Operations Lead (Applications Closed)

Summary

Arkose is seeking an Operations Lead to work alongside our Executive Director, Victoria Brook, to scale the organization’s programs and improve our systems and processes.

  • Deadline: October 27, End of Day (anywhere on earth). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!
  • Start date: December 2024 (flexible)
  • Employment: This is a full-time contract position with an initial 3 month contract.
  • Location: Remote, required overlap of 3 hours per work day with the current team in Edinburgh, Scotland (GMT+1)
  • Compensation: $70,000-$90,000, based on experience and location.
  • Additional Details: Arkose is currently in the process of securing funding for continued operations through 2025 and beyond. Our preference is for this role’s hire to be interested in extending their contract beyond the initial term.

About Arkose

Arkose is an early-stage field-building nonprofit with the mission of improving the safety of advanced AI systems to reduce potential large-scale risks. To this end, Arkose focuses on supporting researchers, engineers, and other professionals interested in contributing to AI safety. We do this by:

  • Hosting calls and other support programs that provide connections, resources, and tailored guidance to researchers, engineers, and others with relevant skill sets to facilitate their engagement in AI safety technical research.
  • Advancing understanding of AI safety research and opportunities via outreach and curating educational resources.

To date, we’ve had 188 calls.

When asked how much they think engaging in the call will change their involvement in AI safety work (n=99), 79% of participants reported feeling that the call accelerated their AI safety efforts. Specifically:

  • 62% reported feeling an acceleration of up to 3 months.
  • 13% reported feeling an acceleration of 3 to 12 months.
  • 3% reported a significant trajectory change.

Responsibilities

As Operations Lead, you’ll be responsible for improving Arkose’s operational processes and supporting the organization’s growth plans.

The core competencies we’re looking for in this role include:

  • Managing relationships with a variety of stakeholders
  • Leading/coordinating project management efforts
  • Overseeing financial operations for a small organization
  • Developing and executing branding and communication strategies pertaining to outreach emails, newsletters, and website content
  • Managing risks to an organization and working with a fiscal sponsor to manage legal compliance
  • Recruiting and overseeing contractors for tasks like data collection and website development

Additionally, a strong candidate may also have experience in the following areas:

  • Basic data science, to support our impact analysis and improve our programs
  • Grant applications and sourcing funding for a nonprofit
  • Designing and managing automations, to improve workflows (either in Java/Python or with tools like Zapier or Integromat)
  • AI safety research or field building experience, or field building experience in another area

About you

  • You have at least one year of operations experience in a previous role.
  • You excel at managing your own projects, setting strategic direction, and prioritizing tasks in alignment with organizational goals.
  • You thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, and are excited by the challenges and opportunities of working within a small, rapidly growing organization.
  • You are motivated by the mission to reduce large-scale risks from advanced AI and bring experience or interest in the AI safety landscape.
  • You have a knack for spotting inefficiencies, and you proactively improve systems and processes to enhance operational efficiency and impact.
  • You have strong attention to detail and excel at clear, effective communication.
  • You can overlap at least 3 hours per work day with the current team in Edinburgh, Scotland (GMT+1).

Application Process

The application process will vary by candidate and is subject to change, but will likely involve:

  • Round 1: A short initial application and a 30-minute GMA test
  • Round 2: A paid 2-3 hour work test
  • Round 3: A 60-minute interview with member(s) of the Arkose team & reference checks
  • Round 4: A paid 2-day remote work trial with the Arkose team

The deadline for applying is October 27th, End of Day (anywhere on earth). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

Benefits

  • Flexible work schedule and location
  • Competitive salary
  • Opportunities for professional development in AI safety and other relevant areas

If you have questions regarding this position, please reach out to team@arkose.org!