Executive Director – Behavioral Science and AI
Job Description:
• Define and execute the Center’s long-term strategic vision in partnership with APA leadership and Board of Directors
• Drive the development and continuous innovation of the Center’s core programs, ensuring they remain relevant, rigorous, and responsive to the rapidly evolving AI landscape
• Build and manage a multidisciplinary team of researchers, policy experts, educators, and communications professionals
• Lead day-to-day organizational operations including budgeting, financial oversight, human resources, and compliance
• Cultivate a culture of intellectual rigor, ethical practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and equity
• Identify emerging opportunities to expand the Center’s influence, visibility, and impact across sectors including consumer technology, mental health, education, and public policy.
• Direct the Center’s research agenda on human-centered AI, including the behavioral, cognitive, and psychological dimensions of AI system design, deployment, and societal impact
• Oversee and author policy reports, white papers, RFI responses, and formal comments to U.S. and international regulatory and legislative bodies
• Provide expert recommendations on laws, norms, and standards to advance psychologically informed, human-centered AI to government agencies, legislative bodies, and intergovernmental organizations including the UN, GPAI, and OECD
• Cultivate and sustain partnerships with AI and technology companies, behavioral health organizations, academic institutions, government agencies, and civil society groups
Requirements:
• Doctoral degree (PhD) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Behavioral Science, Public Policy, or a closely related interdisciplinary field strongly preferred
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience spanning research, policy, entrepreneurship, and/or executive leadership
• Demonstrated success founding, leading, or significantly scaling a mission-driven organization, research center, or start-up
• Substantial experience conducting and publishing original research in behavioral science, cognitive science, AI, technology policy, or a related field
• Deep expertise in the behavioral and psychological dimensions of AI, including human-AI interaction, the mental health impacts of technology, social media and platform design, and consumer technology
• Experience in business development, strategic partnering, and stakeholder management across public, private, and nonprofit sectors
• Familiarity with AI applications and the business models of technology companies
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including compelling public speaking ability
• Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office 365 suite, including PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint
• Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools for research and strategic insights
• Experience with digital communications platforms and content management systems
• Knowledge of AI tools, platforms, and applications relevant to behavioral science research.
Benefits:
• Remote Work/Flexible Scheduling
• 401(k) option with employer match of up to 4%
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Outpatient mental health benefit
• Paid personal/vacation time plus 12 paid holidays
• Family/Medical Leave
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous employee benefits program
Apply Now
Apply Now
• Define and execute the Center’s long-term strategic vision in partnership with APA leadership and Board of Directors
• Drive the development and continuous innovation of the Center’s core programs, ensuring they remain relevant, rigorous, and responsive to the rapidly evolving AI landscape
• Build and manage a multidisciplinary team of researchers, policy experts, educators, and communications professionals
• Lead day-to-day organizational operations including budgeting, financial oversight, human resources, and compliance
• Cultivate a culture of intellectual rigor, ethical practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and equity
• Identify emerging opportunities to expand the Center’s influence, visibility, and impact across sectors including consumer technology, mental health, education, and public policy.
• Direct the Center’s research agenda on human-centered AI, including the behavioral, cognitive, and psychological dimensions of AI system design, deployment, and societal impact
• Oversee and author policy reports, white papers, RFI responses, and formal comments to U.S. and international regulatory and legislative bodies
• Provide expert recommendations on laws, norms, and standards to advance psychologically informed, human-centered AI to government agencies, legislative bodies, and intergovernmental organizations including the UN, GPAI, and OECD
• Cultivate and sustain partnerships with AI and technology companies, behavioral health organizations, academic institutions, government agencies, and civil society groups
Requirements:
• Doctoral degree (PhD) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Behavioral Science, Public Policy, or a closely related interdisciplinary field strongly preferred
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience spanning research, policy, entrepreneurship, and/or executive leadership
• Demonstrated success founding, leading, or significantly scaling a mission-driven organization, research center, or start-up
• Substantial experience conducting and publishing original research in behavioral science, cognitive science, AI, technology policy, or a related field
• Deep expertise in the behavioral and psychological dimensions of AI, including human-AI interaction, the mental health impacts of technology, social media and platform design, and consumer technology
• Experience in business development, strategic partnering, and stakeholder management across public, private, and nonprofit sectors
• Familiarity with AI applications and the business models of technology companies
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including compelling public speaking ability
• Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office 365 suite, including PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint
• Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools for research and strategic insights
• Experience with digital communications platforms and content management systems
• Knowledge of AI tools, platforms, and applications relevant to behavioral science research.
Benefits:
• Remote Work/Flexible Scheduling
• 401(k) option with employer match of up to 4%
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Outpatient mental health benefit
• Paid personal/vacation time plus 12 paid holidays
• Family/Medical Leave
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous employee benefits program
Apply Now
Apply Now