Our global non-profit client is doing some of the most important work you’ve likely never heard of—training researchers to address one of the world’s most complex and urgent challenges: AI safety.

They’re now hiring their first-ever People leader.

This is not a maintenance role. It’s a true build.

You’ll design and stand up the entire People function—from foundational systems and policies to culture and leadership development—while helping scale a 45-person, globally distributed organization set to double in the next 18 months and continue growing from there.

What You’ll Own:

• Build the People function from the ground up: systems, policies, programs, and infrastructure
• Shape and operationalize a mission-driven culture as the organization scales
• Partner directly with the COO and leadership team on org design, workforce planning, and growth strategy
• Lead the full employee lifecycle: onboarding, performance, development, ER, compliance
• Oversee hiring strategy and manage a newly hired Recruiting Lead
• Implement the right HR tech stack to enable scale and insight

Why This Role:

• True zero-to-one build with executive visibility and influence
• Mission with real-world stakes—this is not “purpose-washing”
• Highly intellectual, low-ego environment with people who care deeply about the work
• Opportunity to shape how a globally relevant organization grows—thoughtfully and sustainably

Who They’re Looking For:

• Builder mindset—you’ve created People systems where little existed
• Experience in startups, scaling orgs, and/or nonprofits
• Strong judgment across both strategy and execution
• Comfortable in ambiguity; able to prioritize what matters most
• Passion for the mission (AI background not required, curiosity is)
• Depth across the full HR spectrum, including employee relations and compliance

Compensation: $160k - $240k

Location: onsite in Berkeley, CA