GiveWell Opens Senior Program Officer Role With $280,000+ Salary and Fully Remote Work

Overview

GiveWell, a philanthropy and research organization that identifies highly cost-effective ways to save and improve lives, is hiring a Senior Program Officer. The role takes primary responsibility for a significant grantmaking portfolio and helps decide which programs and organizations receive funding, influencing the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars. The position can be done fully remotely, with staff employed across the United States and, case by case, internationally. Staff may also use GiveWell offices in Oakland, California, Brooklyn, New York or London, though attendance is not required.

Responsibilities include leading the portfolio, developing and applying funding strategies, assessing potential grantees, using empirical evidence and cost-effectiveness analysis to guide decisions, building relationships with NGOs, funders, researchers and other stakeholders, evaluating program delivery and impact, finding ways to expand the portfolio, supporting new programs and funding mechanisms, communicating research and funding decisions externally, and mentoring colleagues.

Who can apply

Strong candidates typically have 5 to 10 years of professional experience, much of it in similar roles. There is no strict academic requirement, although many senior staff have quantitative advanced degrees. GiveWell looks for people who can use empirical tools and rigorous evidence to decide under uncertainty. Valuable experience includes funding or scaling programs, cost-effectiveness modelling, managing large budgets or grant portfolios, strategy in complex settings, clear communication, global health or development, randomized controlled trials and impact evaluations, and engaging governments or multilateral organizations. International candidates need schedules that overlap with U.S. working hours and key colleagues.

What you get

Salary depends on location: $308,000 in New York City or the San Francisco Bay Area, $280,000 elsewhere in the United States, and a broadly comparable amount in local currency for other countries. Benefits include fully funded health, dental, vision and life insurance for U.S. employees, four weeks of paid leave, 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave, ergonomic home-office or coworking support and a 5% automatic 403(b) contribution for U.S. staff. Visa sponsorship may be offered.

How to apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with no deadline. Applicants submit a resume or CV and answer questions on motivation, practical experience with empirical tools, areas of interest and availability; no cover letter is needed. The process includes an application review, a short exercise and up to 15 hours of compensated work trials.