OpenAI Seeks New Head of Preparedness as AI Risks Grow More Complex
Written by Nour Abdelkader
Artificial intelligence company OpenAI is seeking to hire a new Head of Preparedness, a role that CEO Sam Altman has described as “critically important at a pivotal moment” for the company.
The Head of Preparedness position is primarily responsible for studying potential harms caused by OpenAI’s AI models and determining how those risks can be reduced or mitigated before they impact users or society at large.
Assessing AI Risks Across Multiple Domains
These risks span a wide range of issues, from mental health concerns to cybersecurity threats, according to a report by technology news site Mashable, cited by Al Arabiya Business.
In a post on X announcing the opening, Altman said:
“We have a strong foundation for measuring growing capabilities, but we are entering a world where we need much deeper understanding and more precise measurement of how those capabilities can be misused—and how to limit those downsides in our products and in the world—while still allowing everyone to benefit from the enormous upside.”
A Leadership Gap Since 2024
OpenAI has been without a dedicated Head of Preparedness since July 2024. At that time, the role was shared between two OpenAI executives. However, one of them left the company just months later, while the other moved to a different team in July 2025, leaving the preparedness function without a clear leader.
Altman acknowledged the intensity of the role, saying:
“This will be a demanding job, and you will face major challenges immediately.”
Legal Pressure Increases the Role’s Importance
The position has taken on heightened significance as OpenAI—the developer of ChatGPT—faces a growing number of lawsuits, including claims related to wrongful death.
According to the job listing, the role will be based in San Francisco and offers a compensation package of $555,000 in salary, in addition to equity.
The hiring effort underscores OpenAI’s attempt to strengthen oversight and accountability as its AI systems grow more powerful and more deeply embedded in everyday life.
