Violence Risk & Legal Response Lead

About the Role

The Legal team at Openai is composed of diverse professionals with backgrounds in technology, privacy, IP, corporate, cybersecurity, employment, tax, regulatory, and litigation. This diversity is a strength, allowing the team to tackle complex legal issues from multiple angles. The Violence Risk & Legal Response Lead will be an integral part of this team, working closely with various departments including investigations, policy, and safety teams.

Openai's mission to ensure safety while preserving privacy and free speech requires innovative and nuanced legal frameworks. The company is at the forefront of AI development, and its commitment to responsible and ethical practices is unwavering. This role offers the chance to work on significant, unique challenges that have the potential to set new standards in the tech industry.

What You Will Do

• Establish and refine expert-informed thresholds for law enforcement referrals related to violent activities.
• Apply behavioral threat assessment expertise to evaluate user activity for potential proactive disclosure, ensuring alignment with legal obligations, privacy protections, and human rights standards.
• Collaborate with external experts such as mental health professionals, behavioral specialists, and law enforcement to inform case evaluations and refine Openai's legal and assessment methodologies.
• Ensure that Openai's internal protocols, policies, and practices for detecting and assessing potential indicators of violence are in line with professional and industry standards.
• Represent Openai in external engagements related to violence detection and prevention, convening multi-disciplinary experts to advise on guidelines for law enforcement referrals.
• Work with internal teams on responses to violent activities, including model responses to concerning user content and threat detection and assessment efforts.
• Develop and implement training programs for staff on violence risk assessment and legal response.
• Stay updated on the latest research, technologies, and legal developments in threat assessment and violence prevention.

What We Are Looking For

• Deep expertise (15+ years of relevant experience) in behavioral threat assessment and targeted violence prevention.
• Experience in building or leading threat assessment or violence prevention programs, with the ability to translate complex behavioral signals into practical, defensible frameworks.
• Comfort in making or advising on high-stakes, time-sensitive decisions involving potential threats of violence, with sound judgment in ambiguous situations.
• Experience working closely with law enforcement, legal, security, and multi-disciplinary teams, understanding the intersection of safety, privacy, and liability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex legal and ethical issues.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Openai's mission and values, particularly regarding safety, privacy, and ethical AI practices.

Nice to Have

• Experience with AI technologies and their applications in safety and threat assessment.
• Knowledge of international human rights standards and their application in digital contexts.
• Familiarity with psychological and sociological theories related to violence and aggression.
• Experience in policy development and implementation related to digital safety and violence prevention.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation package tailored to your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including mental health support.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, encouraging work-life balance.
• Flexible, remote-friendly work environment, with options to work from San Francisco, New York, or Washington, DC offices.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools, supporting your professional development and innovation.
• Opportunities for professional growth and learning, through training programs, workshops, and conferences.
• A dynamic, diverse team environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and mutual respect.

• Develop a deep understanding of the latest developments in threat assessment and violence prevention, particularly in digital contexts.
• Showcase your experience in building or leading threat assessment programs and your ability to navigate complex legal and ethical issues.
• Highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills, with examples of how you've made high-stakes decisions in ambiguous situations.
• Prepare to discuss your approach to collaboration and communication, especially in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Be ready to address how you balance safety concerns with privacy and free speech rights, and how you stay updated on relevant legal and technological advancements.
• Consider creating a portfolio or preparing case studies that demonstrate your expertise in threat assessment and your approach to violence prevention.
• Research Openai's mission, values, and current projects to understand how your skills and experience align with the company's goals and culture.