Gillian K. Hadfield is an AI researcher focused on the technical and policy challenge of ensuring that AI is built in safe and aligned ways that promote human well-being across the globe. She has recently joined Johns Hopkins University, where she is jointly appointed to the faculties of the School of Government and Policy and of the Department of Computer Science at the Whiting School of Engineering. Hadfield is also a Canada CIFAR AI Chair at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence and a Schmidt Sciences AI2050 Senior Fellow. Hadfield’s research is focused on innovative design for legal and regulatory systems for AI and other complex global technologies; computational models of human normative systems; and working with machine learning researchers to build ML systems that understand and respond to human norms. She is known globally for her work on AI alignment, governance, and safety. To support translating this work, she is seeking a skilled Communications Associate.

The primary purpose of this role is to develop and implement multi-channel outreach strategies that communicate research advances to a broad audience of stakeholders. The goal will be to identify key stakeholders and work to grow a target audience in AI safety, alignment, and governance; to promote Professor Hadfield’s research and other related research through social media platforms, blog posts, and other promotional materials, as well as by drafting policy briefs, white papers, and op-eds. The role will require maintaining a working knowledge of news and issues relating to AI policy, alignment, and safety and ensuring content is addressing emerging issues.

The ideal provider is a strong, self-directed writer with subject matter expertise in AI safety, alignment, and policy. They are comfortable reading technical papers in computer science and related fields and have experience distilling research from primary sources into engaging communications for diverse audiences. Their combination of academic and professional experience has given them a solid background in policy, communications, and/or media relations.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Create and implement comprehensive communication strategies to promote Professor Hadfield’s research on AI safety, alignment, and governance.
• Identify and engage with key stakeholders to grow and target the audience effectively.
• Produce and manage high-quality content for various platforms including social media, blogs, policy briefs, white papers, and op-eds.
• Distill complex research findings into clear, engaging, and accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders in AI safety, alignment, and governance.
• Ensure communication strategies address the needs and interests of these stakeholders.
• Stay informed about current developments and emerging issues in AI policy, alignment, and safety.
• Adjust communication strategies and content to address these issues as they arise.
• Read and comprehend technical papers in computer science and related fields.
• Translate complex technical information into understandable content for non-experts while preserving the integrity of the research.
• Promote Professor Hadfield’s research and related projects through the strategic use of social media and other promotional channels.
• Coordinate with media outlets and other partners to enhance the visibility of the research.
• Work closely with Professor Hadfield and her research team to ensure alignment of communication strategies with research goals.
• Collaborate with other teams or departments as needed to support broader outreach efforts.
• Monitor the effectiveness of communication strategies and activities.
• Provide regular reports on outreach efforts, audience engagement, and content performance.
• Manage schedules, organize meetings and briefings, and handle related administrative tasks as required.
• Engage in ongoing learning to stay current with best practices in communications and developments in AI research.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge in AI policy, AI safety, and other related fields.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to proofread and copy-edit.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with experience writing reports, policy briefs, and/or white papers.
• Ability to develop knowledge in different content areas to summarize, interpret, and synthesize complex information, including from technical academic sources.
• Strong technical skills, and familiarity with Google Suite, various social media platforms, as well as communications tools such as WordPress and Mailchimp, or their equivalent.

• Bachelor's Degree in related field.
• Four years related experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Experience writing and developing content for multiple audiences and platforms, including print, online, and digital, websites, and social media platforms.

Classified Title: Communications Associate 
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PD  
Starting Salary Range: $62,900 - $110,100 Annually (Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: 37.5 hrs/wk, M-F 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: Remote 
Department name: Department of Computer Science  
Personnel area: Whiting School of Engineering