Application Guide
How to Apply for Tech for Good Project Fellow
at Tech Matters
🏢 About Tech Matters
Tech Matters is a nonprofit that uniquely combines technology expertise with a mission to drive large-scale social change, focusing on creating shared infrastructure for the social sector. Working here means contributing to projects that amplify the impact of other nonprofits, like improving data standards and AI for social good, in a remote-first environment that values kindness and clarity.
About This Role
As a Tech for Good Project Fellow, you'll manage projects and produce research and reports to advance initiatives like the Better Deal for Data standard and improving LLM answers for social problems. This role is impactful because your work directly helps nonprofits leverage technology more effectively, addressing critical social issues at scale.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve a morning check-in with the team to discuss project milestones, followed by drafting a report on data standard adoption or analyzing survey results from nonprofits. Afternoon could include a virtual meeting with partners to prototype an LLM tool, then writing clear documentation for the open course.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Tech Matters Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years in tech-enabled organizations, ideally with project management or research experience in a social impact context.
- Holds a relevant degree (e.g., computer science, data science, MLIS, MBA, social sciences) and demonstrates curiosity about tech for social good.
- Understands SaaS platforms and can write clearly and kindly, aligning with Tech Matters' values of collaboration and empathy.
- Stays current with tech-for-good trends, such as data standards, AI ethics, or open-source tools for nonprofits.
📝 Tips for Applying to Tech Matters
Highlight specific examples of your experience with data standards, AI, or open educational resources, as these are core to the role.
Show your familiarity with the Better Deal for Data standard by mentioning it in your cover letter or resume.
Tailor your application to demonstrate how you've managed projects that bridge technology and social impact, using metrics if possible.
Emphasize your ability to write clearly and kindly, as the role requires producing accessible documents for diverse audiences.
Include links to your work (e.g., reports, presentations, or open-source contributions) that showcase your tech-for-good interests.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain why you're passionate about using technology for social good, referencing specific Tech Matters initiatives like the Better Deal for Data.", 'Detail your project management experience in tech-enabled settings, especially with research and data analysis.', "Show your understanding of SaaS and how it can support nonprofits, tying it to Tech Matters' mission.", "Convey alignment with Tech Matters' values of kindness and clarity, perhaps with an example of collaborative work."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read about the Better Deal for Data standard on Tech Matters' website to understand its goals and current status.
- → Explore Tech Matters' blog or publications to see their tone and the types of projects they highlight.
- → Learn about their partners (e.g., Salesforce.org, other nonprofits) to understand their ecosystem.
- → Review their open course on technology for social good if available, to grasp their educational approach.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without referencing specific Tech Matters projects or values.
- Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating social impact understanding or empathy.
- Overlooking the 'kindly' aspect of writing; avoid jargon or overly formal language in your application.
📅 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!