How to apply for West Coast Partnerships Lead

About Renaissance Philanthropy

Renaissance Philanthropy is a nonprofit that advises philanthropists, surfaces breakthrough ideas, and incubates ambitious initiatives. It works to increase the ambition of philanthropists, scientists, and innovators. This role is a chance to build a West Coast funding network for an organization that connects donors with high-impact science and innovation projects.

About the role

The West Coast Partnerships Lead will grow Renaissance Philanthropy's network of philanthropic funders and partners on the West Coast. You will identify and engage new philanthropists and foundations, host curated events, and secure large-scale funding for the organization and its programs. You will also support the CEO's relationship development in the Bay Area and coach program leads on fundraising.

A typical day

A typical day might include meeting with a prospective philanthropist in the Bay Area, updating Salesforce records, and planning a dinner or workshop for funders. You might also coach a program lead on a pitch deck or coordinate with the CEO on relationship strategy. The role is remote but likely involves frequent in-person meetings and events on the West Coast.

Who Renaissance Philanthropy is looking for

• 7+ years in partnership development, fundraising, or donor relations, with a proven track record of securing large-scale philanthropic funding.
• Existing network of West Coast philanthropists, foundations, and advisors, especially in the Bay Area.
• Exceptional relationship management skills and experience using Salesforce to track and manage donor relationships.
• Comfortable hosting events such as workshops, retreats, and dinners, and skilled at developing fundraising materials and pitch decks.

Tips for this application

• Quantify your fundraising results in your resume: include the size of gifts secured, number of new funders brought in, and types of philanthropic partners (e.g., family foundations, tech philanthropists).
• Name specific West Coast networks, foundations, or donor communities you have worked with. Renaissance Philanthropy wants someone who can expand their funder base in the Bay Area.
• Show experience with Salesforce or a similar CRM. The job description explicitly mentions tracking and managing relationships using Salesforce.
• Highlight event hosting experience. Mention workshops, retreats, or dinners you have organized for donors or partners, and the outcomes.
• Explain why Renaissance Philanthropy's model of advising philanthropists and incubating initiatives appeals to you. Connect it to your own fundraising philosophy.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your track record securing large-scale philanthropic funding, with specific amounts and donor types; (2) your West Coast and Bay Area network and how you would expand Renaissance Philanthropy's funder base; (3) your experience hosting curated donor events and building communities of funders; (4) your ability to coach program leads on fundraising and develop pitch materials.

Research before applying

• Read the Renaissance Philanthropy website, especially their approach to advising philanthropists, surfacing breakthrough ideas, and incubating initiatives.
• Research the organization's current programs and any public funding partners to understand what you would be fundraising for.
• Identify West Coast philanthropists and foundations that align with Renaissance Philanthropy's focus on science and innovation.
• Look up the CEO and other team members to understand their backgrounds and existing Bay Area relationships.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you identify and engage new philanthropists and foundations on the West Coast for Renaissance Philanthropy?
• Describe a time you secured a large-scale gift from a donor. What was your strategy and what was the result?
• How have you used Salesforce or a similar CRM to track and manage donor relationships?
• Tell us about a curated event you hosted for donors or partners. What was the goal and how did you measure success?
• How would you support the CEO's relationship development in the Bay Area while also building your own pipeline?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being vague about your fundraising results. Avoid saying you 'helped with' or 'supported' fundraising without specifying your role and the amount secured.
• Ignoring the West Coast focus. Do not apply without demonstrating knowledge of or connections to Bay Area philanthropic networks.
• Treating this as a generic fundraising role. Show that you understand Renaissance Philanthropy's specific model of advising donors and incubating science and innovation initiatives.