The University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business is inviting applications for the Philanthropy Fellow – Civil Society and Leadership position in partnership with the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. This prestigious full-time fellowship offers emerging professionals an opportunity to work directly with one of the world’s leading philanthropic foundations while earning an annual salary of US$78,435–90,000.
Based in Los Altos, California, the fellowship combines strategic grantmaking, research, monitoring and evaluation, and professional leadership development. The first application review begins on 22 September 2026.
About the Fellowship
The Philanthropy Fellowship is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Through a partnership between UC Berkeley’s Center for Social Sector Leadership and the Packard Foundation, fellows gain professional-level experience supporting civil society organizations and philanthropic initiatives that address global challenges.
The selected fellow will join a cohort of five professionals working across areas including environmental conservation, science, reproductive health, and families and communities. In addition to practical experience, participants receive mentorship, career coaching, and funding for conferences and specialized professional development.
The position follows a hybrid work model, with in-office collaboration taking place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Packard Foundation headquarters.
Salary and Benefits
The fellowship offers a competitive compensation package alongside the comprehensive employee benefits available through the University of California.
Annual salary: US$78,435 – US$90,000
Additional benefits include:
- Full-time employment (40 hours per week)
- Paid professional development opportunities
- Conference and workshop funding
- Individual career coaching
- Comprehensive UC employee benefits
- Mentorship from both Berkeley and Packard Foundation leaders
This is a career-level exempt position paid monthly.
Key Responsibilities
The fellow will contribute to strategic philanthropy through research, learning, and grantmaking activities within the Civil Society and Leadership Initiative (CSL).
Primary responsibilities include:
- Supporting monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) projects
- Conducting policy and strategic research on civil society issues
- Assisting with grantmaking portfolios alongside program officers
- Coordinating retreats, strategy sessions, and learning events
- Developing knowledge management systems for qualitative and quantitative data
- Preparing reports, meeting materials, and field convening documentation
- Participating in grantee meetings, site visits, and partner engagement
- Collaborating with researchers, government agencies, and funding partners
- Contributing to the Foundation’s long-term strategy implementation
The role provides exceptional exposure to how large-scale philanthropic organizations design and evaluate social impact initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should possess professional experience in civil society, nonprofit organizations, or related sectors.
Required qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of two years’ full-time professional experience
- Experience working with civil society organizations
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and learning approaches
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
- Ability to use AI ethically to support strategy and learning
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with international and multilingual experience are encouraged to apply.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Graduate studies in public policy, international development, law, public health, or social sciences
- International work experience
- Experience strengthening civic space or civil society ecosystems
- Conversational proficiency in Spanish, French, or Bahasa Indonesian
Why This Fellowship Is Valuable
The UC Berkeley–Packard Foundation Fellowship offers far more than employment. It provides a structured pathway into international philanthropy, strategic grantmaking, and social impact leadership.
Participants develop expertise in evaluation, evidence-based decision-making, nonprofit financing, and ecosystem strengthening while working alongside globally recognized experts. The fellowship also creates valuable professional networks across academia, philanthropy, government, and civil society organizations.
For professionals interested in international development, human rights, democracy, climate action, or nonprofit leadership, this represents an exceptional early-career opportunity.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Competitive applicants should demonstrate both technical expertise and a genuine commitment to civil society.
Strong applications typically include:
- A tailored cover letter connecting previous experience to philanthropic work
- Examples of research, policy analysis, or evaluation projects
- Evidence of collaboration with nonprofit or community organizations
- Experience managing complex initiatives or stakeholder engagement
- Clear motivation for pursuing a career in strategic philanthropy
Applicants should emphasize measurable achievements and illustrate how their work has contributed to strengthening organizations or advancing social impact.
Application Deadline
- Position: Philanthropy Fellow – Civil Society and Leadership
- Institution: University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business
- Partner Organization: David and Lucile Packard Foundation
- Location: Los Altos, California (Hybrid)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Salary: US$78,435–90,000 per year
- Application Review Begins: 22 September 2026
Interested candidates must submit a resume and a cover letter through the official UC Berkeley careers portal before the review date for maximum consideration.
