Application Guide
How to Apply for Managing Director
at SecureDNA
🏢 About SecureDNA
SecureDNA is a Swiss nonprofit with a critical mission: preventing engineered pandemics by making DNA synthesis screening universally available and cryptographically secure. Joining means being at the forefront of biosecurity, working with a distributed team of experts to build global infrastructure that safeguards humanity.
About This Role
As Managing Director, you will lead SecureDNA's growth from an early-stage initiative to a globally recognized biosecurity infrastructure. You'll set strategy, scale funding and operations, and drive adoption across synthesis providers, regulators, and policymakers. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape the future of biosecurity and help prevent catastrophic biological risks.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a virtual meeting with your distributed team across time zones, reviewing progress on fundraising and adoption strategies. You could then have calls with potential funders or policymakers, followed by time to work on operational plans, financial oversight, and communications. Evenings might involve reading up on biosecurity developments or preparing for a speaking engagement.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who SecureDNA Is Looking For
- Proven track record building and scaling organizations from scratch, with experience in nonprofit or startup leadership.
- Strategic thinker with ability to navigate complex policy, science, and stakeholder landscapes, and translate vision into actionable plans.
- Strong fundraising and financial management skills, particularly in securing diverse funding sources (philanthropic, government, corporate).
- Excellent communicator with scientific fluency and credibility to represent SecureDNA publicly to media, policymakers, and scientific communities.
📝 Tips for Applying to SecureDNA
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific examples of scaling an organization from early-stage to global impact, emphasizing metrics and outcomes.
Demonstrate your understanding of biosecurity and synthetic biology by referencing recent developments in DNA synthesis screening and policy discussions.
Showcase your ability to work with diverse stakeholders—scientists, policymakers, and industry—by providing concrete examples from your past roles.
Mention any experience with Swiss foundation administration or working with distributed teams, as these are specific operational needs.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal mission to SecureDNA's cause, and articulate why you are committed to preventing engineered pandemics.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your motivation for wanting to lead a nonprofit focused on biosecurity, and your long-term commitment to this cause.', "Specific examples of how you've built and scaled organizations, including fundraising, team building, and operational setup.", 'Your ability to engage with scientific and policy communities, and any experience you have in advocating for safety measures.', 'Your vision for making DNA screening universal, and how you would approach strategy and global adoption.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Understand the current state of DNA synthesis screening and the specific technical approach SecureDNA uses (cryptographic screening).
- → Review SecureDNA's website, publications, and any public statements to grasp their mission, progress, and partnerships.
- → Research the biosecurity policy landscape, including international efforts and regulations on synthetic biology.
- → Learn about Swiss nonprofit governance and the legal requirements for foundations in Switzerland, as this is a key operational aspect.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on generic management experience; emphasize domain relevance or a strong willingness to immerse in biosecurity.
- Avoid neglecting the nonprofit aspect—highlight your passion for mission-driven work and experience with fundraising or donor relations.
- Don't overlook the importance of scientific credibility; if you lack a science background, proactively address how you'll build fluency and credibility.
📅 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!