How to apply for Generalist (Special Projects)

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, Generator Residency, Global Challenges Project, and Pathfinder Fellowship. The organization is growing quickly and expects to double in size over the next six months.

About the role

This is a generalist role on Kairos's new Special Projects team. You will help launch and run tactical projects that the team takes on. The scope is broad and may evolve, so you will need to adapt to new tasks as they arise.

A typical day

A typical day might involve coordinating with team members on a new project, researching potential partners or participants, and handling administrative tasks to keep projects moving. Since the role is remote and scope may evolve, you will likely spend time figuring out priorities and adapting to new needs as they come up.

Who Kairos is looking for

• You are a generalist who can quickly learn and execute on new projects.
• You have experience launching or running projects, ideally in a fast-paced or ambiguous environment.
• You are interested in AI safety and want to contribute to fieldbuilding efforts.
• You are comfortable with evolving responsibilities and can work remotely.

Tips for this application

• Read the Kairos website and recent updates to understand their programs and current projects.
• In your application, focus on your ability to take ownership and drive projects from start to finish.
• Show that you can operate in ambiguity by giving examples of when you figured out what needed to be done without clear instructions.
• Mention any experience you have with AI safety, even if it is not direct research.
• Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, apply as soon as you have a strong application ready.

What to cover in your cover letter

Emphasize your generalist skills and ability to launch and run projects. Highlight any experience you have with AI safety or fieldbuilding. Show that you are comfortable with evolving scope and can work independently. Explain why you want to work at Kairos specifically, not just in AI safety.

Research before applying

• Read about Kairos's flagship programs: SPAR, Generator Residency, Global Challenges Project, and Pathfinder Fellowship.
• Look into the AI safety field and current talent gaps that Kairos aims to fill.
• Check Kairos's website and any recent blog posts or announcements for updates on their growth and new projects.
• Research the people and organizations mentioned as mentors or advisors, such as Anthropic, Redwood Research, and METR.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you approach a new project when the scope is unclear.
• Examples of projects you have launched or run from start to finish.
• Your understanding of AI safety and why you want to work in this field.
• How you prioritize tasks when everything seems urgent.
• Your experience working remotely and collaborating with a distributed team.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being too vague about your project management or execution experience.
• Showing no knowledge of AI safety or Kairos's specific work.
• Focusing only on your interest in AI safety without demonstrating generalist skills.