Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Groups

at Kairos Project

🏢 About Kairos Project

Kairos Project is a unique nonprofit dedicated to reducing catastrophic risks from nuclear weapons, now expanding into AI safety. Working here means contributing to high-impact global security issues with a collaborative, mission-driven team. If you're passionate about existential risk reduction and want to work in a nimble, autonomous environment, Kairos offers a compelling opportunity.

About This Role

As Head of Groups, you'll lead the strategy and growth of Kairos's support for AI safety university groups worldwide. This role is pivotal in scaling the movement by empowering student organizers, allocating funding, and building a team to support them. Your work will directly shape the next generation of AI safety leaders and policy advocates.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing grant applications from university groups, hopping on calls with organizers or funders, and working with your team to refine strategy. You'll also spend time researching new AI safety developments and writing recommendations for initiatives, all while managing your own schedule in a remote setting.

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🎯 Who Kairos Project Is Looking For

  • Firsthand experience organizing or supporting university groups, ideally in AI safety, effective altruism, or related fields, with a track record of scaling initiatives.
  • Deep understanding of the AI safety ecosystem, including key stakeholders, research priorities, and the landscape of university groups.
  • Strong judgment about people and projects, with the ability to evaluate grant proposals, identify promising organizers, and make tough funding decisions.
  • High agency and autonomy, comfortable working remotely, setting your own goals, and executing on ambitious projects without close supervision.

📝 Tips for Applying to Kairos Project

1

In your resume and cover letter, highlight specific examples of how you've organized or supported university groups, including metrics like number of members, events, or initiatives launched.

2

Demonstrate your knowledge of the AI safety ecosystem by referencing recent developments, key organizations, and the challenges faced by university groups.

3

Show your strategic thinking by outlining a potential initiative or improvement to Kairos's current approach to supporting groups.

4

Tailor your application to emphasize your experience with funding allocation, team building, or external representation, as these are key responsibilities.

5

Since the role is remote, highlight your ability to work independently and communicate effectively across time zones, with examples of remote collaboration.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for reducing catastrophic risks and your alignment with Kairos's mission.", "Concrete examples of your experience in building or supporting university groups, and the impact you've had.", "Your vision for how to scale Kairos's support for groups and your ideas for new initiatives.", 'Your leadership and management style, especially how you would build and lead a team in a remote, nonprofit setting.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Kairos Project's website, mission statement, and any public reports or articles about their work on nuclear risk and AI safety.
  • → Look up the current AI safety university groups landscape, including major groups like AI Safety at various universities, and understand their needs and challenges.
  • → Research recent funding initiatives or partnerships in the AI safety space to understand potential collaborators and competitors.
  • → Follow key people in the AI safety ecosystem on social media or read their blogs to get a sense of the community's culture and priorities.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach setting strategy for university group support? What metrics would you use to measure success?
2 Tell me about a time you had to decide how to allocate limited resources (e.g., funding, time) among competing projects. What was your process?
3 How do you stay current with the AI safety landscape, and how would you use that knowledge to inform group support?
4 Describe your experience hiring or managing a team. How do you foster a productive remote work culture?
5 How would you represent Kairos to external stakeholders, and what would be your key messages to funders or university administrators?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Kairos Project or the specific role. Show that you've done your homework.
  • Avoid overemphasizing academic credentials without practical organizing experience; this role values hands-on work.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of soft skills like judgment and people management. Provide examples that demonstrate these qualities.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: September 25, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Kairos Project!

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