How to apply for Director, Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons

About Council on Strategic Risks

The Council on Strategic Risks is a unique nonprofit dedicated to addressing the most catastrophic threats facing humanity, including climate change, pandemics, and weapons of mass destruction. Working here means contributing to high-impact policy work at the intersection of science, security, and strategy, with a focus on innovative solutions and global resilience.

About the role

As Director of the Nolan Center, you will lead a dedicated team in shaping strategies to reduce threats from biological, nuclear, and chemical weapons. This role offers the opportunity to influence national and international policy, build programs from the ground up, and engage with top experts and policymakers, making a tangible difference in global security.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing a policy paper on biosecurity, meeting with your team to discuss program milestones, and pitching a potential donor on a new initiative. You might also participate in a panel discussion on nuclear risk or brief a congressional staffer on your latest research, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on management.

Who Council on Strategic Risks is looking for

• A seasoned professional with 15+ years in international security, nonproliferation, or related fields, with a proven track record of thought leadership (publications, speaking engagements, advisory roles).
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and program development within a think tank, government agency, or NGO, with the ability to translate high-level goals into actionable initiatives.
• Strong fundraising acumen, including experience cultivating and managing philanthropic relationships, and a network of potential donors.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a collaborative approach and experience serving as a key decision-maker on governance and strategy.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to explicitly highlight your experience with biological, nuclear, and chemical weapons threat reduction, not just general security policy.
• Showcase specific examples of successful fundraising campaigns or donor relationships, quantifying results where possible.
• Include links to your published articles, op-eds, or presentations that demonstrate your thought leadership in strategic weapons or catastrophic risk.
• Emphasize your experience working in a nonprofit or NGO environment, especially in a leadership role that involved setting strategy and managing teams.
• Research the Council's current initiatives and publications, and mention how your expertise aligns with their mission and ongoing projects.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your passion for reducing strategic weapons risks and your alignment with the Council's mission to address catastrophic risks.", 'Specific examples of your leadership in developing and executing threat reduction programs, including outcomes and impact.', 'Your fundraising experience, including how you have built relationships with philanthropists and secured major gifts.', 'Your ability to serve as a spokesperson and thought leader, with examples of media appearances, congressional testimony, or high-level speaking engagements.']

Research before applying

• Review the Council's website, especially the Nolan Center's pages, to understand its current projects, publications, and team structure.
• Read recent reports or statements from the Council on strategic weapons threats to understand their policy positions and areas of emphasis.
• Look into the Council's funding sources and partnerships to understand the philanthropic landscape they operate in.
• Research the background of the current leadership (e.g., President and other directors) to understand their priorities and leadership style.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach setting the strategic direction for the Nolan Center in its first year?
• Describe a time you successfully raised significant funds for a program or initiative. What was your strategy?
• How do you stay current on emerging biological, chemical, and nuclear threats, and how would you incorporate that into the Center's work?
• Given the Council's focus on multiple catastrophic risks, how would you prioritize the Nolan Center's initiatives and collaborate with other programs?
• What is your experience managing a team, and how would you develop and mentor staff to achieve the Center's goals?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid a generic cover letter that could apply to any policy job; instead, directly connect your experience to the Council's mission and the specific requirements of the Director role.
• Don't underestimate the importance of fundraising; ensure you clearly demonstrate your ability and willingness to engage in fundraising activities.
• Avoid focusing only on nuclear weapons; the role covers biological and chemical threats too, so show a broad understanding of all three.