Program Manager, AI Safety

PROGRAM MANAGER, AI SAFETY

La version française

This is a hybrid position based out of the CIFAR office located in the MaRs Discovery building. Staff are required to be in the office three days a week, ensuring a balance of in-person collaboration and flexibility.

This posting is for a newly created position.

About CIFAR

The Next Leap Starts Here. At CIFAR, we don’t just solve complex challenges; we imagine new possibilities for humanity. We are a global catalyst for breakthroughs, mobilizing the world’s most brilliant minds to tackle the questions that define our future. Founded in Canada and connected to the world, CIFAR is a not-for-profit research organization that provides the platform for high-risk, high-reward research. When you join CIFAR, you aren’t just taking a job: you are joining a community dedicated to the long-term benefit of people and the planet.

For more information, please visit our website.

The Opportunity

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.

Key Responsibilities & Impact

• 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.

About You

• 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.
• 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.

Hiring Salary Range

$86,674.50 – $101,970. To ensure fair and equitable pay at CIFAR, placement on the salary range will be based on your years of experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

What We Offer

Just as we champion the world’s best researchers, we champion our people. We offer a culture of collaboration, courage, clarity and curiosity. Our benefits prioritize your well-being, growth and inclusion so you can do your best work in a community of extraordinary thinkers.

Our team members benefit from

• Comprehensive wellness and benefits - extended health coverage, mental health supports, a defined benefit pension, 4 weeks’ vacation, and “CIFAR Days” (days off with pay) throughout the year.
• Opportunities for learning and growth - supported by professional development resources.
• An inclusive, collaborative culture - grounded in our values the “4Cs” (Collaboration, Curiosity, Courage and Clarity), where diverse perspectives are valued and ideas are encouraged.
• Work Flexibility - We encourage a hybrid working model that includes work-from-home arrangements with a minimum of 3 days in the office and Focus Fridays (meeting‑free Fridays every week).
• Employee Focused - We offer generous maternity and parental leave top‑ups and a flexible work environment, including CIFAR Days (designated days off in addition to vacation allotments).

Our Commitment to Inclusion

CIFAR is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognize that bringing together individuals from multiple backgrounds, perspectives and experiences is integral to advancing excellence and increasing the impact of our organization. Our leadership, staff and volunteers stri