Director of Safety ML
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for machine learning specialists in the digital safety space has grown exponentially, with a 25% increase in job postings over the past year. As a leader in this field, Reddit is seeking a Director of Safety ML to drive its efforts in building industry-leading ML systems. With a strong background in Trust & Safety, abuse prevention, and detection, the ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the complexities of online communities and the importance of fostering healthy interactions. As a remote job, this role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States, making it an attractive opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in machine learning and digital safety.
Job Description
About the Role
The Director of Safety ML at Reddit will play a critical role in leading the company's efforts in building and deploying machine learning systems that detect and prevent harmful content and behavior on the platform. This leader will drive the strategy, development, and deployment of ML models that ensure Reddit remains a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for its global user base. The Director of Safety ML will own the roadmap for Safety and moderation ML, leading a team of applied scientists and engineers, and partnering cross-functionally across Product, Engineering, Safety operations, Trust & Community, and AI/ML Platform.The Director of Safety ML will be responsible for setting the vision and strategy for applying ML to Trust & Safety, ensuring scalable, proactive protection against evolving abuse patterns. This leader will also drive the development and deployment of cutting-edge Safety ML systems, including fine-tuned LLMs and transformer models, that outperform state-of-the-art solutions in quality, latency, and efficiency.
What You Will Do
- Set the vision and strategy for applying ML to Trust & Safety, ensuring scalable, proactive protection against evolving abuse patterns
- Lead and grow a high-performing Safety ML organization, including applied research, model development, productionization, and continuous improvement
- Develop and deploy cutting-edge Safety ML systems, including fine-tuned LLMs and transformer models, that outperform state-of-the-art solutions in quality, latency, and efficiency
- Partner with Trust & Safety, Product, Moderation, and AI/ML Platform teams to identify safety risks, emerging harm vectors, and ML opportunities that improve detection, enforcement, and user experience
- Drive successful experimentation, evaluation, and model lifecycle management, ensuring high precision, recall, explainability, and policy alignment
- Champion ethical and responsible AI practices in all Safety ML solutions
- Track performance through metrics, research-based iteration, and alignment with Reddit’s safety policies and regulatory standards
- Represent Safety ML leadership internally and externally — including conferences, publications, industry groups, and cross-company collaboration initiatives
What We Are Looking For
- 10+ years of experience in Machine Learning, AI, or applied research, with a strong background in Trust & Safety, abuse prevention, detection, or content integrity
- 5+ years of experience leading multi-disciplinary ML teams of 25+ team members in a high-growth or high-scale environment
- Strong technical skills in ML, including deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision
- Experience with modern ML frameworks and tools, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to partner cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, and Safety operations teams
- Experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems, such as Git
Nice to Have
- Experience with cloud-based ML platforms, such as AWS SageMaker or Google Cloud AI Platform
- Knowledge of online communities and social media platforms, with a deep understanding of the complexities of online interactions
- Experience with data visualization tools, such as Tableau or Power BI
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and equity package
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible PTO and holiday schedule
- Remote work stipend and equipment allowance
- Professional development opportunities, including conference sponsorships and training programs
- Access to Reddit's internal training and development programs, including mentorship and coaching
How to Stand Out
- When applying for this role, be sure to highlight your experience in machine learning and AI, particularly in the context of Trust & Safety and abuse prevention.
- Showcase your ability to lead and manage high-performing teams, and demonstrate your expertise in modern ML frameworks and tools.
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to ethically responsible AI practices and how you would implement these principles in a real-world environment.
- Consider including examples of your experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems, such as Git.
- Don't hesitate to reach out to the hiring team if you have questions or need clarification on any aspect of the role or application process.
- Make sure to research Reddit's company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your own values and approach align with those of the company.
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