Catenaa, Wednesday, December 31, 2025-OpenAI is seeking a new executive to oversee emerging risks from artificial intelligence, offering a $555,000 annual salary for the role described as one of the most demanding in tech.
The “head of preparedness” will evaluate threats ranging from mental health impacts to cybersecurity and potential misuse in biological weapons.
The position comes amid growing concern about AI models developing self-directed capabilities that could be misused or cause harm.
Candidates are expected to monitor and mitigate frontier AI risks while guiding internal safeguards and broader industry practices. Previous executives in similar roles have had short tenures, highlighting the position’s intensity.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the role requires immediate immersion in high-stakes issues, balancing benefits of advanced AI with potential dangers. The company plans to provide equity alongside the salary.
The posting follows high-profile warnings about AI safety. Google DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis and Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman have cautioned that AI could “go off the rails” or present unprecedented threats. At present, national and international regulations remain minimal, leaving companies to largely self-govern.
OpenAI has faced lawsuits linked to mental health incidents involving its ChatGPT technology, including cases alleging harm to minors and adults. The company said it is refining training systems to detect emotional distress and guide users to support.
The job announcement underscores growing pressure on tech firms to confront the ethical, security, and social challenges posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.
