How to apply for Generalist (Groups)

About Kairos

Kairos is a nonprofit that accelerates talent into AI safety and policy. It runs large programs like SPAR, the Generator Residency, the Global Challenges Project, and the Pathfinder Fellowship. The Pathfinder Fellowship has $9.5M in funding over the next two years to grow AI safety university groups from a few dozen to nearly 100. Working here means directly supporting the infrastructure that fills talent gaps in AI safety.

About the role

This is a generalist role on Kairos's university groups team. You will support AI safety group organizers through the Pathfinder Fellowship and help shape what Kairos does for university groups next. The role is remote and full-time. The job description is a first draft, so scope and responsibilities may evolve.

A typical day

A typical day might involve communicating with university group organizers, helping them access Pathfinder Fellowship resources, and coordinating with the Kairos team on program improvements. You could also spend time on administrative tasks, planning new initiatives for university groups, or researching ways to support organizers better. Since the role is remote and the scope is evolving, the day-to-day may vary.

Who Kairos is looking for

• Experience supporting or organizing university groups, especially in AI safety, effective altruism, or related fields.
• Comfortable with generalist work: operations, program support, community building, and strategic input.
• Able to work remotely and independently, with strong written communication skills.
• Interest in AI safety and a desire to help fill talent gaps in the field.
• Willing to adapt as the role's scope changes, since the description is a first draft.

Tips for this application

• Mention any direct experience with university groups or fellowship programs, especially if you have organized events or supported group leaders.
• Show familiarity with Kairos's programs, particularly the Pathfinder Fellowship and its goal to grow AI safety university groups.
• Emphasize your ability to handle generalist tasks in a remote setting, such as program coordination, communication, and problem-solving.
• Since the role description is a first draft, express openness to evolving responsibilities and ask clarifying questions in your application or interview.
• Apply early because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific experience with university groups or community building, and how it relates to supporting AI safety group organizers.', "Why you want to work on the Pathfinder Fellowship and help shape Kairos's future work with university groups.", 'Your ability to work as a generalist in a remote, fast-changing environment.', 'Any knowledge you have of AI safety fieldbuilding and the talent gaps Kairos aims to fill.']

Research before applying

• Read about the Pathfinder Fellowship on Kairos's website, including its funding and goals for university groups.
• Look into Kairos's other programs like SPAR and the Generator Residency to understand the organization's broader work.
• Research the AI safety fieldbuilding landscape and common challenges university groups face.
• Check if Kairos has published any updates or blog posts about their university groups work.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would support AI safety group organizers through the Pathfinder Fellowship.
• Your experience with university groups and what you learned from it.
• How you handle generalist tasks when the scope is not fully defined.
• Your understanding of AI safety fieldbuilding and Kairos's role in it.
• What you think Kairos should do next for university groups and why.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without showing any familiarity with Kairos or the Pathfinder Fellowship.
• Focusing only on AI safety research and ignoring the community-building and operations aspects of this role.
• Assuming the role's scope is fixed, since the description is a first draft and may evolve.