Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Operations

at SASH

🏢 About SASH

SASH is a Singapore-based nonprofit at the forefront of AI safety, uniquely focused on building research capacity and governance expertise across Asia. Joining SASH means contributing to a mission-driven organization that is shaping the future of AI governance in a rapidly evolving region, with a collaborative, international team.

About This Role

As Head of Operations, you will be the backbone of SASH's growth, scaling operations from 10 to 20+ staff across multiple jurisdictions. This role is pivotal in ensuring the organization's infrastructure, legal entities, and processes are robust enough to support its ambitious mission, directly impacting the effectiveness of AI safety efforts in Asia.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a video call with the Singapore team to review hiring metrics, followed by a deep-dive into UK entity incorporation documents with a legal advisor. Afternoon could involve designing a new expense management workflow, then a 1:1 with a London-based manager to discuss performance review cycles. You'll end the day by drafting policies for the rebrand and checking in with remote staff across time zones.

🎯 Who SASH Is Looking For

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📝 Tips for Applying to SASH

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific metrics: e.g., 'Scaled operations from 10 to 25 employees across 3 countries' or 'Managed applicant pipeline of 6,000+ per cycle'.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly address your experience with UK Charity Commission registration and Singapore entity setup, as these are critical to the role.

3

Showcase your familiarity with AI safety or nonprofit governance by mentioning relevant conferences, papers, or volunteer work.

4

Prepare a portfolio or case study of a past operations overhaul, detailing the challenges, your actions, and the measurable outcomes.

5

Since the role is remote, demonstrate your ability to manage distributed teams by providing examples of successful remote collaboration tools and practices you've implemented.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

- Emphasize your passion for AI safety and why you're drawn to SASH's mission in Asia. - Highlight your experience in scaling operations across multiple jurisdictions, especially Singapore and the UK. - Provide concrete examples of building HR, legal, and financial processes from scratch. - Mention your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams during periods of rapid growth.

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read SASH's website and recent publications to understand their current AI safety programs and strategic priorities.
  • Research the AI safety landscape in Asia, including key players and recent policy developments, to speak knowledgeably about the context.
  • Look into the UK Charity Commission requirements and Singapore's regulatory environment for nonprofits to show your preparedness.
  • Check SASH's team page on LinkedIn to understand the current team structure and identify potential colleagues you might interact with.
Visit SASH's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach the incorporation of a UK entity and Charity Commission registration? Walk us through the steps and potential pitfalls.
2 Describe a time you had to implement a new performance management system. How did you ensure buy-in from staff?
3 How would you handle the security and confidentiality of applicant data for a program with 6,000+ applicants?
4 What strategies would you use to align goal-setting across remote teams in different time zones?
5 How do you prioritize when faced with competing operational demands during a period of rapid scaling?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't underestimate the complexity of multi-jurisdictional legal and financial work; avoid vague statements like 'I have experience with international operations' without specifics.
  • Avoid focusing solely on for-profit scaling; emphasize your understanding of nonprofit governance and mission-driven culture.
  • Don't neglect to mention remote work experience; this role is remote, so you must demonstrate your ability to manage distributed teams effectively.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

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!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to SASH!