Associate Consultant - 2026 Start Date (San Francisco)

Associate Consultant Role With The Bridgespan Group

Are you passionate about solving society's toughest problems? Are you attracted to the analytical rigor of strategy consulting? Are you looking for a team-based working environment where your colleagues would share your passion for equity and social impact? If you answered "yes" to all of these questions, we invite you to explore the Associate Consultant role with The Bridgespan Group.

The Bridgespan Group is the leading nonprofit consulting organization serving ambitious nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, and impact investors in North America, Asia and Africa. We work with social change organizations such as the Harlem Children's Zone, UnidosUS, PolicyLink and Janaagraha; philanthropies such as the Ford Foundation; impact investors such as TPG's Rise Fund, Black Ambition and the Impact Investors Council of India; and bold, collaborative initiatives such as TED's Audacious Project, Blue Meridian Partners and Co-Impact.

We value diversity, passion, respect, candor, and most of all having social impact and working towards societies characterized by equity and justice. If you want to work with the market leader that bridges the worlds of game-changing philanthropists, social change leaders, and impact investors, then Bridgespan is the place for you.

About the Associate Consultant Position

Associate Consultants (ACs) play an important role on project teams at Bridgespan, conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis that feeds into the team's recommendations to clients and enables them to increase their impact. Once fully onboarded, ACs will follow our 50-50 staffing model, meaning they will work on two projects at a time with different teams. ACs enter as generalists, projects range considerably in topic and client profile, making it ideal for candidates who are enthusiastic about exploring the full range of work we do. Topics range considerably from education to public health to criminal justice, and much more. Our client portfolio includes philanthropists or philanthropic institutions; nonprofits or movements; and impact investors. ACs will also have an opportunity to engage in research and writing projects so that leaders everywhere can benefit from the insights Bridgespan gleans in its work.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Conduct qualitative research and analysis through interviews with client staff, client beneficiaries, and experts in the field
• Execute quantitative research and analysis (varies by client need)
• Perform financial analysis, including forward-looking financial projections
• Prepare clear and compelling presentation materials
• Present analyses and findings
• Collaborate effectively with teams on all of the above
• Be prepared to work 50-55 hours per week, on average, with variation week to week in response to client needs
• Travel required may be 1-2 times a month on average depending on client work

While most of the training is on the job, ACs attend formalized training sessions throughout their career at Bridgespan, beginning with an extensive orientation program. As the AC progresses, there are training programs that focus on developing deeper consulting skills. Bridgespan ACs also participate in a 10-day off-site program with Bain ACs from around the world. Bridgespan helps each Associate Consultant build the fundamentals of a successful career : cracking tough problems, communicating solutions with clients and teams, and collaborating with senior Consultants and Managers.

Qualifications

Associate Consultants are required to relocate to their home office city given the apprenticeship model in our consulting work. Associate Consultants are required to work from their home Bridgespan office at least 2 days per week. This policy is designed to offer meaningful opportunity for in-person learning, relationship building and mentorship, while also offering staff considerable flexibility.

Key Application Reminders

Cover Letter : In your cover letter, please share what motivates you to pursue a career in consulting and how Bridgespan's mission aligns with your identity, experiences, and values. Note that a cover letter is a required part of your application. Please submit your resume and cover letter in one combined PDF file. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered for this position.

Application review will begin on September 19. Interview invitations will be sent no later than September 29. First round interviews are scheduled for October 9-13 via phone. Final round interviews are scheduled for October 28-30 and they will be in person.

Please note : We are unable to sponsor visas of any kind for roles based in our U.S. offices. We encourage you to apply ONLY to the office you are local to or willing to relocate to as we won't accommodate offer transfers.