Application Guide

How to Apply for Technology Director

at Nathan Cummings Foundation

🏢 About Nathan Cummings Foundation

The Nathan Cummings Foundation is uniquely mission-driven, focusing on racial, economic, and environmental justice (REEJ) with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Working here means contributing to systemic change through a foundation that aligns its investments and operations with its values, offering a rare opportunity to blend technology leadership with social impact.

About This Role

As Technology Director, you will develop and execute NCF's technology strategy, ensuring systems and tools support their justice-focused mission. This role is impactful because you'll lead the intentional adoption of AI, establish governance frameworks, and steward a resilient tech ecosystem, directly enabling staff to work more effectively toward REEJ goals.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a check-in with staff to support AI tool adoption, followed by a vendor meeting to review system performance. You'd then analyze data on infrastructure reliability and draft a governance policy for AI use, ending with a strategy session with leadership on aligning tech roadmaps with REEJ goals.

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🎯 Who Nathan Cummings Foundation Is Looking For

  • A tech leader with 6+ years managing complex systems and vendors, who thrives in a values-driven, mission-aligned environment.
  • Deeply knowledgeable about AI tools and large language models, with practical experience guiding organizational adoption responsibly.
  • Fluency in enterprise cloud platforms and systems, with a track record of ensuring reliability, security, and future-readiness.
  • A collaborative, equity-minded professional who can translate technical concepts for non-technical staff and align tech strategy with racial, economic, and environmental justice priorities.

📝 Tips for Applying to Nathan Cummings Foundation

1

Explicitly connect your tech leadership experience to the foundation's REEJ mission—show how you've used technology to advance equity or sustainability.

2

Highlight any experience with AI governance or policy development, as this is a core responsibility.

3

Address remote work experience specifically, including how you manage cross-functional workflows and vendor relationships virtually.

4

Mention familiarity with nonprofit or philanthropic technology challenges, such as limited budgets or mission-driven constraints.

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize systems management, vendor accountability, and strategic planning rather than just technical skills.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your commitment to racial, economic, and environmental justice and how technology can advance these goals.', 'Specific examples of leading AI adoption or developing governance frameworks for emerging tech.', 'Experience managing complex vendor relationships and holding partners accountable for quality and reliability.', 'Your approach to aligning technology strategy with organizational mission and long-term growth.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Nathan Cummings Foundation's current grantmaking areas and recent initiatives to understand their REEJ focus.
  • → Read their annual report or blog posts to see how they communicate about technology and impact.
  • → Look into their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—how do they operationalize these values?
  • → Explore any public statements or articles about their stance on AI or emerging technologies in philanthropy.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a responsible AI policy for a foundation focused on equity and justice?
2 Describe a time you managed a vendor relationship that was underperforming—how did you address it?
3 How do you prioritize technology investments when resources are limited, especially in a nonprofit context?
4 What experience do you have with cloud migration or managing remote-first tech infrastructure?
5 How would you ensure that technology adoption is inclusive and equitable across a diverse team?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on technical achievements without connecting them to mission impact—this role is about purpose, not just tech.
  • Avoid generic statements about AI without acknowledging ethical considerations or governance—this foundation prioritizes responsible use.
  • Don't overlook the remote nature of the role—failing to demonstrate experience with remote collaboration or async communication can hurt your candidacy.

📅 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 Nathan Cummings Foundation!

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