Project Director

PROJECT POLICY ANL 3 RP (005257)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_1000197

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

8/25/2026 1:55:13 PM

Date Last Edited:

8/25/2026 1:55:08 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

3100O

Organization:

VC RESEARCH                            

Division Code:

3116D

Division:

CAMPUS RESEARCH INITIATIVES/INSTITUTES 

Department:

309900 - DATAX

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_1000197

Position Description ID

263036

UC Payroll Title:

PROJECT POLICY ANL 3 RP (005257)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RP: Research and Public Service PR

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

4 - Staff: Limited

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40774286

Reports to Payroll Title:

Administrative Director

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40062102

Department Head Payroll Title:

EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

UCLA DataX is seeking a highly energetic and entrepreneurial individual with a strong AI research and policy background to serve as Project Director, think/nav AI Research. 

The Project Director will lead research and policy analysis on speculative and accelerationist AI movements and convene a new Community of Practice, think/nav, made possible through generous philanthropic support. Through the Community of Practice, the Program Director will provide high-quality educational training to nonprofit, public sector, and educational participants, supporting critical thinking and informed navigation of the fast-moving fields of AI ethics and AI safety.

DataX is an initiative with collaboration and connection at the center of its efforts. At DataX, we strive to serve the UCLA community by offering programs and services to students, faculty, researchers and partners across disciplines who engage in activities related to data: collecting, archiving, storing, processing, analyzing, and using data to make predictions, decisions and even critique of such use.

DataX complements and builds on the existing data science and critical data studies ecosystem at UCLA. Our goal is to cohere these activities at UCLA through an umbrella structure where the sum is greater than the parts. We aim to provide clear identification of courses and interdisciplinary research opportunities in three equal and overlapping areas: fundamental data science, innovative applications and creative activity, and data justice and critical data studies.

Program planning, development and implementation

1. Researches, monitors, and analyzes scholarly literature, policy proposals, and news media relevant to speculative and accelerationist AI movements. 2. Provides analyses of the evolving funding landscape for AI research and policy. 3. Researches and summarizes best practices in educational training on speculative and accelerationist AI movements. 4. Prepares explainers, lectures, syllabi, literature reviews, and research guides for stakeholders. 5. Researches, conducts outreach, schedules, and hosts guest speakers for expert presentations to stakeholders. 6. Develops and delivers monthly educational programming to a Community of Practice constituting participants from the nonprofit, public sector, and educational sectors. 7. Conducts regular review and revision of educational programming based on participant feedback. 8. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, co-designs the structure, governance, membership model, and value proposition of the think/nav Community of Practice. 9. Coordinates collaborations with Community of Practice members and other external entities. 10. Fosters relationships with funders, academics, government officials, and advocacy organizations who may be interested in supporting or collaborating with think/nav. 11. Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards philanthropic funding to support think/nav’s core operations.

75%

Program Administration

1. Assists in the management of project finances, including budgeting and grant management, in partnership with UCLA colleagues. 2. Prepares grant proposals, funding applications, donor briefings, and reports, and manages timely substantive reporting to funders.

25%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or other relevant experience with research topics relevant to the project.

Required

Ph.D. in relevant field

Preferred

1. A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant experience within the AI research and policy ecosystem.

Required

2. A demonstrated track record of delivering high-quality research, analysis, synthesis, and educational training.

Required

3. Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.

Required

4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Required

5. Excellent project management skills.

Required

6. Demonstrated management, administrative, and organizational skills.

Required

7. Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality. In particular, there is an expectation that the Project Director will exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive and non-public information learned in the course of performing their duties.

Required

8. Budget management skills.

Preferred

9. Experience successfully pursuing funding opportunities for research and education. Skill in grant writing or funding proposal development. Experience working with funding agencies and foundations is a plus.

Preferred

10. Fluency in word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software - MS Office: Word, Excel, Powerpoint expertise.

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Los Angeles

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.