Head of AI Safety (The Guardian of Responsible AI)

Are you passionate about building artificial intelligence systems that are safe, ethical, and aligned with human values? Do you have the foresight and expertise to address complex AI safety challenges, ensuring that advanced AI technologies are developed responsibly and with safeguards in place? If you’re ready to lead a team in creating frameworks that prioritize transparency, fairness, and risk mitigation in AI, our client has the perfect opportunity for you. We’re seeking a Head of AI Safety (aka The Guardian of Responsible AI) to design, implement, and oversee AI safety strategies that protect users, society, and our shared future.

As the Head of AI Safety at our client, you’ll set the strategic direction for AI safety and ethical practices, working closely with engineers, data scientists, and policy experts to embed responsible AI practices across the organization. Your role will be instrumental in shaping AI systems that adhere to safety standards, ethical principles, and regulatory guidelines, paving the way for the safe deployment of advanced AI technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Define and Drive the AI Safety Strategy:
• Establish a comprehensive AI safety strategy that aligns with organizational goals, regulatory standards, and ethical principles. You’ll prioritize areas for risk assessment and mitigation, ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly.
2. Develop AI Safety and Risk Mitigation Frameworks:
• Create frameworks for risk assessment, impact analysis, and failure testing, addressing areas such as bias mitigation, robustness, and security. You’ll ensure these frameworks are implemented across all AI development stages.
3. Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams on AI Safety Standards:
• Work with engineers, product teams, and legal experts to incorporate AI safety standards into product design and deployment. You’ll ensure alignment on safety protocols and provide guidance on best practices for ethical AI development.
4. Lead AI Audits and Safety Assessments:
• Conduct regular audits and safety assessments to identify potential risks in AI models, including biases, security vulnerabilities, and unintended consequences. You’ll provide actionable recommendations to address findings and enhance model safety.
5. Establish Responsible AI Practices and Training Programs:
• Develop training programs and resources to educate teams on AI safety, ethics, and responsible AI practices. You’ll promote a culture of transparency, ensuring everyone is aware of AI safety protocols and standards.
6. Ensure Compliance with AI Regulations and Standards:
• Monitor AI regulations and industry standards, ensuring that AI development aligns with legal requirements, such as GDPR, CCPA, and other AI-specific regulations. You’ll work proactively to keep AI systems compliant and up-to-date with evolving standards.
7. Stay Updated on AI Safety Research and Emerging Risks:
• Keep abreast of the latest research in AI safety, including developments in areas like interpretability, adversarial robustness, and fairness. You’ll apply new insights to continually improve the organization’s AI safety protocols.

Requirements

Required Skills:

• Expertise in AI Safety and Risk Mitigation: Extensive experience in AI safety, including areas such as robustness testing, bias detection, risk assessment, and model interpretability. You’re skilled at designing frameworks that prioritize user safety and align with ethical standards.
• Knowledge of Ethical AI and Regulatory Standards: Strong understanding of ethical AI principles and regulatory requirements such as GDPR, CCPA, and ISO standards. You’re familiar with AI-specific regulations and how to ensure compliance in model development.
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Alignment: Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams, including engineers, legal teams, and product managers, to establish and implement AI safety standards. You can effectively communicate safety protocols and engage stakeholders.
• Risk Assessment and Audit Experience: Skilled in conducting safety assessments, audits, and failure testing for AI models. You understand how to assess risks in both training data and model deployment environments.
• Training and Culture Building: Experience developing training programs and resources to educate teams on AI safety. You’re passionate about promoting responsible AI and fostering a safety-conscious culture.

Educational Requirements:

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, or a related field. Equivalent experience in AI safety, ethics, or risk management may be considered.
• Certifications in responsible AI, data privacy, or regulatory compliance (e.g., CIPP/US, CIPT) are advantageous.

Experience Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in AI safety, risk management, or a similar role, with a strong background in assessing and mitigating risks in AI systems.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role, overseeing safety protocols or compliance in AI or technology fields.
• Familiarity with safety auditing tools, interpretability methods, and bias detection practices is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low co-pays and premiums.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, sick leave, and 20 paid holidays per year.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and telecommuting options.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification reimbursement, and career advancement programs.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, including gym memberships, health screenings, and mental health resources.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in community service and volunteer activities.
• Recognition Programs: Employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements and milestones.