Manager, Software Engineering (NPO Experiences)

The Manager, Software Engineering at GoFundMe will have a variety of exciting responsibilities, focusing on leading a dedicated engineering team that drives NPO fundraising initiatives. This includes overseeing the development of new features to enhance direct giving experiences, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving innovative projects utilizing AI technology. The role also emphasizes data-driven decision-making, ensuring systems are scalable and accessible for varied nonprofit needs.

To qualify for the Manager, Software Engineering position at GoFundMe, candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of 7 years of software engineering experience and at least 3 years in engineering management. Furthermore, familiarity with generative AI, experience in the nonprofit tech space, and strong communication skills are highly valued.

At GoFundMe, collaboration is integral to our success. The Manager, Software Engineering will work closely with product managers, designers, and data scientists, fostering an atmosphere of teamwork and shared goals. The culture encourages regular communication and feedback, ensuring that engineering efforts align seamlessly with product development and nonprofit stakeholders’ needs.

The Manager, Software Engineering at GoFundMe can expect numerous opportunities for growth and impact. As the role involves leading innovative projects, there will be chances to explore new technologies like AI, collaborate on impactful initiatives, and influence product direction. Employees are encouraged to participate in professional development programs that support their long-term career aspirations.

GoFundMe is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a workplace where all voices are heard and valued. The company actively seeks to recruit candidates from diverse backgrounds and ensures ongoing DEI training for employees. The Manager, Software Engineering position will benefit from this commitment, contributing to initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive culture.

When managing a software engineering team in a nonprofit context, it's vital to foster a culture of collaboration and mission alignment. Utilize regular check-ins, encourage open communication, and prioritize employee growth. Emphasizing the importance of the impact of your projects can motivate the team to innovate and achieve impactful results.

In discussing your experience with AI implementation, detail a specific project where you integrated AI features, focusing on your role, the challenges faced, and how you measured success. Highlight how the AI improved user engagement or enhanced functionality, reinforcing your technical capability and strategic thinking.

To ensure adherence to best engineering practices, implement a combination of code reviews, regular training sessions, and a strong emphasis on team communication. Establish clear guidelines and encourage open feedback to create a culture rooted in continuous improvement, helping your team consistently produce high-quality work.

Staying updated on software engineering trends entails a proactive approach: reading relevant blogs, attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging with communities on platforms like LinkedIn. You can also highlight your involvement in nonprofit tech discussions to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and industry relevance.

When discussing your experience with e-commerce features, provide specific examples of projects where you implemented functionalities like payment processing or product management. Explain the challenges faced during development and how you ensured user experience was seamless while maintaining robust security standards.

Measuring the success of software features for nonprofit organizations involves a data-driven approach. Utilize metrics such as user engagement, conversion rates, and feedback from nonprofit partners. Setting clear KPIs beforehand and analyzing user behavior post-launch can provide insights into the feature's effectiveness and areas for improvement.

To ensure products are inclusive and accessible, apply best practices in UI/UX design that prioritize diverse user needs. Collaborate with stakeholders from various nonprofit backgrounds to gather input, and conduct usability testing with diverse user groups. Strong advocacy for adherence to accessibility standards will also demonstrate your commitment to broadening impact.

Mentorship is vital to fostering growth and development within a team, and I prioritize it as a core element of my management style. By providing guidance, facilitating learning opportunities, and encouraging open dialogue, I aim to empower team members to achieve their potential while enhancing team cohesion.

Approaching cross-functional collaboration requires building strong working relationships across departments. Regular communication, setting clear expectations, and using collaborative tools can facilitate impressive teamwork. Gather input from different stakeholders to ensure a well-rounded approach, demonstrating that you value diverse perspectives in achieving project goals.

Developing innovative software solutions for fundraising demands a blend of understanding user needs, utilizing technology creatively, and iterative improvement. Prioritizing user-centric design, integrating AI for personalization, and continuously gathering feedback can significantly enhance fundraising efforts, ensuring that solutions are impactful and effective.