Head of Public Engagement / Communications

The Center for AI Safety (CAIS) is a leading research and advocacy organization focused on mitigating societal-scale risks from AI. We address AI’s toughest challenges through technical research, field-building initiatives, and policy engagement, along with our sister organization in DC, Center for AI Safety Action Fund.
We’re hiring a senior leader to own narrative, reputation, and distribution across all public channels. You’ll set strategy, build the team, manage budgets, and run rapid response. This is the DRI for public engagement—responsible for message discipline, speed, and quality at scale. You will report to the Executive Director.
AI-safety communication is at a genuine inflection point. AI safety videos, articles, and social posts are now reaching millions, and public curiosity is compounding by the week. CAIS aims to harness this surge by spinning up several high-leverage projects on an accelerated timeline.

What You’ll Do

• Define and execute the org-wide public engagement strategy
• Own narrative architecture and reputation risk management
• Lead rapid response during news cycles and critical moments
• Oversee social, video, editorial, and press functions
• Build and manage budgets, hiring, and vendor relationships
• Align closely with Research, Policy, and Publications
• Establish operating cadence, dashboards, and performance standards

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years in senior communications, public affairs, or media
• Experience leading multi-channel teams in high-stakes environments
• Strong editorial judgment and crisis instincts
• Comfort translating technical work into public narratives
• Track record of scaling teams and processes

The Center for AI Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. In alignment with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.​
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact contact@safe.ai.​
We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.