Application Guide
How to Apply for Board Member
at Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative
🏢 About Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative
BERI is a unique nonprofit that directly supports existential risk researchers by providing administrative and technical help that academic funding often overlooks. It operates remotely and focuses on high-impact areas like AI safety and biosecurity, offering a chance to contribute to humanity's long-term future.
About This Role
As a Board Member, you'll serve as a strategic advisor and accountability partner to the Executive Director, helping steer the organization's mission and ensure legal and ethical compliance. Your oversight will be crucial in maintaining BERI's effectiveness in reducing existential risks.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing board materials, participating in a quarterly board meeting via video call, and having a one-on-one check-in with the Executive Director to discuss strategic priorities or concerns. You might also consult with other board members on a compliance issue or attend a virtual workshop on AI governance.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative Is Looking For
- Experienced in governance or leadership roles, ideally in nonprofits or tech ethics organizations.
- Able to provide constructive challenge and peer-level thought partnership on complex strategic issues.
- Deeply committed to existential risk reduction, with understanding of AI safety or global catastrophic risks.
- Willing to commit part-time time to board meetings, strategic reviews, and occasional crisis management.
📝 Tips for Applying to Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative
Highlight any prior board experience or advisory roles, especially in mission-driven organizations.
Demonstrate familiarity with existential risk concepts and BERI's specific projects (e.g., supporting researchers like those at CHAI or FHI).
Emphasize your ability to ask tough questions and hold leadership accountable, not just support them.
Show your network and ability to help BERI expand its reach or funding opportunities.
Tailor your resume to include examples of strategic oversight, such as budget reviews or policy development.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your commitment to reducing existential risks and why BERI's approach resonates with you.", "Specific examples of how you've provided oversight or strategic guidance in previous roles.", 'Your ability to balance constructive challenge with collaboration, especially with an Executive Director.', 'Any relevant expertise in governance, compliance, or nonprofit law.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read BERI's annual reports or blog posts to understand their recent projects and impact.
- → Familiarize yourself with key existential risk organizations (e.g., MIRI, FHI, CSER) and how BERI collaborates with them.
- → Review the ED's background and public statements to understand their leadership style.
- → Look into BERI's funding sources and financial health to understand governance challenges.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating the role as a resume filler rather than a serious commitment to oversight.
- Lacking specific knowledge about existential risks or BERI's work.
- Being overly deferential to the ED instead of demonstrating willingness to challenge.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: August 7, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
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 Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative!