OpenAI is looking to fill the position of head of preparedness, offering an annual salary of $555,000. This role is intended to enhance the existing preparedness program within the company's safety systems department, which aims to ensure that OpenAI's models operate as intended in real-world scenarios. CEO Sam Altman announced the position on X, highlighting the immediate challenges the new hire will face.
As OpenAI's products have faced scrutiny, including a wrongful death lawsuit related to advice given by ChatGPT, the need for robust safety measures has become increasingly critical. In 2025, various issues emerged, such as ChatGPT allegedly hallucinating in legal documents and generating inappropriate deepfake content.
Altman emphasized the importance of understanding and measuring how these technologies can be misused. The new head of preparedness will be tasked with developing strategies to evaluate and mitigate potential risks associated with OpenAI's products, ensuring that the benefits of these technologies can be enjoyed without causing harm.