Strategy Lead: University Groups

About CEA

The Centre for Effective Altruism’s mission is to build and nurture a global community of people who are thinking carefully about the world’s biggest problems and taking impactful action to solve them.
To foster this community, we run conferences, support hundreds of local groups, and provide online resources and forums for discussion.

About this role

If you were asked to apply late, you can apply here.
We are seeking a strategic and ambitious leader to drive the development and growth of EA groups at top universities worldwide, focusing on key “pilot universities” that will serve as flagship examples.
This high-impact leadership role requires someone who can set a visionary path, grow and lead a team, innovate beyond established models, and shape the future of EA university engagement at leading institutions. While we ideally want someone with significant relevant professional experience, we are open to the possibility of hiring a more junior candidate and adjusting the role accordingly.
University EA groups have an outstanding track record of accelerating EA-relevant careers of individuals doing EA-relevant work and expanding EA community involvement. In a recent survey conducted by Open Philanthropy, participants were asked to name the top four most impactful factors important to their trajectory (without being given specific options). Participants listed projects such as 80,000 Hours, Lesswrong, and Peter Singer's writing. University groups were mentioned the most frequently out of all community building efforts. These groups have led to graduates directly moving into high-impact roles. Participants have gone on to start new effective charities, enter the UK AI Safety Institute, found talent accelerators, handle grantmaking at major foundations, work in the White House and at influential think tanks, fill roles at charity evaluators, contribute EA-inspired journalism for major publications, and much more.
The work helping university groups achieve their potential, however, is far from done. This role is critical, because we need to nurture the next generation of EAs and leaders within the EA community. CEA aims to build a strong foundation at top universities to ensure that high-potential students can effectively access and engage with EA ideas. Our vision is to have thriving groups at the top ~20 universities by 2027, producing highly engaged EAs who are prepared to take on impactful roles globally. We are excited to leverage the talent at these “pilot universities” and work with the EA groups there to test fresh ideas and approaches.
To achieve this ambitious goal, you’ll be an integral part of our efforts to develop strong leadership within these university groups, empower organizers to innovate, and provide comprehensive support for their growth. University groups have an amazing track record but need a visionary leader to drive forward innovation and go beyond “the standard playbook.”
In this role, you will join CEA’s Groups team. If you are hired in a more senior capacity, you’ll report directly to Jessica McCurdy, the Head of Groups. If you are a more junior candidate who’s selected for the role, you’ll report to Joris Pijpers.
The Groups team is deeply committed to both improving the world and fostering a positive working environment. See our team values to learn more about working at CEA.
Job responsibilities
While your exact responsibilities may evolve as we learn more, you will likely focus on:
  • Strategic vision and leadership: Set a clear and compelling vision for EA university groups, creating actionable strategies to achieve our overarching 2027 goal of building thriving groups at top universities. Adapt this strategy as new insights and challenges emerge.
  • Team management: Lead and mentor a team of program staff and organizers, ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and support to excel. Maintain our culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous learning.
  • Program development: Develop and execute pilot programs aimed at seeding and growing EA groups at pilot universities. Innovate on existing models, and experiment with new approaches to engagement and support.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with university group organizers, partner organizations, and other stakeholders in the EA community. Act as a bridge between our vision and those implementing it on the ground.
  • Resource allocation: Identify and allocate monetary and non-monetary resources efficiently to the most promising groups and initiatives. Use data-driven insights to refine strategies and ensure that our efforts are delivering maximum impact.
About you
You might be a great fit if you:
  • Have a strong strategic mindset with the ability to set a clear and compelling vision, develop actionable strategies, and adapt plans based on new insights or feedback. You can steer the program toward ambitious 2027 goals while remaining flexible in execution.
  • Are excited to innovate and develop new programs. You are eager to enhance current models of community building in university groups, experiment with new approaches, and ensure programs are scalable and impactful.
  • Are an experienced leader who has successfully led and mentored teams, ensuring that staff and organizers have the tools, guidance, and support to excel. You foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous learning, enabling your team to reach their potential.
  • Are a skilled relationship builder and communicator, capable of engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including university organizers, external partners, and community members. You can bridge high-level strategic vision with on-the-ground implementation, ensuring alignment and collaboration.
  • Thrive in a dynamic environment where adaptability, experimentation, and learning are key to success. You enjoy leading initiatives in uncertain and evolving contexts, making adjustments as needed to drive progress.
  • Deeply understand EA principles and can model and use high-quality reasoning and decision-making. You are motivated to work on projects that align with these principles and ensure they are reflected in the work of your team.
Preferred but not required
  • Have a proven track record of developing and executing programs, particularly in piloting new initiatives.
  • Are data-driven and resourceful, able to identify promising groups and initiatives, allocate resources effectively, and use insights to continuously refine strategies for maximum impact.
  • Are familiar with EA university groups or similar community-building initiatives.
  • Have practical experience in leading high-impact projects or programs, specifically within educational or non-profit sectors.
Other information
  • This is a full-time, remote position.
  • If candidates would prefer to work from the UK, we welcome applicants from overseas and we’ll sponsor visas where possible. We may be able to sponsor visas to work in the US for some candidates.
  • We prefer applicants who are able to work in time zones between US Pacific Time and CET.
  • We’d love you to start by mid-March 2025, but we are flexible for exceptional candidates. We are also open to more junior applicants graduating in spring 2025, especially if you can start earlier on a part-time basis.
  • For senior applicants with significant professional experience, we anticipate the following salary range:
    • US: total compensation package of $106,667–$128,143, comprising a base salary and 10% 401k contribution.
    • UK: total compensation package of £63,492–£76,275, comprising a base salary and 10% pension contribution.
  • We would also consider hiring a more junior candidate, with adjusted salary as indicated below, commensurate with experience:
    • US: total compensation package of $70,028–$93,761, comprising a base salary and 10% 401k contribution.
    • UK: total compensation package of £41,683–£55,809, comprising a base salary and 10% pension contribution.
  • Our application process includes: one or more trial tasks, one or more interviews, reference checks, and a multi-day paid work trial for the top candidates.
  • US benefits include private insurance, flexible work hours, $6,000 annual professional development allowance, a $6,000 mental health support allowance, extended parental leave, ergonomic equipment, and more. UK staff benefits are equivalent.
  • We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. We especially encourage applications from self-identified women and people of colour who are excited about contributing to our mission. The Centre for Effective Altruism is an equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, or have any other questions about applying, please contact jobs@centreforeffectivealtruism.org.
  • All information submitted in connection with this job opening is subject to the Effective Ventures privacy policy.
This position is now closed.
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