Executive Director – Behavioral Science and AI

Job Description: • 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