Fundraising & Media Relations (Remote, 16 hours)

The Existential Risk Observatory

The Existential Risk Observatory is a newly founded NGO which aims to reduce human extinction risks by informing the public debate.

Human extinction risk has an estimated likelihood of one in six in the next hundred years according to recent research. The Existential Risk Observatory thinks this likelihood is unacceptably high. It also believes that the first step towards decreasing existential risk is awareness. Therefore its mission is:

1. Increase existential risk awareness
2. Collect existential risk information
3. Spread existential risk information from academia to academia, think tanks, policy makers, and media.

Internship opportunity: Fundraising & Media Relations 

To help achieve its mission, the Observatory is looking for a Fundraising & Media Relations Intern. A two-month period is the minimum, a three-month period is preferred. The starting date is as soon as possible.

Working remote from anywhere is an option. A monthly compensation is provided of 250 euros before tax for 16 hrs/week.

Role description

As an Observatory, it is crucial that we cultivate relationships  with philanthropic institutions and US based media who can help our organization gain credibility with policy makers, researchers and international audiences. Working under the supervision of our Director of Development, you will support our efforts to reach out to and engage potential funders. 

• Fundraising:
• Supporting the process of mapping relevant philanthropic institutions and leading philanthropists. 
• Researching journalists covering issues similar to AI and existential risk.
• Contributing to the creation of a donor database and keeping information up to date. 
• Reaching out to potential funders using letters of inquiry and online outreach methods. 
• Supporting the proposal and concept note development process. 
• Participating in business development meetings with potential funders.

The exact work you need to do will always be determined together. 

Requirements

Most of all, we are looking for intelligent people who are convinced about the need to urgently reduce existential risk. Therefore, the most important requirement is motivation. If you are motivated, but lack some of the requirements below, please do not hesitate to get in touch. That having been said, personal capacities which we think will help you most include:

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills. 
• Master students are preferred, Bachelor students will also be considered.
• A passion for Existential Risk. Ideally having done an existential risk course and/or having read e.g. The Precipice or comparable (online) literature.
• Some knowledge of the most important existential risks, such as unaligned AGI, biotech, or climate change.
• Intelligence and perseverance, for example proven by your academic track record so far.
• Experience in writing literature reviews, concept notes or proposals.
• Being able to work independently, proactively asking for guidance when needed.
• Not being afraid to contact funders, make requests for meetings and to support the ERO. 
• Fluent and able to write well in English (preferably native).
• Preferably based in the US.
• An existing network in US-based media and/or journalistic experience would be a big plus.

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are motivated to start shaping the existential risk public debate, we are looking forward to getting to know you!

Application procedure

Please send your CV and motivation letter to alison@existentialriskobservatory.org before the 20th of June 2022. We are looking forward to getting to know you!