Description:
The Program Manager, AI & Safety, plays a critical role in the development, management, and administration of the Canadian AI Safety Institute (CAISI) research program at CIFAR. In this position, you will contribute to advancing a national research agenda focused on AI safety, helping to shape a rapidly evolving field that sits at the intersection of science, society, and policy.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the Executive Director, Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, and Associate Director, AI Safety, to develop and deliver a national research program on AI Safety.
- Provide program and administrative leadership to AI Safety initiatives, programs, and partnerships.
- Support the CAISI Research Director(s) and the CAISI Research Council.
- Manage calls for proposals for new research initiatives on AI Safety, including organizing peer review processes, selection procedures, and managing award terms and conditions.
- Liaise with Canada’s AI Institutes to establish and support collaborative research projects on AI Safety.
- Organize and deliver AI Safety-related events, such as workshops, panels, and conferences.
- Work closely with internal CIFAR teams to ensure the successful delivery of CAISI’s mandate.
Qualifications:
Education/Experience required:
- Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree (MA/MS) preferred.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in a post-secondary institution, research agency, or similar environment.
- Experience in research grants administration.
Core Professional/Technical Knowledge & Skills required for the position:
- Professional experience in program management, particularly within the academic or philanthropic sectors.
- Strong project management skills and expertise.
- Well-developed writing and general communication skills.
- Ability to gather, organize, and synthesize large volumes of information.
- Data management proficiency.
- Excellent relationship management abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with academia and the research process is considered an asset.