Manager, Software Engineering (Communications Platform)

As the Manager of Software Engineering at GoFundMe, you will be responsible for leading a team of engineers to develop and implement state-of-the-art communication solutions. Your key responsibilities will include enhancing functionalities for user-to-user and group chats, collaborating with various teams to align engineering efforts with business objectives, and fostering a high-performance culture that promotes continuous learning and growth for your team members.

To be successful in the Manager, Software Engineering position at GoFundMe, you should have at least 3 years of experience in a leadership role within software engineering, specifically managing small to mid-sized teams. Experience with communications or messaging platforms and strong systems architecture knowledge is highly preferred, along with familiarity with technologies such as NextJS, Spring Boot, Kotlin, AWS, Kafka, and Kubernetes.

The Manager, Software Engineering at GoFundMe plays a crucial role in boosting user engagement by driving the implementation of interactive communication features, such as user-to-user chats and group chats. By creating intuitive and seamless communication solutions, you’ll enhance how users interact and connect with one another, further supporting the platform’s mission.

As the Manager, Software Engineering at GoFundMe, expect a hybrid work environment that emphasizes flexibility and collaboration. You'll lead a diverse, globally distributed team, allowing you to connect with talented individuals from different backgrounds while promoting teamwork and innovation. Additionally, our supportive culture fosters camaraderie and encourages celebrating each other’s successes.

GoFundMe offers a market-competitive salary ranging from $210,000 to $280,000, alongside equity and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes health insurance with employer-covered premiums, a 401(k) retirement plan, generous paid time off policies, family planning stipends, and numerous wellness programs. Join a workplace that values your contributions and supports your well-being!

When discussing your leadership style, consider highlighting aspects like collaboration, communication, and support. Explain how you ensure that each team member feels valued and empowered to contribute, while maintaining alignment with project goals through regular check-ins and open dialogues.

To effectively manage project timelines and priorities, discuss your methodology for assessing project scope, setting realistic deadlines, and using tools for tracking progress. Share examples of how you've balanced technical trade-offs with business needs in past projects.

When asked about your experience with communication platforms, provide specific examples of past projects where you’ve led development efforts for messaging solutions, detailing the technologies used and the outcomes achieved. Emphasize your ability to integrate user feedback into enhancing those platforms.

To showcase your ability to foster continuous learning, discuss initiatives you've implemented, such as mentorship programs, regular knowledge-sharing sessions, or providing opportunities for professional development through training programs that empower your team to grow.

When describing a challenging project, outline the situation, the specific obstacles faced, how you addressed those challenges, and the results achieved. Be sure to emphasize problem-solving techniques and collaboration with your team to navigate complexities.

In answering this question, focus on the importance of clear communication, setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals, and regular performance reviews. Discuss strategies for keeping the team motivated and aligned with organizational objectives.

Share your insights on utilizing modern collaboration tools, scheduling regular meetings to create touchpoints, and promoting a culture of transparency and open feedback to ensure that all team members feel included and engaged, regardless of location.

Reflect on your expertise with these technologies by sharing concrete examples of how you've integrated them into past projects. Discuss how each technology contributed to scalability, resilience, and performance, and illustrate your hands-on experience managing them.

Highlight the importance of active listening, mediation, and fostering an environment where differing opinions can lead to constructive discussions. Provide an example of how a conflict was resolved and the positive outcomes that resulted from that process.

When answering this question, express your passion for the nonprofit sector and your alignment with GoFundMe's mission to help people help each other. Mention how the role aligns with your professional goals and how your skills and experience can contribute to the company's growth and success.