How to apply for Generalist (SPAR)

About Kairos

Kairos is a nonprofit that accelerates talent into AI safety and policy. It has trained over 1,200 people through programs like SPAR, the largest AI safety research fellowship, with mentees mentored by researchers from Anthropic, Redwood Research, RAND, MIT, and the UK AI Security Institute. Working there means directly helping fill talent gaps in a field focused on mitigating risks from advanced AI.

About the role

This generalist role supports the SPAR fellowship, which has 800+ mentees per round. You will help run the program and ensure mentees get the most out of it. The scope may evolve, so you will need to adapt to changing needs in a fast-growing organization.

A typical day

A typical day might involve coordinating with mentors and mentees, troubleshooting issues, and improving fellowship processes. You could also be reviewing applications, planning events, or analyzing feedback to enhance the program. Since the role is remote and evolving, tasks will vary based on the fellowship's needs.

Who Kairos is looking for

• Experience in program coordination, operations, or community management, especially for fellowships or educational programs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a remote, fast-paced environment.
• Interest in AI safety and a desire to support talent development in the field.
• Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to take on a range of tasks as the role's scope evolves.

Tips for this application

• Apply early. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so submitting sooner increases your chances.
• In your application, explicitly connect your experience to running a large fellowship or supporting mentees. Mention any programs you've coordinated.
• Show familiarity with SPAR and Kairos's other programs. Reference specific details from the job description, like the number of mentees or partner organizations.
• Address the 'first draft' note in the description. Express openness to evolving responsibilities and give examples of how you've adapted in past roles.
• Keep your materials concise and direct. Avoid generic statements about passion for AI safety; instead, point to concrete actions or projects.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your experience managing or supporting large-scale programs, especially fellowships or educational initiatives.', "Specific ways you've helped participants get the most out of a program, such as through mentorship, resources, or community building.", "Your understanding of Kairos's mission and the SPAR fellowship's role in AI safety.", 'Your ability to handle a generalist role with evolving responsibilities, with examples of past adaptability.']

Research before applying

• Read the Kairos website, especially the SPAR program page, to understand the fellowship's structure and goals.
• Look up the researchers and organizations mentioned as mentors (e.g., Anthropic, Redwood Research) to grasp the caliber of the program.
• Explore Kairos's other programs (Generator Residency, Global Challenges Project, Pathfinder Fellowship) to see how SPAR fits into the broader mission.
• Search for recent news or updates about Kairos to understand its growth and current priorities.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you ensure 800+ mentees have a valuable experience in SPAR? Walk us through your approach.
• Describe a time you managed a complex program with many stakeholders. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• What do you know about AI safety and Kairos's role in the field? How would you communicate this to mentees?
• This role is a first draft and may evolve. How do you handle ambiguity and shifting priorities?
• How would you measure the success of the SPAR fellowship from a mentee's perspective?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention SPAR or Kairos's specific programs.
• Focusing only on AI safety interest without demonstrating relevant operational or program management skills.
• Ignoring the note that the role is a first draft and may change; showing inflexibility or expecting a fixed set of responsibilities.