Application Guide

How to Apply for Navigators Incubator, AI Security

at Coefficient Giving

🏢 About Coefficient Giving

Coefficient Giving is a grantmaking and research nonprofit focused on high-impact areas, notably AI security and catastrophic risk. As 80,000 Hours' largest funder, it offers unique access to a network of influential donors and projects targeting $10M+ grants, making it a hub for ambitious problem-solvers.

About This Role

As a Navigators Incubator participant, you'll research critical AI security challenges, develop pitches for high-impact projects, and build founding teams to launch nonprofits, startups, or teams within existing organizations. This role is a launchpad for entrepreneurs aiming to tackle existential risks with substantial funding.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with deep-dive research into a specific AI vulnerability, followed by a meeting with potential co-founders to refine your project pitch. Afternoons could involve drafting grant proposals, networking with experts in the AI safety community, or iterating on your team's strategy based on feedback from Coefficient Giving mentors.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Coefficient Giving Is Looking For

  • Demonstrated leadership in technical or entrepreneurial settings, with a track record of initiating and driving complex projects.
  • Deep interest in AI security and catastrophic risks, evidenced by self-study, research, or relevant work experience.
  • Ability to synthesize complex research into compelling pitches and business plans for high-impact projects.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with experience recruiting and leading teams, and comfort with ambiguity and fast-paced iteration.

📝 Tips for Applying to Coefficient Giving

1

Tailor your pitch to AI security: explicitly state which catastrophic risk you'd address and why your approach is novel and fundable.

2

Highlight any experience securing grants or funding (even small amounts) to demonstrate your ability to pitch for $10M+.

3

Mention specific AI security frameworks or thinkers (e.g., Bostrom, Yudkowsky, or recent ML safety papers) to show deep knowledge.

4

Show you've researched Coefficient Giving's portfolio: reference past grants or initiatives to align your proposal with their priorities.

5

Include a concrete example of building a team from scratch (e.g., founding a club, startup, or research group) to prove entrepreneurial grit.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your personal motivation for working on AI security and why it's the most pressing catastrophic risk.", 'A specific, high-level idea for a project that could attract $10M+ in grants, with a brief rationale.', 'Evidence of your ability to recruit and inspire top talent, such as past team-building successes.', "Alignment with Coefficient Giving's mission and how your background uniquely positions you to lead a new initiative."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Coefficient Giving's past grants and funded projects to understand their funding priorities and impact metrics.
  • → Read 80,000 Hours' career reviews on AI safety to grasp the landscape and key organizations.
  • → Familiarize yourself with major AI security research hubs (e.g., MIRI, FLI, CSER) and their current focuses.
  • → Review recent catastrophic risk assessments (e.g., from the Existential Risk Initiative) to identify gaps your project could fill.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a specific AI security failure scenario and how you'd mitigate it.
2 How would you identify and recruit founding team members for a new AI safety nonprofit?
3 Walk us through your process for developing a pitch that secures $10M+ in grants.
4 What do you think is the most neglected area in AI security, and why?
5 How would you balance research depth with speed when launching a high-impact project?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a vague proposal without a clear, fundable project idea or budget outline.
  • Overemphasizing technical AI expertise without showing entrepreneurial or team-building skills.
  • Ignoring the nonprofit/impact focus: don't pitch a purely for-profit venture without a clear social mission.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: June 16, 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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