Distinguished Research Director (part-time) Part Time

Distinguished Research Director (part-time)

Part-Time in  San Francisco, CA –  Remote OK –  Senior –  Research
Remote US-based

WHO WE ARE
The Partnership on AI is the leading forum addressing the most important and difficult decisions on the future of AI.

We are a non-profit that invites diverse voices into the process of technical governance, design, and deployment of AI technologies.

Our essential Partners work together across industry, academia, and civil society to understand the implications of AI advancements and ensure they benefit society equitably.

Through dialogue, insight, education, and guidance, PAI informs responsible AI solutions and identifies opportunities to address humanity’s pressing challenges.

Our vision is a future where Artificial Intelligence empowers humanity by contributing to a more just, equitable, and prosperous world. Our mission is to bring diverse voices together across global sectors, disciplines, and demographics so developments in AI advance positive outcomes for people and society.

If you are committed to a future of responsible AI and you are interested in joining the Partnership on AI in our quest, we genuinely appreciate your interest and we want to hear from you.

ROLE SUMMARY
The Partnership on AI (PAI) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Distinguished Research Director who will dedicate 50% of their time annually to provide research expertise and leadership to advance the strategic directions and impact of the organization’s mission. We are looking for a highly respected international academic leader who is inspired to deeply engage in creating an innovative, international and multistakeholder research agenda and program portfolio focused on novel tools and sociotechnical solutions that advance the responsible design, development, deployment and use of AI.

Reporting to the CEO, the Distinguished Research Director will provide scientific and research leadership to foster a compelling, unique and high impact portfolio of research and programming that aligns with our theory of change, including holding timely convenings on emerging international challenges; conducting research, synthesis and analysis to develop accessible resources, tools, and recommendations on specific areas of programming for PAI; and, promoting adoption of best practices with Partners. The Distinguished Research Director will engage collaboratively and consultatively with our global community of Partners and PAI’s Board of Directors. As a member of the Executive Team, they will manage the Director of Programs and Research who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Programs and Research Team, and will work collaboratively with individuals across PAI’s organization.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Provide intellectual leadership to focus PAI’s programs and research on fundamental sociotechnical challenges that connect AI research and technology expertise with diverse perspectives from PAI’s community of civil society and media experts, researchers based at academic institutions and think tanks, policy-makers, scientists and engineers from technology companies, and those most harmed or at risk of harm from AI.
  • Manage and provide guidance to the Director of Programs and Research in leading the strategic and annual operations of the Programs and Research Team.
  • Consult with Partners to envision and launch new areas of programs and research collaborations building on the architecture of PAI’s Six Thematic Pillars: Safety-critical AI; Fair, Transparent, and Accountable AI; Collaborations Between People and AI Systems; AI, Labor and the Economy; Social and Societal Influences of AI; AI for Social Good.
  • Champion equity and diversity internally and externally.
  • Understand and monitor the state-of-the-art in the field of sociotechnical AI design, development, deployment and use (and related disciplines); represent the organization and its progress at conferences and other public forums to maintain visibility within the broader AI community
  • With the CEO, establish an independent advisory body to provide intellectual advice to advance the high quality, independent accountability and equitable impact of PAI’s programs and research.
  • As a member of the Executive Team, actively engage with the Director of Programs and Research, Director of Communications and Director of Partnership to act as a spokesperson for PAI at relevant conferences, in the media and to support fundraising initiatives and the creation of a globally-diverse and inclusive Partner community.
  • As a member of the Executive Team, work with the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer to report transparently and accurately on the use of PAI’s finances and resources.
  • Present to the Board including the development of materials for reporting to PAI’s Board of Directors and relevant Board committees, as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • PhD and current academic appointment in related fields with over 15+ years of experience.
  • Extensive track record, citations and research experience in sociotechnical approaches to artificial intelligence.
  • Research and work experience conducting collaborative initiatives with a multi-stakeholder, multi-disciplinary point-of-view.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with and relate to a broad range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, peers, direct reports, partner organizations, and Board members.
  • Flexible and adaptable in a small, fast-paced environment.
  • Extensive network within the sociotechnical AI research community.
  • Ability to work with diverse perspectives and to incorporate these perspectives into PAI’s projects.
  • Excellent conflict resolution skills. Ability to resolve disparate programs and research directions, Partner interests, and resourcing trade offs, with an orientation toward win-win solutions.
  • Proven collaborator with internal and external stakeholders, ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
  • Experience with or comfort in speaking publicly as a spokesperson to a variety of audiences including funders.

Preferred Leadership Competencies:

  • Vision – Ability to develop and articulate a vision for the future of an organization or significant initiative. Possesses a “big picture” perspective.
  • Strategic Development – Demonstrates success initiating, developing and implementing large-scale project execution strategies for an organization.
  • Decision-Making with Integrity – Demonstrates a high level of technical acumen and judgment required for the role; ability to make practical, realistic, data-driven and timely decisions in support of the organization’s objectives with the highest degree of integrity.
  • Problem Solving – Ability to understand, analyze and interpret complex problems and develop appropriate action plans to achieve sustainable solutions. Engages team in collaborative problem solving to develop well informed plans to achieve results.
  • Hands-On – Unafraid to roll up their sleeves to contribute to the success of an emerging organization.
  • Entrepreneurial Drive – Desire and proven ability to have an impact. An energetic self-starter with a strong work ethic and sense of urgency, capable of thriving in a high growth environment.
  • Detail-Oriented – Encourages the highest quality and rigor of research output and commitment to scientific inquiry and ethics.
  • Collaborative Style – A team player, who works effectively in a team-based organization, collaborates cross- functionally across multiple stakeholders, exercises influence diplomatically and builds trust and credibility at all levels. Someone who builds consensus and achieves agreement on key priorities.
  • Relationship-Oriented – Ability to successfully influence, build credibility and work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders: senior leaders, policy makers, partners, Board members, and externally with key stakeholders. Able to synthesize divergent views and coalesce all constituencies around a shared view or plan.
  • Builds Trust – Able to be transparent by being authentic, conveying trust and communicating openly while involving key stakeholders in decision-making
  • Equity and Inclusion – Fluent with the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion including a commitment to racial equity and anti-racism.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Must be eligible to work in the United States or Canada; we are unable to sponsor visas at this time
Must be fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus as per PAI’s Employee Policy

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We know that research has shown that some potential applicants will submit an application only when they feel that they have met close to all of the qualifications for a role—we encourage you to take a leap of faith with us and submit your application as long as you are passionate about working to make real impact on responsible AI. We are very interested in hearing from a diverse pool of candidates.
PAI will work with the candidate’s current academic institution to ensure funding for time allocated to this role on an annual basis.
PAI is headquartered in San Francisco, with a global membership base and scope. This role is eligible for remote work within the United States or Canada with no requirement to be located in San Francisco. We do not offer visa support for this position at this time.
PAI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment in all aspects of employment, including recruiting, hiring, promoting, training, education assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, and all privileges and conditions of employment. Employment decisions at PAI are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

PAI will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance or similar laws.

The Partnership on AI may become subject to certain governmental record keeping and reporting requirements for the administration of civil rights laws and regulations. We also track diversity in our workforce for the purpose of improving over time. In order to comply with these goals, the Partnership on AI invites employees to voluntarily self-identify their gender and race/ethnicity. Submission of this information is voluntary and refusal to provide it will not jeopardize or adversely affect employment or any consideration you may receive for employment or advancement. The information obtained will be kept confidential.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply please send a cover letter and resume by May 31, 2022. Applications may be accepted after deadline on a rolling basis until the role is filled.

Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Job Overview

  • Date Posted:
  • Location: Remote
  • Job Title: Distinguished Research Director (part-time)