About Council on Strategic Risks

The Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) is a nonprofit think tank that works to anticipate, analyze, and address catastrophic risks from climate change, pandemics, and weapons of mass destruction. Unlike larger NGOs, CSR operates with a lean, high-impact team where individual contributions directly shape policy dialogues and global security strategies. Working here offers the chance to influence real-world threat reduction efforts alongside leading experts in the field.

About the role

As Director of the Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons, you will lead CSR's efforts to reduce threats from biological, nuclear, and chemical weapons. This role combines strategic vision, program development, fundraising, and thought leadership—you'll not only shape the Center's research agenda but also cultivate philanthropic support and manage a team of experts. It's a high-visibility position that directly impacts how the world addresses some of the most dangerous security challenges.

A typical day

A typical day might involve a morning call with your team to review research progress, followed by a meeting with a potential philanthropic donor to discuss funding for a new initiative. In the afternoon, you might draft an op-ed on a pressing chemical weapons issue, then prepare for a speaking engagement or podcast recording. You'll constantly balance strategic oversight, fundraising, and external engagement to keep the Nolan Center at the forefront of threat reduction.

Who Council on Strategic Risks is looking for

Proven experience in threat reduction or nonproliferation, with deep knowledge of at least two of the three areas (biological, nuclear, chemical weapons).
Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor cultivation, particularly with philanthropic foundations or high-net-worth individuals.
Strong track record of thought leadership—published articles, speaking engagements, or media appearances on strategic weapons issues.
Experience managing teams and leading strategic planning in a nonprofit or research organization, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.

Tips for this application

Highlight specific fundraising achievements—quantify the amount raised and describe your strategy for cultivating donors in the security or nonprofit sector.
Showcase your thought leadership by including links to published articles, op-eds, or recorded talks on biological, nuclear, or chemical weapons risks.
Demonstrate familiarity with CSR's existing work: mention their reports, events, or initiatives in your cover letter to show you've done your homework.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and manage a distributed team, as this role is remote and likely involves virtual collaboration.
Tailor your resume to emphasize strategic leadership and program development, not just research or technical expertise.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your vision for the Nolan Center and how you would advance its mission, (2) concrete examples of successful fundraising and donor relationships you've built, (3) your experience leading teams and managing programs in a nonprofit or policy context, and (4) your unique voice in the field—how you would elevate CSR's profile through writing, speaking, and networking.

Draft a cover letter

Research before applying

Read recent publications and reports from the Nolan Center and CSR to understand their current research agenda and policy positions.
Identify key funders and partners of CSR and the Nolan Center to understand the philanthropic landscape they operate in.
Follow CSR's social media and recent press coverage to get a sense of their public voice and the issues they prioritize.
Research the backgrounds of CSR's leadership and board members to understand their networks and strategic priorities.

Council on Strategic Risks website

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

How would you prioritize the Nolan Center's focus areas given limited resources and the evolving threat landscape?
Describe your approach to cultivating and stewarding philanthropic donors for a think tank focused on existential risks.
What is your strategy for managing a remote team of experts and ensuring high-quality output?
How would you measure the impact of the Nolan Center's work on policy and public discourse?
Discuss a time you successfully influenced a policy outcome or significantly raised the profile of a security issue.

Practise interview questions

Common mistakes to avoid

Focusing only on technical expertise without demonstrating fundraising or leadership experience—this role requires a balance of all three.
Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference CSR's specific work or the Nolan Center's mission.
Neglecting to show thought leadership—avoid a resume that lists publications but doesn't highlight your public engagement or influence.

Deadline

No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.