Project Director

UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA DataX seeks a Project Director to lead AI research and policy analyses on speculative movements, and to convene a Community of Practice funded by philanthropic support. The role delivers high-quality training to nonprofit, public sector, and educational participants, promoting critical thinking in AI ethics and safety.

The position emphasizes entrepreneurial leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and responsible stewardship of sensitive information in a fast-moving field.

Qualifications

• Three+ years in AI research or policy.
• Proven track record in research, analysis, synthesis, and education.
• Ability to multi-task under tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong project management experience.
• Discretion with confidential information.
• Experience in grant writing or funding proposals a plus.
• MS Office expertise (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Lead research and policy analysis on speculative AI movements.
• Convene and manage the Community of Practice think/nav.
• Provide high-quality educational training to nonprofit, public sector, and educational participants.
• Support critical thinking and informed navigation of AI ethics and AI safety.

Skills

AI research & policy

Communication skills

Project management

Grant writing / funding proposals

Discretion / confidentiality

Time management

MS Office

Educational training

Education

Ph.D. preferred

Experience with research topics

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Department Summary

DataX is an initiative with collaboration and connection at the center of its efforts. At DataX, we strive to serve the UCLA community by offering programs and services to students, faculty, researchers and partners across disciplines who engage in activities related to data: collecting, archiving, storing, processing, analyzing, and using data to make predictions, decisions and even critique of such use.

Position Summary

UCLA DataX is seeking a highly energetic and entrepreneurial individual with a strong AI research and policy background to serve as Project Director, think/nav AI Research. The Project Director will lead research and policy analysis on speculative and accelerationist AI movements and convene a new Community of Practice, think/nav, made possible through generous philanthropic support. Through the Community of Practice, the Program Director will provide high-quality educational training to nonprofit, public sector, and educational participants, supporting critical thinking and informed navigation of the fast-moving fields of AI ethics and AI safety.

Salary & Compensation

• UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• 1. A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant experience within the AI research and policy ecosystem. (Required)
• 2. A demonstrated track record of delivering high-quality research, analysis, synthesis, and educational training. (Required)
• 3. Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes. (Required)
• 4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. (Required)
• 5. Excellent project management skills. (Required)
• 6. Demonstrated management, administrative, and organizational skills. (Required)
• 7. Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality. In particular, there is an expectation that the Project Director will exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive and non-public information learned in the course of performing their duties. (Required)
• 8. Budget management skills. (Preferred)
• 9. Experience successfully pursuing funding opportunities for research and education. Skill in grant writing or funding proposal development. Experience working with funding agencies and foundations is a plus. (Preferred)
• 10. Fluency in word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software - MS Office: Word, Excel, Powerpoint expertise. (Preferred)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Education and/or other relevant experience with research topics relevant to the project. (Required)
• Ph.D. in relevant field (Preferred)

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., PST / Temporary one (1) year position

Union/Policy Covered

RP-Research and Public Service PR

Complete Position Description

https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Project%20and%20Policy%20Analyst%203%20RP%20(TBD_1000197)