Partnerships Lead

About AIAF

The AI Alignment Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that does hands-on technical AI alignment research and funds neglected approaches that larger labs and funders overlook. We work closely with AE Studio, government partners, and the AI safety community. Very little genuine alignment research happens anywhere. We are trying to change that, and we need to scale our funding to maximize our impact.

The role

You will be AIAF's bridge to the AI safety funding ecosystem, meeting with potential and existing funders to update them on our progress and cultivate strong relationships.

You will not be doing this alone. You will have support from our partnerships team, technical team, policy team, and leadership.

What you’ll do

• Build relationships with AI safety researchers, grantmakers, and potential collaborators

• Communicate our research agenda, results, and theory of impact clearly and accurately

• Write grant proposals for our research and government work in collaboration with other AI safety researchers / orgs

• Seek candid feedback, distinguish misunderstandings from substantive disagreements, and help us respond constructively

• Turn promising conversations into research collaborations and funding opportunities, working alongside research and fundraising colleagues

What we’re looking for

• Deep familiarity with AI safety and the broader AI safety ecosystem

• Existing relationships within the AI safety community are a significant advantage

• Strong communication skills, spoken and written

• Enough technical fluency to engage seriously with alignment research, including the ability to read a research paper and clearly explain its core idea. A research background is helpful, but not required.

• High agency and comfort operating independently, including:

  • Identifying and attending events likely to lead to valuable relationships or opportunities

  • Building and sustaining strong relationships from the first interaction

  • Exercising good independent judgment

  • Following through without extensive direction

• Ability to serve as a strong ambassador for AIAF and help build our visibility and reputation

SF Bay Area candidates are strongly preferred, remote or hybrid. US remote considered for exceptional candidates.

Compensation

We are open to either a full-time or part-time arrangement, depending on the candidate. 

• Full-time: $150,000–$300,000 annual salary, depending on experience and location.

• Part-time employee or contractor: Compensation prorated based on the full-time salary range and expected hours.

• Discretionary year-end bonus.

For an exceptional candidate with particularly strong technical or proposal-writing experience, we may consider compensation above these ranges.