How to apply for Vice President, Philanthropic Advising

About Third Plateau

Third Plateau is an impact consultancy that partners with philanthropists, foundations, nonprofits, and communities to build the infrastructure of change, and was named one of Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators. It distinguishes itself by combining strategic design with implementation capacity, helping clients tackle complex social challenges that resist quick fixes. Working here means joining a mission-driven, innovative team that values both big-picture thinking and on-the-ground execution.

About the role

As Vice President of Philanthropic Advising, you will lead and develop Third Plateau's high-performing advising department, cultivate new business, and oversee a select portfolio of client engagements. This role is pivotal in shaping the firm's philanthropic advisory practice, ensuring clients receive exceptional strategic guidance while building a sustainable and growing practice. You'll have the opportunity to influence both the internal team culture and the external impact of philanthropists and foundations.

A typical day

A typical day might involve leading a department meeting to review client progress and team priorities, then meeting with a foundation client to refine their grantmaking strategy. Later, you might mentor a team member on a complex engagement, and end the day by developing a proposal for a new prospective client. The role blends strategic leadership, client interaction, and business development, all in service of advancing social impact.

Who Third Plateau is looking for

• Seasoned philanthropic advisor with extensive experience guiding foundations, individual donors, and nonprofit leaders on strategy, grantmaking, and impact evaluation.
• Proven leader who can develop high-performing teams, foster a culture of excellence, and manage department operations and growth.
• Business developer with a track record of cultivating new clients and expanding existing relationships in the philanthropic sector.
• Strategic thinker and skilled relationship manager who can oversee complex client engagements while mentoring staff and contributing to firm-wide strategy.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific examples of philanthropic advising engagements you've led, including client types, challenges addressed, and outcomes achieved.
• Emphasize your experience in business development and revenue growth within a consulting or advisory context, quantifying results where possible.
• Showcase your leadership philosophy and experience managing teams, including how you've developed talent and fostered high-performance cultures.
• Demonstrate alignment with Third Plateau's approach by referencing their emphasis on lasting social good, complex challenges, and infrastructure of change in your materials.
• Mention any experience working with diverse stakeholders across philanthropy, nonprofits, and communities, as this is central to Third Plateau's work.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your vision for leading a philanthropic advising practice and how it aligns with Third Plateau's mission and approach.", "Concrete examples of successful client engagements you've overseen, particularly those involving strategy development and implementation.", 'Your experience cultivating new business and growing client relationships in the philanthropic sector.', 'How you have developed and led high-performing teams, including specific strategies for mentoring and creating conditions for excellent work.']

Research before applying

• Explore Third Plateau's website, particularly their approach, values, and client case studies, to understand their unique methodology.
• Read about Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators to understand what innovation means at Third Plateau and how you can contribute.
• Research the backgrounds and philanthropic interests of Third Plateau's clients to tailor your examples and demonstrate sector knowledge.
• Look into recent trends in philanthropic advising, such as trust-based philanthropy, participatory grantmaking, and impact investing, to discuss in interviews.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach leading and growing Third Plateau's Philanthropic Advising department?
• Describe a complex philanthropic advising engagement you led and how you ensured successful outcomes.
• What is your approach to business development in the philanthropic sector, and how have you successfully cultivated new clients?
• How do you balance overseeing client work with developing your team and contributing to firm strategy?
• Given Third Plateau's focus on complex social challenges, how do you ensure your advising addresses root causes rather than symptoms?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on your advisory experience without demonstrating leadership and team development capabilities.
• Neglecting to show business development experience, as this role requires cultivating new clients and growing the practice.
• Providing generic examples that could apply to any consulting firm, rather than tailoring to Third Plateau's specific approach and values.