Manager, Responsible AI & Human Rights

Manager, Responsible AI & Human Rights

Department: Mgmt & Administration

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Full-Time (Exempt)

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Salary: $80,000-$85,000

Kennedy Human Rights Center is seeking a Manager of Responsible AI & Human Rights to join our growing Business & Human Rights initiative. This is a unique role at the intersection of emerging technology, human rights advocacy, investor accountability, and organizational learning - and it is designed for someone who is as excited to build and execute as they are to think and strategize.

As KHRC's internal expert on ethical AI, you will shape how the organization understands and responds to the risks that artificial intelligence poses to civil liberties, economic justice, and democratic institutions - both in our external programmatic work and in how we operate internally. You will work collaboratively across teams including legal, education, communications, operations, and HR to ensure that AI is approached thoughtfully, consistently, and with a strong grounding in human rights principles.

This role is well-suited for an early-career professional - perhaps someone who has recently completed a graduate degree and has one to a few years of experience - who brings strong knowledge of AI ethics and policy, a practical orientation toward problem-solving, and the energy and initiative to make things happen in a lean, mission-driven environment.

About our KHRC:

Our team of lawyers and issue experts collaborate with partners worldwide to create lasting legal change. Through legal advocacy, we have freed political prisoners, defended the rule of law, strengthened international legal standards, and amplified the voices of human rights defenders in the United States and abroad. We present the annual RFK Human Rights Award, which recognizes a courageous individual whose activism embodies Robert F. Kennedy’s belief that every individual can make a difference.

Job Responsibilities:

External Programming & Advocacy (approx. 50%)

• Lead and contribute to KHRC's responsible AI programming as part of the Business & Human Rights initiative, including research, campaigns, white papers, and coalition engagement.
• Develop and support investor and shareholder engagement strategies aimed at pushing AI companies toward responsible development, deployment, and disclosure practices.
• Identify and pursue strategies to shift institutional capital - asset managers, pension funds, private equity - away from harmful AI applications such as surveillance technology, predictive policing tools, immigration enforcement AI, and biometric monitoring systems.
• Serve as an expert resource for KHRC's legal and international advocacy teams on AI-related issues that intersect with active litigation, country programs, and campaigns.
• Draft compelling grant proposals, concept notes, and reports in collaboration with the Development team to sustain and grow the program. (Goal: $250K in grants annually; $50K in content and white paper partnership revenue.)
• Contribute to public-facing content including reports, statements, amicus briefs, and digital publications.

Internal AI Advisory & Implementation (approx. 30%)

• Serve as KHRC's go-to advisor on internal AI policy, usage, and education - helping the organization adopt AI tools ethically and consistently.
• Partner with HR, Operations, Communications teams and Sr. leadership to develop and maintain internal AI guidelines, staff training, and governance frameworks.
• Identify practical opportunities for responsible AI use that can benefit KHRC's programs, workflows, and communications - and take an active role in implementing those solutions, not just recommending them.
• Help KHRC think through how AI intersects with its legal work, educational programs, and advocacy campaigns - and bring ideas to life through thoughtful project delivery.

Network, Partnerships & Operations (approx. 20%)

• Build and maintain relationships with civil society organizations, funders, academic institutions, policy networks, and private sector stakeholders working in responsible AI and digital rights.
• Represent KHRC in coalitions, working groups, and convenings related to AI accountability, business and human rights, and emerging technology governance.
• Manage workplans, timelines, and deliverables across assigned projects, with strong attention to follow-through and execution.
• Support program tracking tools and internal database systems (e.g., Salesforce).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise, mentor, and support any incoming interns and/or fellows that report to this position;
• Participate in the recruitment, hiring, and training of interns/fellows;
• Provide feedback and guidance for team members to successfully comprehend and align individual goals with program and organization goals and strategies;
• Advocate for additional resources, staff capacity, or needed for team success in discussion with the COO.

A successful candidate must have the following skills, experiences and interests

• 1-3 years’ experience in responsible AI, AI ethics, AI policy, tech accountability, responsible/impact investing with a technology focus, ESG, investor engagement, corporate responsibility, digital rights, and/or related fields;
• Studies in a relevant field such as technology policy, public policy, law, computer science, human rights, or a related discipline;
• Strong working knowledge of AI systems and their social and human rights implications, including awareness of relevant frameworks (i.e. the EU AI Act, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, OECD AI Principles, the Council of Europe AI Framework Convention, and emerging US federal and state policy).
• You have experience supporting fundraising, grant writing, or development functions, or a demonstrated ability to contribute to those efforts.
• Strong understanding of how business, technology, and regulation interact with human rights and civic freedoms globally, including the disparate impacts of AI on historically marginalized communities.
• You are an implementer, not just an analyst. You are energized by going from idea to execution and know how to move projects forward in resource-constrained environments.
• Skilled in communicating complex technical and policy concepts clearly - in writing, in conversation, and in formal presentations - for audiences who may have no technical background;
• You are a skilled researcher and synthesizer who can generate original analysis and distill it into compelling content;
• Passion for and subject matter knowledge of areas related to our work and human rights;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong attention to detail and ability to scope out errors, including a willingness to own, learn from and correct mistakes;
• Exceptional time and project management - you’re organized, reliable, and good at managing multiple tasks and competing priorities, and accountable to deadlines;
• Self-starter who shows strong initiative (wants to take the lead or proactively suggest ideas or innovations), and a commitment to program and individual growth and goals;
• Innovative thinking, you have a willingness to voice your opinions for the betterment of our work and goals;
• Commitment to teamwork, a synergistic approach to working relationships, by helping colleagues and “lending a hand”;
• Prioritizes inclusion when working with colleagues or partners with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Preferred but not required:

• Proven success in developing and implementing advocacy programs, campaigns, summits, or policy initiatives - ideally in AI, technology, or investor accountability spaces;
• Experience working with or advising legal teams, advocacy practitioners, or cross-functional groups on technology-related issues is a plus but not required;
• Familiarity with investor engagement, ESG frameworks, or corporate accountability strategies is a plus.

No phone calls please. Kennedy Human Rights Center will contact qualified candidates directly.

Kennedy Human Rights Center is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool. If you're in need of an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process please contact us by emailing your request to hr@rfkhumanrights.org with the subj. line "Accommodation Request". Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud
• Having interviews in a more accessible location/format

Benefits and other Perks:

• Flexibility and independence to help manage your work and home life: Staff have the ability to work from home or telecommute 3-4 days a week.
• KHRC values your health: We cover 100% of individual-only costs of our platinum medical, dental, vision benefits, and subsidizes the cost for dependent coverage.
• KHRC understands the importance of financial planning and saving:
  • An automatic contribution of 7% of your salary after your first year of employment.
  • A College Saveup/Loan PayDown program with an automatic $200/monthly contribution for any current loans or future loans.
  • An automatic monthly cell phone & internet speed stipend of $125/monthly to offset any phone & internet expenses.
  • Employees receive a $1,000 benefits card each calendar year to use at your discretion towards food and home & life purchases.

• KHRC values your growth: We provide an annual $1,000 professional development stipend to all full-time staff to use towards any courses, conferences, or training that would further one's professional learning and development. As well as professional development days/hours to complete these courses.
• KHRC loves to celebrate human rights advocates and our hard work! We do so by hosting award ceremonies, galas, summer outings, holiday parties, potlucks, domestic and international staff retreats, and spur-of-the-moment social outings.