Director of Global Policy & Research

About the role

OpenMined is seeking a senior leader to shape its global policy and research agenda at the intersection of frontier AI, data governance, and the public interest. You will guide research direction, develop policy positions, and align engineering efforts with public‑benefit outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Define and drive OpenMined’s research roadmap on critical AI and data‑access questions.
• Craft and publicly communicate substantive policy proposals on data access, privacy‑preserving AI, and related issues.
• Collaborate closely with engineering leadership to identify deployment opportunities for OpenMined’s protocols that serve public‑interest goals.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the policy and research team.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, civil‑society groups, standards bodies, and global networks.
• Represent OpenMined at high‑profile AI governance forums and policymaker convenings.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience leading policy or research initiatives at the AI‑data governance nexus, preferably in a frontier AI lab, think‑tank, regulator, or similar organization.
• At least 2 years of experience managing a small team.
• Proven track record of publishing influential work that shapes policy debates.
• Established professional relationships with policymakers, civil‑society actors, or standards bodies.
• Strong technical literacy and ability to translate cryptography, machine learning, and privacy‑enhancing technologies for policy audiences.
• Excellent written communication and comfort operating in a fast‑moving startup environment.
• Willingness to travel internationally about once a month.

Required skills

• Cryptography
• Machine learning
• Privacy‑enhancing technologies (PETs)