The Operations Manager will develop operational policies, manage systems, support HR functions, enhance team culture, and handle day-to-day office tasks, contributing to AI safety initiatives.
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 looking for an Operations Manager who is organized and detail-oriented. As Operations Manager, you will tackle a wide range of operational challenges and will build efficient systems from the ground up. The right candidate would dramatically accelerate the growth of our company and assist in the pursuit of safer AI systems.
In this role, you will:
- Work on the creation, implementation, and communication of operational policies and standards throughout the organization
- Manage technical set-up & maintenance of internal hardware and software systems
- Support the HR function; help manage recruiting, benefits, payroll, & compliance
- Lead efforts to maintain a cohesive, high-performing team culture by organizing team events, recognizing successes, and ensuring effective internal communication
- Develop and maintain the organization’s records & reports, including internal documentation and assessments as well as annual reports for audits
- Support the operational needs of new and ongoing research and projects (e.g. project promotion, data entry, expenses, etc.)
- Manage day-to-day office duties, such as food ordering and delivery, snacks, mail, office expansions, etc.
We’re looking for someone who is great at:
- Developing and managing internal processes and policies that are simple and effective
- Working with a diverse set of team members and supporting their individual needs while maintaining efficiency for the organization
- Identifying and tracking the details; you’re able to design and maintain orderly systems with minimal oversight
- Communicating clearly; ensuring everyone is clear on systems and processes
- Working autonomously and thriving in a small and growing organizationImplementing solutions to increase efficiency across the organization
You might thrive in this role if you:
- Are motivated by work that is focused on AI safety and risk
- Have previous experience (2-4 years) doing operations in a quickly growing organization (such as tech or a start-up)
- Are conscientious and produce high quality work
- Are bothered by inefficiencies and get joy from implementing a solution
- Are adaptive, able to rapidly transfer to new domains while staying organized
- Are excited by the idea of joining a small and growing team; that kind of collaboration and problem solving drives you
- Are open to new ideas and feedback, honest with yourself and others; at CAIS, even when it’s slightly uncomfortable, we prioritize getting to the best answer
- Are energized to navigate ambiguity; creating new processes and policies is exciting to you
Know someone who could be a great fit for this role? Submit their details through our Referral Form. If we end up hiring your referral, you’ll receive a $1,500 bonus once they’ve been with CAIS for 90 days.
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 [email protected].
We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
Top Skills
Data Entry
Internal Hardware
Software Systems
Similar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence • HR Tech • Information Technology • Machine Learning • Software • App development • Industrial
The Marketplace Operations Manager will oversee P&L for Events & Hospitality, manage marketplace operations, collaborate with data science, drive worker acquisition, and develop metrics for success.
Top Skills:
SQL
AdTech • Artificial Intelligence • Marketing Tech • Software • Analytics
The Client Experience Operations Manager oversees media project operations, manages project timelines, implements tracking tags, and ensures accurate attribution and tracking across marketing channels.
Top Skills:
Adobe AnalyticsCustomer Journey AttributionDigital Tagging FrameworksGoogle AnalyticsGoogle Campaign Manager 360Marketing Attribution ToolsThe Trade Desk
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Computer Vision • Hardware • Internet of Things • Software
The Senior Product Operations Manager will drive product data insights, support operating reviews, and execute high-priority initiatives while collaborating with Product and Engineering teams to identify growth opportunities.
Top Skills:
ClaudeCursorDatabricks
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
