In a fresh move to handle the risks of powerful AI, OpenAI is hiring a new “Head of Preparedness.” This job aims to predict harms from their AI models and find ways to reduce them. The role comes as AI tech grows fast, raising worries about misuse, safety, and big impacts on society. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, wants someone to lead a team that watches for new dangers from advanced AI.
The job posting went up recently, on December 28, 2025. It asks for a leader who can build on OpenAI’s “Preparedness framework.” This plan helps track and get ready for “frontier capabilities” – that’s fancy talk for new AI skills that could cause serious harm. The new head will be in charge of spotting risks like cyberattacks, mental health issues from AI use, or even bigger threats like misuse in weapons or biology. They need to work with teams inside OpenAI and outside experts to make sure AI stays safe as it gets smarter.
Why now? OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, shared about the role in a post. He said it’s key to think ahead about how AI could go wrong. OpenAI has faced heat before for safety concerns. In 2023, they had a big shake-up when the board fired Altman briefly over worries about rushing AI without enough safety checks. Since then, they’ve set up groups like the Preparedness team to focus on long-term risks. This new hire will lead that team and report straight to the top leaders.
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The job pays well – up to $555,000 a year, plus stock in the company. It’s based in San Francisco, where OpenAI has its main office. They want someone with experience in risk management, maybe from tech, government, or science fields. Skills in AI, security, or policy would help. The role includes running tests on new AI models, working with red-team hackers who try to break them, and sharing findings with the world to help everyone stay safe.
OpenAI started in 2015 as a non-profit to make AI that helps humanity. Now, it’s a big company worth billions, backed by Microsoft and others. They’ve made tools like GPT-4 and Sora for videos. But as AI gets better at things like coding, art, or even science, the downsides grow. For example, bad actors could use AI to make fake news, hack systems, or design harmful stuff. The Preparedness head will help predict these and build safeguards, like better ways to control AI or spot when it’s being tricked.
This isn’t just OpenAI’s problem. Other AI firms like Google and Anthropic have safety teams too. Governments are stepping in with rules, like the EU’s AI Act. In the US, President Biden signed orders for AI safety in 2023. Hiring this role shows OpenAI wants to stay ahead and show they’re serious about “beneficial AI.” Critics say companies should do more, like slow down releases until risks are low. But supporters think smart leaders like this can balance innovation and safety.
From a tech view, this role mixes science, ethics, and business. The head might use tools like simulations to guess future AI harms or work with psychologists on mental health effects. AI could even help predict its own risks – that’s meta! But challenges remain, like how to measure “severe harm” or deal with unknown unknowns.
People online are talking about it. On LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), folks share the job and guess who might apply. Some joke it’s like hiring a “doomsday prepper” for AI. Others see it as a good step in a field moving too fast.
If the hire works out, it could help OpenAI avoid scandals and build trust. As AI touches more lives – from jobs to health – roles like this matter. OpenAI says they’re dedicated to safe AI for all. Time will tell if this leader can spot dangers before they hit. For now, the search is on for the right person to guide AI’s future safely. If you’re into AI safety, this could be your dream job – check OpenAI’s careers page.
