Forethought is a 15-person non-profit researching how humanity can navigate the transition to a world with superintelligent AI systems, focusing on under-scoped but potentially important issues arising from advanced AI and novel technologies, and working with partners (funders, AI companies, policy professionals) to implement its recommendations. It is recruiting an Operations Associate / Manager to become the second member of its operations team, building the background systems that enable the research team's productivity. This is a varied role spanning finance, HR, office management, IT, compliance and events. Responsibilities likely include managing financial systems and outsourced services (payroll, bookkeeping, payments, grant reporting); owning and developing HR and compliance systems and policies (onboarding/offboarding, benefits and leave tracking, immigration compliance); managing IT administration and cybersecurity; logistics for quarterly research retreats; and managing the 15-person Oxford office (Trajan House). The exact split of duties is decided between the hire and the Director of Operations, Amrit Sidhu-Brar, to whom the role reports. Seen as entry-level (Associate) to mid-seniority (Manager), it suits an excellent new graduate or someone with 0-3 years' relevant experience. Sought competencies: ownership, attention to detail, reliability and organisation, proactiveness and a multiplier mindset, clear communication with reasoning transparency, contextual judgement, and drive to support the mission. Salary is £75-100k (Oxford) or $118-150k (Bay Area). Permanent employment with a 4-month probation; full-time or 3+ days/week; Oxford office presence preferred (3+ days), Berkeley or remote in exceptional cases; UK visa sponsorship expected in most cases. Benefits include £5k/yr development budget, 33 days annual leave, pension with 200% employer match, and health insurance. A tour-of-duty option (18-month term) is available.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply by the end of Sunday 16th August 2026 by filling in the online application form (CV/resumé plus a couple of short questions). Stages: application form, a compensated take-home work test (60 GBP/hr), an interview, and for final candidates reference checks and an in-person paid work trial (1-3 days) at the Oxford office. Questions to amrit@forethought.org (or lexi@forethought.org for messages not visible to the hiring committee).
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdziYpwyPBZZqqfjMPFOgKp3b5701YfR0MfovkWbN6xFx7S5A/viewform