Sample cover letter for Full Time position at TED

Dear Mr. Rielly:

I am writing to apply to the community development manager position at TED Community, which

was posted on your website. I was immediately drawn to this listing based on its transdisciplinary

focus and international scope. Having recently graduated from Columbia University with a degree

in Global Thought, an innovative interdisciplinary program exploring new approaches to

contemporary global issues, I believe that I am a great fit for this position. Not only because of my

strong research, critical analysis and communication skills, but also because of my international

background, world travel experiences and diverse interests that include global development,

urbanization and cities, education, and environmental sustainability.

As an intern with a non-profit organization, Aide et Action International in Chennai, India, I was

involved with community building interventions through education among migrant labour, tribal

populations, disabled youth and other marginalized communities. I worked on project proposals,

grant applications, progress reports and conducted impact assessments, often having to adapt to

new learning environments in remote locations with minimal guidance. My proficiency in Hindi

and Tamil were both put to good use while interviewing groups and coordinators across project

locations in south India. My biggest contribution to the organization was the crowd funding

campaign I initiated, raising $5000 dollars towards a women’s leadership program for a tribal

group in the Nilgiris biosphere region. Under the pressure of meeting funding deadlines, using a

crowdfunding platform to meet the remaining requirements was an innovative and efficient

solution that I was acknowledged for in the final report.

In addition to my experience at NGOs and development organizations, the unconventional

internship I opted for at Solitude farm in Auroville, a UNESCO endorsed alternative ecocommunity

in India, gave me the opportunity to learn about environmental sustainability and

community living first hand. Team work and an openness to different cultures and mindsets were

an important learning for me here. I was exposed to volunteers and interns from different parts of

the world exploring alternative life paths and creative work spaces that were both inspiring and

influential to my own development. Finally, acquiring corporate experience in the field of

development finance at Uberis Capital in London has prepared me well for the challenges of

working in a fast paced, start-up environment under tight deadlines.

I would be honored to be a part of TED’s mission to build a global network of creative

communities to foster the spread of ideas that seek to transform attitudes and lives. I believe TED

Community is an ideal opportunity for me, and both my educational background and work

experience make me a strong candidate for this position. I would welcome the opportunity to

further discuss my qualifications and what I could contribute to your organization.

Sincerely yours,

xxx