- OpenAI is hiring a Head of Preparation and we know the salary will be $555,000 plus equity
- 2025 saw a ‘preview’ of how AI models can impact mental health
- The position will be very stressful, so think twice before applying.
Sam Altman has shared that OpenAI is looking for a new chief readiness officer, citing its rapidly improving AI tools, models, and emerging risks.
The creator of ChatGPT is offering a salary of $555,000 plus equity to one lucky individual, however CEO Altman has warned that the “Head of Preparation” position will be a high-stress position.
Key to the role is understanding how advanced models can be abused, directing security decisions, and protecting OpenAI systems to mitigate risks.
OpenAI is hiring a Head of Preparation
Altman said in his post that OpenAI saw a “preview” of mental health impacts related to the model in 2025, apparently recognizing a number of deaths related to ChatGPT interactions. OpenAI had already rolled back a GPT-4o update after admitting that it could reinforce harmful user behavior.
“We are entering a world where we need a more nuanced understanding and measurement of how those capabilities can be abused, and how we can limit those disadvantages both in our products and in the world, in a way that allows us all to enjoy the tremendous benefits,” he wrote.
The soon-to-be-appointed boss will run a “small [but] “high-impact” team, adhering to the OpenAI readiness framework.
Aleksander Madry previously held the position, but was reassigned by OpenAI. Joaquín Quiñonero Candela later held the position, but Candela is now Head of Recruitment. Lilian Weng also spent some time as Head of Preparation.
“This will be a stressful job and you will be thrown into the deep end almost immediately,” Altman warned.
The company has previously been criticized by former employees for prioritizing business opportunities and AGI goals, but Altman’s latest push for a Chief Preparation Officer combined with a healthy pay package could mark a major change.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to receive news, reviews and opinions from our experts in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form and receive regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.




