Application Guide
How to Apply for AI Strategy Team - Analyst / Senior Analyst (Expression of Interest)
at Rethink Priorities
🏢 About Rethink Priorities
Rethink Priorities is a unique nonprofit think tank focused on identifying the most effective ways to do good through rigorous research. Unlike traditional think tanks, they specifically target high-impact cause areas like animal welfare, global health and development, and longtermism, with a mission-driven community passionate about evidence-based impact. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that directly informs decision-makers and foundations aiming to maximize their positive impact on the world.
About This Role
This Analyst/Senior Analyst role on the new AI Strategy Team involves researching and analyzing how artificial intelligence can be strategically leveraged to advance Rethink Priorities' cause areas effectively. You'll contribute to shaping the organization's approach to AI, potentially influencing how nonprofits and foundations allocate resources in this rapidly evolving field. The role is impactful because it sits at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and evidence-based philanthropy, helping ensure AI developments align with maximizing global good.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing recent AI developments through the lens of effective altruism principles, collaborating remotely with team members on research questions about AI's impact on cause areas, and synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations. You'd likely spend time reviewing academic literature, nonprofit reports, and AI industry trends while preparing research outputs that help inform strategic decisions about where and how to focus AI-related efforts for maximum social impact.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Rethink Priorities Is Looking For
- Has strong analytical skills with experience in research methodology, data analysis, or policy analysis, ideally with some exposure to AI/tech strategy or effective altruism concepts
- Demonstrates genuine interest in at least one of Rethink Priorities' cause areas (animal welfare, global health/development, longtermism) and understands how research can drive practical impact
- Is adaptable and eager to learn quickly in a fast-growing organization, with the ability to work independently in a remote setting while contributing to team goals
- Shows alignment with the organization's mission-driven, evidence-based approach and can articulate how AI strategy connects to improving decision-making for social good
📝 Tips for Applying to Rethink Priorities
Explicitly mention which of Rethink Priorities' four cause areas (animal welfare, global health/development, longtermism, survey research) most aligns with your interests and why
Highlight any previous experience with effective altruism concepts, cause prioritization, or evidence-based decision-making frameworks, even if from non-professional contexts
Since this is an 'Expression of Interest' for a new team, demonstrate forward-thinking about how AI could impact their research areas rather than just listing past AI experience
Reference specific Rethink Priorities research publications you've reviewed and how they inform your understanding of their approach
Emphasize your ability to work remotely with self-direction while contributing to collaborative research, as this is a fully remote position in a distributed organization
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your understanding of how AI strategy connects to effective philanthropy and Rethink Priorities' specific cause areas", 'Specific examples of analytical or research work that demonstrates rigorous, evidence-based thinking', "Why you're particularly interested in joining a new team at a growing organization rather than an established department", "How your skills would contribute to both the AI Strategy Team's goals and Rethink Priorities' broader mission"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read at least 2-3 recent Rethink Priorities research publications to understand their methodology and focus areas
- → Explore their website's 'Research' section to see how they frame questions and present findings for decision-makers
- → Understand the effective altruism movement and how Rethink Priorities fits within that ecosystem
- → Review their team page to understand their organizational structure and research focus areas
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with a generic tech/AI background without connecting it to nonprofit impact or their specific cause areas
- Focusing solely on technical AI skills without demonstrating understanding of research methodology or policy analysis
- Submitting a standard application without tailoring it to their 'Expression of Interest' format and new team context
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Rethink Priorities!