Couldn’t agree more, thank you for posting this! I definitely agree that orgs are underestimating time spent on applications, especially high-quality applications.

On sharing data with applicants: there was one EA job I applied to that shared some insightful data, and I wish all orgs would share something like this at each stage: “We received over 1,700 applications for a single role, which is an unprecedented number for our organisation. By progressing to the work test stage, you were in the shortlist of the top 20 applicants.”

Not exactly related, but I would also be grateful if all EA work tests 1.) specified whether time spent reading instructions is included in the allotted time to complete the test; 2.) specified whether it’s permitted to take breaks or must all be completed in one sitting; 3.) were two hours or less to complete.

Thank you for asking this question! I definitely agree we should be exploring EAs treatment of mid-size donors and whether we are ready for them (especially in the context of EA fund diversification). I’m not confident that we need more research tools or rankers for such donors - I think there are already many resources for those (ex: Giving What We Can provided a wide range of recommendations across cause areas for such donors, not to mention others like GiveWell, Giving Green, Founders Pledge, ACE, Longview Philanthropy, Ultra Philanthropy, Ark Philanthropy, Ellis Impact, and more).

I think perhaps the more important question for preparing for midlevel donors is does EA have the cultivation and stewardship practices (professionalized fundraising) in place to keep these donors giving and increase their giving. I think this is a massive opportunity within the EA ecosystem.

WOW! Every organization should read this; what a fantastic summary on creating a solid work culture and navigating change management. I’m hoping to share many of these ideas with my current org if they are open to them. Thank you for your excellent post!

Thank you for this excellent post, Deena! As an ops professional, I really resonated with everything you wrote and feel you represented ops accurately and accessibly. I anticipate I’ll be signing up to chat with you soon - always great to be connected to more impact-minded ops professionals!

Thank you for this comment! As someone fairly new to the EA space, this has been one of the things I’ve noticed (and honestly, had made me terrified to post anything - even this reply). Rationality and truthseeking are essential, but so is considering HOW your argument/point will be interpreted or received - especially if a main goal  is to build the movement (which I don’t think anyone would disagree with).