Project Liaison

About CRI

The Civilization Research Institute (CRI) is a research center focused on understanding and mitigating catastrophic and existential risk. Our mission is to create and disseminate actionable knowledge and wisdom that is essential for navigating the metacrisis, and to undertake research into viable future forms for global civilization. Our work spans technology, governance, ecological tipping points, financial systems, civilization theory, and societal sense‑making. The work requires analytical rigor, systems thinking, and cross‑disciplinary fluency. We operate in a high‑trust, low‑ego environment where clarity, integrity, and long‑term thinking are essential.

If you’d like a quick overview of our work, this video with our Executive Director, Daniel Schmachtenberger, is a good place to start.

About the Role

As the Project Liaison to the Executive Director, you will support the timely and strategic execution of mission-critical projects across the organization while ensuring clear and efficient two-way communication between project teams and the Executive Office.

This is a role for someone who can hold complexity gracefully and support translation of strategic objectives into clear priorities, efficient workflows, and aligned action across the organization.

Location & Reporting

• This is a full-time, on-site role based out of Asheville, NC.
• Ability to work outside of typical working hours, including late nights and weekends.

What You’ll Own

• Oversee a portfolio of high-priority projects on behalf of the Executive Office, driving progress toward project outcomes in collaboration with key leadership.
• Coordinate with project teams across the organization to clarify strategic priorities, track progress toward milestones, and support problem solving around delays or bottlenecks.
• Support high fidelity, two-way information flow between the Executive Director and internal and external partners, helping to bridge the gap between strategy and execution.
• Build and maintain dashboards and tracking/reporting systems that facilitate smooth project management and cross-team coordination.

What Makes This Role Special

• You’ll work directly with leaders tackling humanity’s most consequential challenges.
• You’ll help to translate high-level strategy into real-world action by driving thoughtful planning and execution.
• Your work will enable teams to operate at their highest potential by ensuring clarity and alignment with strategic objectives.

Who You Are

• A builder who enjoys creating systems, workflows, and processes that feel effortless to others.
• A systems thinker who naturally sees patterns, interdependencies, and second‑order effects. You can zoom in on operational details and zoom out to the civilizational level.
• A respected team player who listens deeply, communicates clearly, and builds strong relationships.
• A collaborator who enhances the capacities of those around them by actively problem-solving and providing clarity.
• A calm individual who works well under pressure and helps others do the same. You bring clarity and stability to complex, high-intensity situations.
• A compassionate human who cares deeply about humanity’s long‑term future and wants your work to contribute meaningfully to it.

Qualifications

• Experience managing dynamic and complex projects or programs.
• Experience providing direct support to an Executive Director or equivalent Principal, such as in a Chief of Staff or high-level Executive Assistant role.
• Impeccable written and verbal communication skills, with ability to convey warmth while being precise and thorough.
• Experience working with sensitive information and high-profile relationships.
• Experience working in startups, disaster work, or other fast-moving and unstructured environments is a plus.
• Educational background may include university education and/or self-directed/career experience.

What We Offer

• Mission‑Driven Culture – Work alongside collaborative, values‑aligned colleagues tackling some of humanity’s most complex challenges.
• Health & Wellness Support – Access to wellness resources designed to support your physical and mental well‑being.
• Professional Growth & Development – Employees receive mentorship from senior leaders and the opportunity to take on meaningful projects that support continuous learning and career advancement.
• Competitive Compensation – The starting compensation is competitive and will depend on a variety of factors that include experience, education, training, certification, and location. We do not currently cap salary ranges because we value team members growing in their roles over time.
• Flexible Benefits – Full-time employees are offered flexible benefits to support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our team members.
• On-site Headquarters Perks:
  • Community events like team dinners and hikes
  • Coffee/tea station with a variety of tinctures and powders and a fully stocked pantry full of healthy snacks
  • Organic, plant-based lunches and dinners prepared by in-house chef multiple times per week
  • Specialized healing equipment open to all employees (e.g., sauna, red light therapy, AI deep tissue massage machine)
  • Bring your dog to work