For answers, click on the question:
I am interested in working for the Ford Foundation. How can I find out about vacancies?
I'd like to talk to someone about working for the Ford Foundation. Is it possible for me to request an informational interview?
How should I apply for a job?
Do you want letters of reference?
What do you mean by a writing sample?
How do I know if my résumé was received?
What happens after I submit my application for a specific job?
I'm interested in working for the Ford Foundation, but there aren't any current openings that match my interests and qualifications. Can I submit a résumé for future consideration?
Should I call after I submit my résumé?
What benefits does the foundation offer to its employees?
Is it possible to serve an internship with the Ford Foundation?
I'd like to volunteer my services and time at the Ford Foundation. Is there a way to do that?
I am interested in working for the Ford Foundation. How can I find out about vacancies?
All positions in New York and all global grant-maker positions (program officers and representatives) are posted on our Web site until they are filled. Check back periodically to see what new jobs are available.
Administrative and support positions in our global offices are advertised and filled locally. To learn of possible job openings in one of our 10 offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, please contact that regional office.
I'd like to talk to someone about working for the Ford Foundation. Is it possible for me to request an informational interview?
Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to individual employment phone calls or offer informational interviews due to the high volume of requests we receive. For the same reason, we cannot respond to requests for individual feedback on résumés. The best way to stay informed about jobs at the Ford Foundation is to check our Web site periodically and read the job postings carefully. Over time you will get a good sense of the kinds of positions we post and the qualifications we seek.
How should I apply for a job?
Review our Current Openings. If you find a job that interests you, click on "Apply for this Position" and follow the instructions for filling out the registration screen and attaching application materials. Typically we will request a substantive letter of interest tailored to the position and a current resume or c.v. We will sometimes request salary history and/or a writing sample that consists of five to 20 pages of original written work. All application materials must be submitted in English.
Do you want letters of reference?
We will want to contact your references by telephone so that we can discuss your qualifications in relation to the specific position for which you have applied, so reference letters are not required and will not be read. We will request reference contact information from candidates at the appropriate point in the recruitment process, generally when an interview takes place.
What do you mean by a writing sample?
If a writing sample is requested as part of the application package, please submit a five- to 20-page example of original written work in English. This can be an article, op-ed piece, brochure text or report and should be representative of your own thoughts and writing style. Co-authored pieces are discouraged, as are pieces professionally translated or edited. It is an advantage to you if the content of the written piece is related to the substance of the position for which you are applying, but it is not required. Please note that we are not requesting a sample of your handwriting.
How do I know if my résumé was received?
All applicants will be sent an acknowledgement within one week via e-mail or regular mail to confirm that the materials have been received.
What happens after I submit my application for a specific job?
Your application will be added to the candidate pool for review by a member of the Human Resources staffing unit. Typically, a small number of candidates are selected for a preliminary phone or in-person interview, and from that pool a smaller number will be chosen to interview with a panel or series of individuals in New York.
I'm interested in working for the Ford Foundation, but there aren't any current openings that match my interests and qualifications. Can I submit a résumé for future consideration?
You are strongly encouraged to apply for specific openings for which you are qualified. If you do not see such a position, click here to submit your résumé. Your materials will be acknowledged and we will contact you if we have an opening for which we feel you would be a strong candidate. You are encouraged to review our openings frequently and apply for those matching your qualifications.
Should I call after I submit my résumé?
If you have applied for a specific position, you will receive an e-mail or letter from us acknowledging receipt of your materials within a week. We attempt to contact all applicants when the search has been completed. Please do not call to check on the status of your application.
What benefits does the foundation offer to its employees?
Our benefits are designed to support employees and their families and include the following:
- A competitive salary
- Insurance coverage, including medical and dental (also covering domestic partners), life and accidental death, and disability
- A comprehensive retirement program, which includes employer contributions as well as the opportunity for your own tax-advantaged savings
- Vacation, personal and sick days
- Child care expense reimbursement
- Employee assistance and referral programs
- Tuition reimbursement for employees
Is it possible to serve an internship with the Ford Foundation?
The foundation offers summer internships for New York City residents who meet these four criteria:
- attend college full-time
- receive significant financial aid for their schooling
- maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
- provide evidence of legal residency in New York City
If you meet these criteria and are interested in applying, check back in April for internship listings for the following summer.
I'd like to volunteer my services and time at the Ford Foundation. Is there a way to do that?
Although the Ford Foundation does not offer volunteer opportunities, we encourage and support volunteerism around the world. Many of our grantees and other worthy organizations thrive because of people who are willing to give of their time and talents. We encourage you to visit the following Web sites that list global and local organizations seeking volunteers: volunteermatch.org and idealist.org.
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We wish you the best in your job search!
If you have a question that was not answered above, please e-mail us.