Executive Director – Behavioral Science and AI
American Psychological Association
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Remote
Location: District of Columbia • Washington • United States
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Salary
💰 $320,000 - $420,000 per year
Job Level
About the role
- 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
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
researchpolicy developmentbehavioral sciencecognitive scienceAItechnology policydata analysisdata visualizationhuman-AI interactionbusiness development
Soft Skills
leadershipstrategic visioninterdisciplinary collaborationcommunicationpublic speakingfinancial oversighthuman resources managementethical practicestakeholder managementinnovation
Certifications
Doctoral degree (PhD)