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Philanthropies, Foundations and Engagement

We know that more than a few PhD students and grads are interested in working for the public good through philanthropic organizations.  Fortunately, PhDs can contribute mightily across a wide range of skill sets and research areas.

How to get started?

We have looked at various iterations of institutional research, grant writing and other areas that fit with philanthropic and foundation work on our PhD Career Finder.  But there are other sites, such as Foundation Center (a good sources of data on and lists of foundations) and Guidestar to help you with further research on specific causes, initiatives and contacts.

There are also jobs listings over at The Chronicle of Philanthropy; but, first, take a look at the Phd-appropriate examples on this week’s list, and many more on our SmartJobs page.

Note that we have thrown together HSS/STEM this week as most positions are open to a range of disciplines and do not often specify.  Dive in below.

HSS/STEM

Thematic Director, Civic Engagement, Ford Foundation

Senior Vice President, The Humane Society

Director of Health Care, Arnold Ventures

Interim Officer, Philanthropic Partnerships, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Regional Philanthropic Officer, American Red Cross

Director of Services, Self Help Services, Center for Responsible Lending

Researcher, Food and Water Watch

Entrepreneurial Leader, Research and Analysis, The Urban Institute

If there are areas of work you would like us to explore in more depth, please contact at social@versatilephd.com. 

We want to hear from you.

For access to more jobs as well as archived and searchable opportunities, visit our SmartJobs page. Note: SmartJobs access requires a university affiliation. User-generated jobs are open to all members and can be accessed here.