How We Hire at Dogwood Alliance

Hiring should be fair, clear, and rooted in care. At Dogwood Alliance, we work hard to make sure every applicant feels respected and valued. Whether you’re applying for your first job or bringing years of experience, here’s what you can expect.

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Step 1: Application Review

When you apply, we look at your resume. Sometimes we’ll look at a portfolio or a few short written questions. We’re looking for your story, your skills, and your heart. What brings you to this work? How might you grow with us?

What we’re seeking:

  • Your experience and passions
  • Your connection to justice and forest protection
  • Clear communication and curiosity

Step 2: First Round Interview

If your application is a good fit, we’ll invite you to a first interview. This is usually over Zoom. It’ll either be with the hiring manager or a panel of teammates. We’ll ask about your past work, what excites you, and what kind of team environment helps you thrive.

What you can expect:

  • A welcoming conversation
  • Questions about your experience
  • A chance to ask us about the role and the team

Step 3: Technical Assignment (for full-time roles)

For some positions, we’ll ask you to complete a short project or task. This helps us learn how you think and solve problems. We pay you for your time because your labor matters.

What this includes:

  • A short assignment related to the job
  • Clear instructions and expectations
  • A chance to show your skills

Step 4: Final Interview

If you’re a top candidate, we’ll invite you to a final interview. We’ll go deeper into your skills and experiences. We’ll talk more about the organization and the team. Most of these interviews happen online. For director-level and above roles, we may invite you to meet us in person.

What this stage includes:

  • Deeper questions about your strengths
  • Meeting more of the team
  • Learning about our culture and values

Step 5: Career Timeline & Offer

Before we make an offer, you’ll meet with our Director of People & Culture. Together, you’ll map your career timeline. That’s the years of experience you bring to the role. This helps us fairly determine your starting salary, using our transparent pay structure.

What happens here:

  • You share your past work experience
  • We calculate your salary based on your timeline
  • You receive your final offer

Our Promise

Hiring should never feel like a mystery. We’re committed to being honest, fair, and kind every step of the way. We’re building a team that reflects the communities we serve and the future we want to grow.

Want to apply or learn more? 

Explore how your journey could take root here. Check out our open roles.  

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