About Arnold Ventures
What is Arnold Ventures?
Arnold Ventures (AV) is "a philanthropy that supports research to understand the root causes of America's most persistent and pressing problems, as well as evidence-based solutions to address them." Founded in 2008 with the launch of a foundation, it is "dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice." Its focus areas are criminal justice, education, health, infrastructure and public finance, and it also funds evidence and evaluation work.
Its method is to "follow the research to identify root causes of problems and gather evidence about what works and what doesn't", then to fund policy development and technical assistance, advocating for reforms "that will lead to lasting, scalable change". It works "across the political spectrum to build durable, bipartisan coalitions and partnerships" and engages policymakers at every level of government, "from research and advocacy to implementation and evaluation of impact." Its reasoning: "Philanthropic dollars alone cannot solve the problems we face as a nation. But we believe philanthropy is uniquely positioned to take risks and make big bets in ways the public and private sectors are often unable or unwilling to do."
Where will I work?
Arnold Ventures is headquartered in Houston, with offices in New York and Washington, D.C., and works on a hybrid policy of "four days in office and one flexible day for remote work". In October 2026 it is hiring a manager of digital and social media (New York, Houston or Washington, D.C., $105,000–$140,000) and a director of infrastructure (Washington, D.C., $150,000–$200,000). A relocation bonus is available to candidates who move for a role.
What is the Arnold Ventures team like?
AV describes itself as "a team of more than 100 subject-matter experts". Its postings say the culture "seeks to inspire and empower our people to innovate and develop bold ideas", and that its people are adaptable and "comfortable with ambiguity", "intellectually curious, open-minded, objective, humble, collegial, and receptive to feedback", and action-oriented. Its core values are respect for ourselves and others, audacious action, collaborative engagement, depth of thought and clear communication. "Candidates who have been impacted by the systems we are seeking to change are strongly encouraged to apply."
Work-Life Balance
Both current postings describe "a summer schedule with alternating Fridays off beginning on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day". Staff also get "20 days of paid time off, 16 paid holidays (including a winter break from December 24 to January 1)", 36 days in all, plus paid parental leave and one remote day a week.
Perks and Benefits
- Alternating Fridays off from Memorial Day to Labor Day
- 20 days of paid time off and 16 paid holidays, including a winter break from December 24 to January 1
- 100% paid employee premiums for medical, dental and vision insurance
- 100% paid basic life and short- and long-term disability insurance
- Paid parental leave
- A 401(k) with an employer match, a profit-share contribution and immediate vesting
- A professional development stipend and a charitable giving stipend
- Pre-tax transit benefits and an employee assistance program
- A relocation bonus for candidates who move for a position