American Association of University Women - Headquarters
AAUW is a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. With a rich history of supporting women's education and economic security, AAUW offers a unique opportunity to shape philanthropic strategies that have a tangible impact on gender equity. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization with a strong national presence and a commitment to evidence-based change.
About This Role
This role involves leading a comprehensive assessment of AAUW's fellowships and grants portfolio, analyzing its effectiveness within the current higher education and workforce landscape, and developing a forward-looking investment strategy. The impact is significant: your recommendations will directly shape AAUW's future funding priorities and program direction, influencing the next generation of women leaders and closing equity gaps.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing data from AAUW's current grantmaking programs, conducting interviews with staff and stakeholders, and synthesizing findings into reports. You'd likely spend time researching higher education trends, developing frameworks for portfolio assessment, and collaborating with AAUW's team to refine recommendations. The role is project-based, so your days would vary between deep analysis, stakeholder engagement, and drafting strategy documents.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who American Association of University Women - Headquarters Is Looking For
- A seasoned consultant with a proven track record in strategic planning and program evaluation, ideally within the philanthropic or nonprofit sector.
- Deep understanding of higher education systems, workforce trends, and equity issues affecting women and girls, with experience in equity-centered research methodologies.
- Strong analytical skills to synthesize complex data and qualitative insights into actionable recommendations, coupled with excellent communication to present findings to diverse stakeholders.
- Experience conducting portfolio assessments and developing investment strategies for foundations or grantmaking organizations, with a portfolio approach mindset.
📝 Tips for Applying to American Association of University Women - Headquarters
Tailor your proposal to explicitly address AAUW's mission of advancing equity for women and girls; connect your experience to this specific focus.
Highlight previous portfolio assessments you've conducted, especially those involving educational grants or fellowships, and quantify the impact of your recommendations.
Demonstrate your understanding of the current higher education and workforce landscape, referencing recent trends like declining enrollment, skills gap, or equity initiatives.
Since this is an RFP, provide a clear, concise methodology outline in your response, showing how you would approach the assessment and strategy development.
Research AAUW's existing fellowships and grants programs (e.g., American Fellowships, Career Development Grants) and mention them specifically to show you've done your homework.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your expertise in strategic planning and program evaluation, with concrete examples of how you've helped organizations realign their philanthropic investments.", 'Showcase your commitment to equity and your understanding of the unique challenges women and girls face in higher education and the workforce.', 'Mention your experience working with nonprofit or foundation clients, particularly in conducting portfolio assessments and developing future investment strategies.', 'Convey your ability to translate research into actionable recommendations that balance mission impact with practical implementation.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review AAUW's strategic plan, annual reports, and recent research publications to understand their current priorities and impact areas.
- → Explore AAUW's existing fellowships and grants programs in detail, including their history, funding amounts, and outcomes.
- → Look into AAUW's advocacy work and recent initiatives related to pay equity, Title IX, and women's economic security to understand the broader context.
- → Research the competitive landscape of women's education philanthropy, including other funders and recent reports on women's advancement.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic proposal that could apply to any nonprofit; make sure it's tailored to AAUW's specific mission and programs.
- Avoid overlooking the equity-centered research requirement; demonstrate your ability to incorporate intersectionality and inclusive practices in your methodology.
- Don't underestimate the importance of clear communication; ensure your proposal and any oral presentations are well-structured and accessible to non-experts.
📅 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 American Association of University Women - Headquarters!