AI Business Strategy Manager

Manager, Responsible AI & Human Rights

Department: Mgmt & Administration

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Full-Time (Exempt)

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid - 1-2 days in office)

Salary: $80,000-$85,000

See full job description linked here<

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 project…