OpenAI Seeks Head of Preparedness to Oversee AI Safety and Risk Mitigation

December 28, 2025
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company is hiring a Head of Preparedness, a new executive role dedicated to managing AI safety and risk mitigation as its models grow more capable. The position will pay $555,000 annually and focus on evaluating and mitigating cybersecurity and biological risks associated with advanced AI systems.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that OpenAI is hiring a Head of Preparedness, a senior role focused on managing risks associated with advanced AI models, according to the company’s official job listing. The position will lead OpenAI’s Preparedness framework, which includes building capability evaluations, developing threat models, and designing mitigations for high-risk areas such as cybersecurity and biological misuse.

Altman said the role is critical as AI systems advance rapidly, becoming capable of both beneficial and potentially harmful actions. The Head of Preparedness will oversee technical strategy and execution to ensure safety standards scale with model capabilities. The job posting notes compensation of $555,000 plus equity.

The selected candidate will guide how OpenAI measures and limits potential misuse of its AI systems, ensuring that safeguards are built into product development. The role will also influence decisions on when and how new AI capabilities are released, coordinating across research, engineering, and policy teams to maintain robust safety practices.

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