Head of European Partner Engagement and Research

WHO WE ARE

The Partnership on AI (PAI) is the leading forum addressing the most important and difficult decisions on the future of AI.

We are a nonprofit that invites diverse voices into the process of technical governance, design, and deployment of AI technologies. Our diverse Partners work together across industry, academia, and civil society to form responsible AI solutions so that AI empowers humanity -- contributing to a more just, equitable, and prosperous world. 

WHY EUROPE, WHY NOW

Europe is an essential contributor to PAI's mission, home to a number of critical organisations and institutions leading the way on safe and responsible AI. PAI already counts more than 20 partner organisations across the UK and Europe — spanning private sector partners in and outside the tech industry, civil society, media, and academic institutions, alongside close collaboration with policy bodies. Joining our team here means working at the centre of that network.

Candidates should expect to travel to the selected city for monthly in-person meetups.

ROLE SUMMARY 

The Head of Europe will join PAI's international department to lead  the organization's engagement and research within the European AI ecosystem. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, International this role will set and lead  PAI's engagement and research strategy in Europe by deepening relationships with existing partners and stakeholders, identifying and cultivating new partnerships, and leading convenings, meetings, and brainstorms with key stakeholders across industry, civil society, and academia. The role will lead  the development of guidance and research outputs that align PAI's global programmatic priorities with issues of direct relevance and resonance in the region.

Beyond its European focus, the role also carries a broader international component. The Head of Europe will partner with  the Managing Director, International in implementing PAI's international strategy, including the potential launch of new PAI hubs in new regions and engagement with non-Western stakeholders, including in the Global South. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development (Est. time: 30%)

• Serve as PAI’s primary point of contact and relationship-builder in Europe, reinforcing the organization’s role as a bridge between sectors and geographies.
• Deepen and sustain relationships with PAI’s existing partners and stakeholders across Europe, including industry, civil society, academia, and government, in collaboration with the Programs & Research and Policy teams.
• Identify new strategic and meaningful partners in Europe, that expands PAI  reach and multistakeholder community. 
• In cooperation with the Partnership Development team, identify, cultivate, and engage new strategic partners in Europe who expand PAI’s reach and multistakeholder community and advance its mission in the region.
• Working with the Director of Development, identify and pursue European funding opportunities (including foundations, philanthropic organizations, corporate partners), and contribute to proposals and strategic fundraising tied to PAI’s European events and initiatives.

Convenings & Coordination (Est. time: 20%)

• Drive activities to convene and support PAI’s European Steering Committee (including preparation of position papers and agendas). 
• Contribute to other relevant related committees in Europe, such as the Policy Steering Committee, by participating in their convenings and virtual events, and by providing feedback and suggestions on their composition and outputs, ensuring complementarity and cross-pollination.
• Design, organize, and host convenings, meetings, and brainstorms with key partners and stakeholders.
• Oversee logistics and substantive content for European events, ensuring they reflect PAI's multi-stakeholder approach and mission.
• Represent PAI at relevant European conferences, working groups, and policy forums.

Research & Guidance Development (Est. time: 30%)

• Identify and scope emerging, high-impact, and time-sensitive topics for PAI’s research in Europe.
• Lead the development of guidance and research outputs aligned with PAI's global programmatic priorities, with direct relevance and resonance for the European region. Work closely with members of the Programs & Research as well as Policy teams to deliver this goal.
• Working with the Communications team, author and co-author research papers, blogs, and op-eds in collaboration with PAI staff and Partners that build visibility around PAI research and  engagement in Europe.
• Contribute European perspectives and expertise to PAI's global research agenda. 

Cross-Departmental Collaboration & Broader International Strategy (Est. time: 20%)

• Work closely with internal PAI departments to ensure European insights inform global programmatic and research priorities.
• Partner with the Managing Director, International in implementing PAI's international strategy, including the potential launch of new regional hubs.
• Support engagement with non-Western stakeholders, including in the Global South, and represent PAI at international convenings. 

Other

• This role requires flexibility to work extended or later hours one to two days per week to accommodate meetings with colleagues in U.S. time zones, ensuring overlap with Eastern and Pacific working hours. 
• The position also involves travel of approximately 20% of the time, both within Europe and internationally, including to North America and Africa. 
• The list of responsibilities set out are not exhaustive It may be necessary to adapt tasks within the scope of the role as needed.

WHO YOU ARE / WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR 

• Masters degree or higher in related discipline or equivalent (7-10 years) work experience required. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across a distributed, international team.
• A strong team player, who is able to work across the organization, and coordinate between teams when designing/delivering work.
• Significant professional experience in AI policy, governance, technology partnerships, or a related field, with a demonstrated understanding of the European AI ecosystem.
• Proven track record of building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders across industry, civil society, academia, and/or government.
• Experience designing and leading convenings, working groups, or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex, multi-stakeholder input into clear guidance and research outputs.
• Fluency in English required; additional European languages a plus.
• Willingness to travel across Europe as needed for convenings and stakeholder meetings

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to navigate a small yet complex institution 
• Willingness to participate constructively on organizational priorities beyond the immediate focus of their work 
• Existing network of relationships with European AI policymakers, civil society organizations, and industry leaders.
• Familiarity with PAI's mission, programmatic work, and multi-stakeholder model.
• Experience contributing to or authoring research or guidance documents on AI governance topics.
• Comfort with institutional change and periods of ambiguity 
  
  

QUALITIES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO US:

• Justice: Notices and addresses inequities, includes diverse perspectives, and acts fairly in decisions and collaboration.
• Trust: Communicates openly, follows through on commitments, and demonstrates reliability and integrity.
• Respect: Listens fully, values others’ time and contributions, and collaborates thoughtfully.
• Compassion: Shows empathy, patience, and care, especially when supporting colleagues or navigating challenges.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't meet every qualification listed. What matters most is your commitment to PAI’s mission and the potential you bring. We are actively interested in building a diverse pool of candidates and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Compensation 

PAI’s compensation philosophy reflects our commitment to fairness and equity across our distributed team. Compensation is based on role level, experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity.

The compensation range for this role depends on where you are based:

• London, UK: £88,166 – £96,985 GBP
• Brussels, Belgium: €109,574 – €120,534 EUR
• Amsterdam, Netherlands: €103,764 – €120,333 EUR

In Belgium, the required 13th-month pay and double holiday pay are paid on top of this base salary range. In the Netherlands, the statutory 8% holiday allowance is paid on top of this base salary range.

Benefits 

PAI offers a generous paid leave and benefits package. Time off, health, and retirement benefits are tailored to each country, with the aim of being comparable to our US package. Our benefits currently include:

• Generous paid vacation, local public holidays, three personal reflection days, and sick and family leave in line with or above local requirements
• Health and retirement benefits tailored to each country
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• Annual funds to support professional development
• Monthly allowance for co-working space access
• Regular team lunches and focused work days
• Opportunities to attend AI-related conferences and collaborate with our partners across industry, academia, and civil society

Please refer to our careers page for an updated list of benefits.

Location and Work Authorization

• PAI is a remote-first organization with a global membership base and scope. This role is eligible for remote work in London (UK), Brussels (Belgium), or Amsterdam (Netherlands).
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the country where they will be based. We are unable to sponsor visas at this time.

Partnership on AI (PAI) is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and make employment decisions based on qualifications, skills, experience, and organizational needs, without discrimination. Our commitment to equal opportunity extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, professional development, advancement, compensation, and benefits.

We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Candidates who require reasonable adjustments or accommodations during the hiring process are encouraged to let us know.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume.

Our hiring process typically includes an initial HR screen, one or more interviews with the hiring team, and a final conversation with senior leadership. We aim to keep candidates informed at each stage and will communicate expected timelines at the outset.