About CEA

The Centre for Effective Altruism (CEA) is an organization dedicated to building and stewarding a global community of people who are thinking carefully about the world’s most pressing problems and taking action to solve them. Our strategic priorities include growing the effective altruism community, improving the EA brand, and diversifying EA funding sources. 

Join us in building and stewarding a community dedicated to doing good. We want to help build a radically better world, which will take the best effort of many people. We want to contribute to humanity solving a range of pressing global problems — like poverty, factory farming, and existential risk — and being prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow.

About the role

As the AI Special Projects Lead / Head of AI Special Projects, you’ll develop and expand our portfolio of high-impact events that connect key decision-makers, researchers, and funders working in AI to accelerate progress on reducing AI risk.

Our flagship event in this space, the Summit on Existential Security, has facilitated valuable outcomes, including new projects, research collaborations, funding relationships, and improved strategic coordination. We're excited to build upon this impact by expanding our portfolio of AI-focused events.

This leadership position requires someone who can set a compelling strategic vision, lead a talented team, identify high-leverage opportunities where events can accelerate progress, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders across the AI risk landscape.

You will report to Amy Labenz, the Director of Events, and manage and potentially grow a team as the program expands.

Responsibilities

While your exact responsibilities may evolve as the program evolves, you will likely focus on:

• Strategic vision and leadership: Develop the vision, goals, and strategy for the AI Special Projects program. Identify and incubate event opportunities. 

• Stakeholder management: Build and nurture relationships with key figures in AI safety, governance, and relevant fields. Secure participation from high-value speakers, attendees, and advisors. Develop strategic partnerships with key organizations in the AI space.

• Team management: Provide guidance, mentorship, and strategic direction to your team. Foster a high-performance culture focused on excellence and impact. Establish clear expectations, roles, and communication channels.

• Program oversight: Make final decisions on major program elements, including event formats, content themes, and target audiences. Review and approve event concepts, attendee selection criteria, and key content. Ensure alignment with program objectives.

• Measurement and evaluation: Iterate upon and implement follow-up processes to capture valuable outcomes attributable to events. Use evaluation insights to continuously improve program design and execution. 

• High-level budgeting and funding proposals: Oversee the program's annual budget. Make strategic resource allocation decisions across the event portfolio. Develop detailed funding proposals that articulate program strategy, anticipated outcomes, and resource requirements. Work with CEA leadership on fundraising strategies to secure ongoing program support.

What we are looking for

We're looking for someone who can set a compelling strategic vision, lead a talented team, identify high-leverage opportunities, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders across the AI risk landscape.

You might be a particularly good fit for this role if you are:

• Strategically minded with the ability to set a clear and compelling vision, develop actionable strategies, and adapt plans based on new insights or feedback. You can identify the highest-leverage opportunities for impact through events and focus resources accordingly.

• Knowledgeable about the AI risk landscape, or the ability to learn quickly. You’re familiar with the key concepts, organizations, and individuals in the space such that you can work with the team to identify where events can add the most value and then design and oversee those events.  

• A skilled relationship builder capable of engaging with stakeholders across AI companies, academia, government, industry, and philanthropy. You can build trust with diverse stakeholders and navigate complex dynamics.

• Deeply understand EA principles and motivated to work on projects that reduce existential risk from advanced AI. You use high-quality reasoning and decision-making and ensure they are reflected in the work of your team.

Preferred but not required

• Experience designing and executing high-impact events or similar initiatives

• Strong network within the AI safety community

• Background in strategic planning for complex projects with multiple stakeholders

• Track record of building programs from the ground up

• Experience leading and mentoring a team

We believe that the perfect candidate for this role may not tick every box. If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the criteria or aren't sure of your exact role fit. Please lean toward submitting your application if you're excited about this position.

Other information

• This is a full-time, remote position. We prefer applicants who are able to work in time zones between US Pacific Time and CET. This role will likely involve travel 4-6 times a year.

• Start date: We’d ideally have you start as soon as possible, but can be flexible for the right candidate.

• Compensation

  • US: total compensation package of $128,143-$152,849, comprising a base salary of $116,494-$138,954 and a 10% unconditional 401k contribution.

  • UK: total compensation package of £76,275-£90,981, comprising a base salary of £69,341-£82,710 and a 10% pension contribution.

  • Compensation and role title for this position depends on the level of experience and expertise you bring to the role, and will be determined throughout the hiring process.

• Benefits include private insurance, flexible work hours, a $6,000 / £5,000 annual professional development allowance, a $6,000 / £5,000 mental health support allowance, extended parental leave, ergonomic equipment, unconditional 10% pension / 401k contribution, 25 days of paid vacation, and more.

• 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.

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