How to apply for Head of Groups

About Kairos

Kairos is a nonprofit that accelerates talent into AI safety and policy. In just over two years, it has trained 1,200+ people through programs like SPAR, Generator Residency, Global Challenges Project, and Pathfinder Fellowship. The Pathfinder Fellowship has grown the global network of AI safety university groups from a few dozen to nearly 100, with $9.5M in funding over the next two years to support their work.

About the role

As Head of Groups, you will own Kairos’s support for AI safety university groups and make it far more ambitious. This role is a first draft, so scope, salary, and responsibilities may evolve. You will be responsible for scaling the support system for nearly 100 groups and ensuring they have the resources and guidance to grow the field.

A typical day

You might spend your day coordinating with university group leaders, reviewing funding requests, and planning new resources or training for groups. You could also work with Kairos’s team to align group support with other programs. Since the role is remote and evolving, you may need to adapt to new priorities as they arise.

Who Kairos is looking for

• Experience managing or supporting university groups, especially in AI safety, effective altruism, or similar fields.
• Ability to design and scale programs that support volunteer-led groups across multiple regions.
• Strong operational skills to manage funding, resources, and communications for a large network.
• Comfort working in a fast-changing environment where scope and responsibilities may shift.

Tips for this application

• Review the Pathfinder Fellowship details on Kairos’s website and understand how it grew the network to nearly 100 groups.
• Explain how you would make support for university groups 'far more ambitious'—give concrete ideas, not just general goals.
• Note that the role description is a first draft; show flexibility and ask clarifying questions about scope and salary in your application.
• Mention any experience with AI safety fieldbuilding or university organizing, as Kairos focuses on filling talent gaps in the field.
• Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, submit as soon as possible and avoid waiting for a deadline.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your track record of supporting or managing university groups, especially in AI safety or related areas.', 'Specific ideas for scaling support to nearly 100 groups, including funding, mentorship, and resources.', 'How you would handle the evolving scope of the role and work in a fast-growing nonprofit.', 'Your understanding of Kairos’s programs, particularly the Pathfinder Fellowship and its $9.5M funding for groups.']

Research before applying

• Read about the Pathfinder Fellowship and its role in growing the network from a few dozen to nearly 100 groups.
• Look into Kairos’s other programs (SPAR, Generator Residency, Global Challenges Project) to understand the organization’s portfolio.
• Find out which universities currently have AI safety groups and what support they receive.
• Check if Kairos has published any updates or reports on the Pathfinder Fellowship’s progress and funding.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you assess the current support for AI safety university groups and identify gaps?
• What concrete steps would you take to make Kairos’s group support 'far more ambitious'?
• How would you manage funding and resources for nearly 100 groups across different regions?
• Describe a time you scaled a program or network. What challenges did you face and how did you address them?
• How do you prioritize when scope and responsibilities are likely to change quickly?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without understanding the Pathfinder Fellowship and its impact on university groups.
• Proposing generic support strategies without tailoring them to AI safety or university groups.
• Ignoring the note that the role description is a first draft and that scope may change.