Application Guide

How to Apply for Portfolio Manager

at Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative

🏢 About Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative

The Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative (BERI) is a unique nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the work of researchers tackling existential risks. By providing operational and administrative support that academic funding often overlooks, BERI enables these researchers to focus on their critical work. Joining BERI means being part of a mission-driven team that directly contributes to safeguarding humanity's future.

About This Role

As a Portfolio Manager, you will act as a fractional COO for multiple research projects, serving as the primary operational contact. Your work will ensure that projects run smoothly, from onboarding and budgeting to compliance and recruitment, allowing researchers to dedicate their time to high-impact research. This role is impactful because it directly enables the success of projects that address some of the most pressing threats to humanity.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve checking in with project leads to address operational needs, reviewing invoices and budgets, and drafting job descriptions for new hires. You might also spend time improving processes, such as creating a new onboarding checklist, and attending virtual meetings with researchers or the BERI team. The day is varied, combining strategic planning with hands-on operational tasks.

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🎯 Who Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative Is Looking For

  • Experienced in operations management, with a proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously (fractional COO or similar role).
  • Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, invoice approval, and ensuring compliance with legal and grant requirements.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building and maintaining relationships with researchers, funders, and team members.
  • Proactive and process-oriented, with a knack for creating templates, checklists, and systems to improve efficiency.

📝 Tips for Applying to Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative

1

Highlight your experience in nonprofit or research settings, especially any work with existential risk or academic institutions.

2

Quantify your operational achievements (e.g., 'Managed a portfolio of 5 projects with a combined budget of $2M, ensuring 100% compliance').

3

Demonstrate your ability to work remotely and asynchronously, as BERI is a remote-first organization.

4

Showcase your adaptability and willingness to take on a wide range of tasks, from recruitment to compliance.

5

Mention any familiarity with existential risk topics or the effective altruism community, as it shows genuine interest in the mission.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express your passion for existential risk reduction and why you're drawn to BERI's unique model of support.", 'Highlight your experience in operational leadership, with specific examples of managing budgets, compliance, and recruitment.', 'Emphasize your ability to create processes and improvements that scale, as BERI is growing.', 'Mention your strong organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about BERI's mission and recent projects on their website (existence.org) to understand their impact.
  • → Learn about the concept of existential risk and key researchers in the field (e.g., Nick Bostrom, Toby Ord).
  • → Check out BERI's blog or annual reports to see their growth and operational needs.
  • → Understand the effective altruism movement and how BERI fits into it.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach onboarding a new research project? What steps would you take?
2 Describe a time you had to manage a tight budget or ensure compliance with complex grant requirements.
3 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects with competing deadlines?
4 What experience do you have with remote work and virtual team collaboration?
5 Why are you interested in existential risk and BERI specifically?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't apply without tailoring your resume and cover letter to the role; avoid generic applications.
  • Don't overlook the importance of compliance and legal requirements; show that you take these seriously.
  • Don't underestimate the remote nature of the work; emphasize your ability to work independently and communicate asynchronously.

📅 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:

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 Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative!

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