Director of Operations

Company Overview

GovAI is a prominent AI governance think tank and talent development organization that has rapidly expanded from a team of 3 to 50 within three years. It collaborates closely with advanced AI research labs and governments worldwide.

Role Summary

The Director of Operations will manage a current team of 13 and establish scalable operational systems to support GovAI's growth to over 100 employees. This position oversees critical functions such as finance, human resources, legal compliance, and program administration while driving strategic initiatives aligned with the organization's mission to facilitate the responsible transition to advanced artificial intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and expand a dedicated operations team to accommodate organizational growth from 50 to 100+ staff within two years.
• Develop and maintain robust operational infrastructure covering finance, HR, legal, and program management capable of handling over 20,000 fellowship applications annually.
• Partner with senior leadership including the Chief of Staff and Executive Director to craft and implement organizational strategies and lead high-priority projects.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Provides significant leverage as a catalyst for one of the world's foremost AI governance research institutions during an essential global scaling phase.
• Offers a unique intellectual environment that combines rigorous research with a supportive, high-performance culture recognized as an exceptional workplace.
• Enables direct influence on international policy, with notable alumni holding key roles in government offices and leading AI labs worldwide.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated success in scaling operational functions within rapidly expanding, mission-driven organizations, preferably growing from 50 to over 100 employees.
• Broad expertise across finance, HR, legal compliance, and the management of complex large-scale talent programs.
• Proven leadership aptitude with experience building strong team cultures and mentoring leaders in fast-paced environments.

Additional Information

This position is recruiting on behalf of a client through advanced AI recruitment technology, connecting top candidates from a specialized network. The role is fully remote with potential locations in London, UK or Washington DC, USA.