Application Guide
How to Apply for External Affairs Lead
at Reflective
🏢 About Reflective
Reflective is a unique philanthropically-funded initiative focused specifically on sunlight reflection research and technology development, operating at the cutting edge of climate intervention science. Unlike traditional tech companies, it exists at the intersection of scientific research, environmental policy, and public trust, aiming to advance responsible research into solar radiation management (SRM) and stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI). Someone might want to work here to contribute to a mission-driven organization tackling one of the most complex and consequential scientific challenges of our time, with the potential to shape global climate policy.
About This Role
As External Affairs Lead at Reflective, you will own the organization's external strategy, building trust and partnerships across science, policy, and philanthropy to enable responsible research into SAI/SRM. This role involves mapping policy pathways for outdoor experiments, cultivating institutional allies, and managing reputational risks in a politically sensitive field. It's impactful because you'll directly influence the legitimacy and progress of critical climate intervention research, ensuring it proceeds with transparency and stakeholder alignment.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve strategizing with legal and governance partners on policy pathways for an outdoor experiment, followed by drafting messaging for a sensitive stakeholder update. You could spend the afternoon cultivating relationships with a scientific institution or philanthropic ally, then cap the day by preparing contingency plans for potential reputational risks related to ongoing research milestones.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Reflective Is Looking For
- Has 10+ years in policy, external relations, or research advocacy, with specific experience in scientific or tech contexts (e.g., climate science, biotech, or energy policy)
- Demonstrates proven success in managing cross-sector coalitions and government relations, ideally with international agencies or NGOs in environmental governance
- Possesses exceptional judgment to navigate politically sensitive issues (e.g., geoengineering controversies) while maintaining long-term strategic focus
- Excels at synthesizing complex scientific and policy materials into clear, actionable communications for diverse stakeholders
📝 Tips for Applying to Reflective
Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with cross-sector coalition building in scientific or environmental contexts, quantifying outcomes where possible
Research and reference Reflective's philanthropic backers or related initiatives in climate intervention to show deep domain knowledge
Prepare examples of how you've managed reputational risks or sensitive topics in past roles, especially in controversial scientific fields
Demonstrate your ability to translate technical milestones into external opportunities by including a relevant writing sample or case study
Emphasize international experience or relationships with agencies in candidate countries for outdoor experiments, as mentioned in the job description
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain your understanding of the political and scientific sensitivities around SAI/SRM research and how you've navigated similar challenges", 'Highlight specific achievements in building institutional alliances or policy pathways in complex scientific contexts', 'Describe your approach to balancing long-term strategy with immediate stakeholder engagement in a mission-driven environment', "Connect your experience directly to Reflective's goal of enabling responsible, timely research through trust-building and risk management"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Investigate Reflective's public communications, philanthropic funding sources, and any published research or statements on SAI/SRM
- → Study the current policy landscape for geoengineering, including key agencies (e.g., UN bodies, national research organizations) and recent controversies
- → Review existing sunlight reflection research initiatives and their stakeholder networks to understand competitive and collaborative dynamics
- → Explore the scientific and ethical debates around SAI/SRM to grasp the sensitivities you'll need to navigate
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with generic external relations experience without highlighting specific work in scientific, environmental, or policy-heavy contexts
- Failing to acknowledge the political sensitivities of geoengineering or treating it as a purely technical challenge
- Overlooking the international dimension of the role—not demonstrating awareness of global stakeholders or candidate countries for experiments
📅 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!