Application Guide

How to Apply for Women Transforming Global Security Director

at Ploughshares Fund

🏢 About Ploughshares Fund

Ploughshares Fund is a unique public grantmaking foundation dedicated exclusively to preventing the spread and use of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Working with The Elders (founded by Nelson Mandela) and Horizon 2045 initiative, they operate at the highest levels of global diplomacy with former heads of state and emerging leaders. This offers an unparalleled opportunity to work directly with influential networks shaping international security policy.

About This Role

This Director role serves as the operational backbone for Ploughshares' high-level women's leadership initiatives across three distinct organizations. You'll be managing complex international convenings, coordinating travel for senior leaders, and building relationships with former heads of state—directly enabling women leaders to transform global security policy through strategic gatherings and partnerships.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your morning might involve coordinating security details for an upcoming Elders convening in Geneva, followed by budget reviews for Horizon 2045's quarterly working group. The afternoon could include relationship calls with emerging women leaders across time zones, then finalizing diplomatic protocols for senior leader travel to a sensitive region—all while navigating the distinct expectations of Ploughshares, Horizon 2045, and The Elders stakeholders.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Ploughshares Fund Is Looking For

  • Has 7-10+ years specifically managing international programs involving former government officials or diplomatic circles, not just corporate events
  • Demonstrates experience navigating distinct organizational cultures simultaneously (like managing partnerships between a grantmaking foundation, an initiative, and an independent group of global leaders)
  • Possesses proven ability to handle diplomatic protocol, security considerations, and discreet relationship management with high-profile individuals
  • Shows evidence of coordinating 50+ person international events in locations requiring special logistical considerations (security, cultural sensitivity, multi-language needs)

📝 Tips for Applying to Ploughshares Fund

1

Quantify your experience with international events: Instead of 'managed events,' specify 'coordinated 3 annual convenings of 50+ leaders across 15 countries with zero security incidents'

2

Highlight specific experience with diplomatic protocols or high-profile individuals—mention if you've worked with former government officials, ambassadors, or similar profiles

3

Demonstrate cultural competence with concrete examples of working across different organizational cultures (nonprofit, initiative, independent entity)

4

Show understanding of Ploughshares' unique position by referencing their specific initiatives (Horizon 2045, The Elders) in your materials

5

Emphasize both logistical precision AND emotional intelligence—this role requires equal parts spreadsheet management and relationship nuance

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Concrete examples of managing complex programs across multiple stakeholder groups with different operating cultures', 'Specific experience with international event logistics involving security considerations and high-profile attendees', 'Demonstrated cultural competence and discretion in relationship management with senior leaders', 'Understanding of how operational excellence enables programmatic impact in global security spaces']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Ploughshares Fund's specific grantmaking strategy and how they work with partners like The Elders
  • → The Horizon 2045 initiative's goals and current participants
  • → Recent convenings or events Ploughshares has organized (check their news/press section)
  • → The specific women leaders involved in their transforming global security work

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed conflicting expectations between different organizational cultures in a partnership
2 How would you handle a security concern during an international convening with former heads of state?
3 Walk us through your process for coordinating a 50+ person event in a location with diplomatic sensitivities
4 How do you balance logistical precision with the relationship-building aspects of working with high-profile leaders?
5 What experience do you have with the specific challenges of nonprofit-initiative-partner collaborations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic event management experience without specific examples involving diplomatic or high-security contexts
  • Focusing only on logistics without demonstrating emotional intelligence and relationship management skills
  • Failing to show understanding of Ploughshares' unique three-organization operational structure

📅 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 Ploughshares Fund!

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