Application Guide

How to Apply for Grantmakers / Senior Generalists, Global Catastrophic Risks

at Coefficient Giving

🏢 About Coefficient Giving

Coefficient Giving is a grantmaking and research nonprofit focused on tackling global catastrophic risks, with a unique emphasis on high-impact funding in AI safety, biosecurity, and capacity building. As the largest funder of 80,000 Hours, it operates at the intersection of effective altruism and cutting-edge risk mitigation.

About This Role

This role involves identifying, evaluating, and funding high-impact projects that reduce catastrophic risks from AI and biotechnology. You'll own special projects beyond grantmaking, such as incubating initiatives and headhunting founders, making it a dynamic position with significant autonomy and influence.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing grant proposals for AI governance projects, meeting with researchers to assess their work, and brainstorming a new initiative to address gaps in biosecurity funding. You'll also spend time on special projects, such as identifying potential founders for a new nonprofit or analyzing the impact of past grants to refine strategy.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Coefficient Giving Is Looking For

  • Strong analytical skills with experience assessing complex grant proposals or research projects, ideally in a philanthropic or impact-driven context.
  • Deep understanding of global catastrophic risks, particularly AI governance or biosecurity, or a demonstrated ability to rapidly acquire domain expertise.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects and stakeholders, with a track record of driving initiatives from conception to execution.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable with ambiguity and taking ownership of special projects like incubating new initiatives or sourcing talent.

📝 Tips for Applying to Coefficient Giving

1

Highlight any direct experience with AI safety, biosecurity, or effective altruism—mention specific projects or research you've engaged with.

2

Showcase your ability to evaluate impact: provide examples of how you've assessed cost-effectiveness or potential for high-leverage outcomes.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize grantmaking, philanthropy, or related analytical roles; include quantifiable results (e.g., funds distributed, projects scaled).

4

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills to the special projects aspect—e.g., incubating initiatives or headhunting—not just grant evaluation.

5

Research Coefficient Giving's current grants and blog posts (on their website) to demonstrate genuine interest and knowledge in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for reducing global catastrophic risks and alignment with Coefficient Giving's mission.", 'Specific examples of evaluating high-impact opportunities, whether in grantmaking, research, or other fields.', 'Your experience managing complex projects and working with diverse stakeholders (e.g., researchers, founders, nonprofits).', 'Your ability to think strategically and take initiative on special projects beyond routine grantmaking.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Coefficient Giving's website, especially their grantmaking strategy and blog posts on AI and biosecurity.
  • → Familiarize yourself with 80,000 Hours' research on high-impact careers and how Coefficient Giving supports it.
  • → Explore recent reports on global catastrophic risks from organizations like CSER, FHI, or the Future of Life Institute.
  • → Understand the effective altruism movement's key principles, especially cause prioritization and cost-effectiveness.
Visit Coefficient Giving's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you evaluate a grant proposal for an AI safety project? Walk through your framework.
2 Describe a time you had to make a high-stakes decision with limited information. How did you approach it?
3 What are the most promising interventions in biosecurity or AI governance?
4 How would you go about incubating a new initiative from scratch?
5 Why Coefficient Giving specifically, and how do you see this role contributing to its mission?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing solely on grantmaking experience without demonstrating interest in catastrophic risks or special projects.
  • Being too generic—avoid vague statements about 'making a difference'; be specific about risks and interventions.
  • Neglecting to show entrepreneurial initiative; this role expects you to create new projects, not just manage existing ones.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: May 17, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Coefficient Giving!

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