Application Guide
How to Apply for VP, Philanthropy
at The Housing Partnership Network
🏢 About The Housing Partnership Network
The Housing Partnership Network (HPN) is a unique membership network of 100 leading affordable housing nonprofits, leveraging collective power to drive innovative solutions in housing and community development. With a track record of serving 12.8 million people and preserving 470,000 affordable homes, HPN offers a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your work directly impacts communities nationwide.
About This Role
As VP of Philanthropy, you will lead HPN's fundraising strategy, building deep relationships with foundations, financial institutions, and individual donors to secure over $6M annually. This role is pivotal in ensuring HPN's business lines and social enterprises have the resources to scale their impact, making it a high-visibility position that blends strategy, team leadership, and donor engagement.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a team stand-up to review pipeline progress and priorities, followed by a meeting with a program director to align on a funding proposal. Afternoons could involve drafting a major foundation report, a virtual donor meeting, and coaching a team member on a cultivation strategy, all while collaborating with the CEO on a high-stakes solicitation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Housing Partnership Network Is Looking For
- Proven fundraiser with 6+ years in high-capacity philanthropy, consistently raising $6M+ annually, ideally in housing, community development, or social impact sectors.
- Experienced leader who has managed and coached fundraising teams, with a track record of developing strategies and evaluating performance to meet ambitious goals.
- Expert in the full donor lifecycle, from prospecting to stewardship, with deep experience in institutional giving (foundations, financial institutions) and familiarity with Salesforce for pipeline management.
- Exceptional communicator and relationship builder, capable of crafting compelling proposals and reports that resonate with diverse stakeholders, including C-suite executives and program teams.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Housing Partnership Network
Highlight specific examples of raising over $6M annually, quantifying your achievements and the diversity of funding sources (foundations, corporations, individuals).
Showcase your experience with Salesforce or similar CRM, detailing how you've used data to drive fundraising decisions and manage a pipeline.
Mention any experience working with membership organizations or networks, emphasizing your ability to align fundraising with multiple program areas and business lines.
Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership and coaching, as the role requires overseeing a team—include metrics like team size, growth, and goal attainment.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your fundraising expertise to HPN's mission and the affordable housing sector, demonstrating your passion for the cause.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express genuine interest in HPN's unique membership model and collective impact approach, and how your fundraising skills can support its network of nonprofits.", 'Demonstrate your ability to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with organizational priorities, referencing specific examples of strategic alignment.', 'Highlight your experience in building relationships with foundations and financial institutions, and your success in closing major gifts or multi-year grants.', "Mention your leadership style and how you've coached teams to exceed goals, showing you can both develop strategy and inspire execution."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore HPN's website and recent annual reports to understand their key programs, social enterprises, and funding priorities.
- → Research HPN's membership network and the types of nonprofits they serve, to speak to how you'd align fundraising with member needs.
- → Look into HPN's recent initiatives or partnerships, such as their work in housing finance or policy, to discuss in interviews.
- → Review the bios of HPN's executive leadership and current fundraising team to understand their backgrounds and potential synergies.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention HPN or the affordable housing sector—tailor it to show your passion for the mission.
- Avoid focusing only on your fundraising numbers without explaining the strategies and leadership behind them; emphasize your role in driving results.
- Don't overlook the importance of Salesforce and data management; if you lack experience, be honest and highlight your willingness to learn, but show basic familiarity.
📅 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 The Housing Partnership Network!