About Constellation
Constellation is an independent research center that brings together people throughout the AI safety ecosystem to accelerate insight, research, and talent through better cooperation. Unlike a conference or summit, Constellation operates continuously, in the form of a physical workspace as well as conference-style talks, workshops, and training bootcamps. Continuous operation allows for relationships and conversations to develop over time, meaningfully fostering trust, collaboration, and shared insight. It also makes Constellation a natural field-building hub by rapidly inspiring, orienting, and connecting people who are newer to the field.
Based in Berkeley, CA, our shared workspace hosts over 100 people per week across dozens of AI safety organizations in nonprofits, academia, industry, and government. Hundreds of other researchers spend time at Constellation for shorter visits each year. We believe this is the strongest and highest-output network of AI safety researchers in the world; dozens of participants in past Constellation programs have gone on to safety-focused roles at companies such as METR, Redwood Research, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and the US and UK Safety Institutes.
About this role
We're seeking an exceptional operational leader to oversee all site services for Constellation's research center. This role owns the strategic direction, planning, budgets, and performance for IT, Security & Safety, Site Operations, and Catering. These functions share a common purpose: enabling world-class AI safety research through excellence in our physical and digital environment.
As Director of Site Services, you'll define priorities and allocate resources across your portfolio. (Alternative titles for this role: Director of Workplace Services, Director of Infrastructure Operations.) You'll have high autonomy to shape how these teams work together, with direct accountability for strategic alignment with broader organizational goals. This is a leadership role that requires both strategic altitude and hands-on engagement. You’ll coach domain leads, shape organizational systems, and remain close enough to operational reality to make high-judgment decisions that scale with the mission. Your work directly influences Constellation’s ability to scale programs, host exceptional people, and create an environment where complex work can flourish. You will integrate four mission-critical operational domains into one coherent system. The systems, standards, and culture you establish now will define how Constellation grows over the next several years.
You'll lead a team of ~11 (growing to ~15+ over the next 1-2 years), with four direct reports. Given our size and growth trajectory, this is a true player-coach role: you’ll set direction and standards while also engaging directly where doing so strengthens judgment, accelerates execution, or ensures quality.
Strategic Direction, Planning & Resource Allocation
Set the strategic vision and roadmap for IT, security, facilities, and catering; own regular planning cycles to define priorities, allocate budgets, and set performance targetsMake strategic decisions on team growth (5-8 additional roles over 1-2 years) and resource allocation across competing prioritiesDrive cost optimization while maintaining operational excellence; build business cases for major investmentsPartner with executive leadership to ensure infrastructure and workplace services support organizational priorities and create an environment where high-impact work can flourish
Budget & Resource Ownership
Own and manage the budget across all infrastructure functionsMake strategic resource allocation decisions balancing competing priorities across IT, security, facilities, and cateringDrive cost optimization while maintaining operational excellence and mission alignmentBuild business cases for major investments; communicate ROI and strategic rationale to leadership
Leadership, Integration & Team Development
Lead and develop four direct reports who own distinct operational domains: Site Operations Lead, IT Lead, Security & Safety Lead, and Executive Chef (who manages kitchen team of ~8 staff)Create forums and frameworks for these domain leads to coordinate effectively and identify synergy opportunities across traditionally siloed functions (e.g., unified access control strategy, integrated emergency response, coordinated space and technology planning)Build bridges between technical and non-technical domains, ensuring seamless collaboration across physical, digital, safety, and hospitality functionsServe as the voice of operations in executive discussions on organizational strategy, risk, and investment priorities; translate organizational strategy into concrete operational priorities and communicationCoach individual contributors as they transition into people management roles as their teams expand; support the Executive Chef in leading and developing the catering teamBuild a collaborative culture that integrates all operational functions into a coherent systemCreate performance frameworks and success metrics for each function and role
Performance & Impact
Own measurable outcomes for infrastructure operations: system uptime, security posture, user satisfaction, incident response times, budget performanceEstablish KPIs and reporting mechanisms; drive continuous improvement through data-driven decision makingHold leaders accountable for execution while providing strategic guidance and removing blockersRisk & Compliance Leadership
Own enterprise-wide risk management for cybersecurity, physical security, workplace safety, food safety, and facilities complianceSet security standards for a high-trust, high-traffic environment; ensure compliance with regulatory and best-practice requirementsServe as organizational point of contact for security matters with external stakeholders, auditors, and emergency services
Skills & experience - You may be a good fit if you:
10-15 years of progressive operational leadership experience with demonstrated growth in scope and impact3-5 years leading teams; experience coaching individual contributors into people management rolesStrategic planning and budget ownership: Multi-year direction-setting, managing significant budgets ($1M+), delivering measurable resultsCross-functional integration: Experience leading multiple operational domains (IT, security, facilities, or related functions) in high-autonomy environmentsTechnical depth with business judgment: Engage credibly on technical details while maintaining strategic perspective; comfortable as both strategist and hands-on operatorDomain Expertise
Deep expertise in at least two of: IT operations, information security, facilities management, or hospitality operationsUnderstanding of physical security, workplace safety, and emergency preparednessExperience in high-growth, fast-paced environments (startup, scale-up, or innovation-focused organizations strongly preferred)Familiarity with compliance frameworks and regulations for physical workplacesLeadership & Management Skills
Coaching and organizational design: Develop leaders, make strategic decisions about team structure and role definition, and determine where to invest in growthStrategic communication and influence: Build alignment across the organization, influence senior leadership, and communicate complex operational topics clearly to technical and non-technical audiencesPerformance management and talent development: Set high standards, deliver constructive feedback, drive accountability, and create environments where exceptional people thrivePersonal Attributes
Strategic thinker: Sees the forest and the trees; connects operational details to organizational missionSound judgment: Makes sound decisions with incomplete information in ambiguous, high-stakes situationsMission alignment: Genuine connection to Constellation's work in AI safety; understands why operational excellence matters for our mission. Cares deeply about enabling an environment where ambitious, high-impact work can happen reliably and safelyExecutive presence: Confident representing operations in leadership forums; credible with technical experts and non-technical stakeholders alikeSystems orientation: Naturally sees interconnections and opportunities for integration across domainsBias to action: Balances thoughtful planning with decisive execution; doesn't get stuck in analysisPractical Requirements
Based in Berkeley, CA with ability to work on-site five days a week (this is an in-person, leadership role)Occasional work on evenings or weekends for urgent facility or security issuesComfortable in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where priorities can shift rapidly
The ideal candidate for this role will have some combination of the skills and experiences described above. If you are not sure if you are qualified, we strongly encourage you to apply anyway. Beyond the qualifications outlined, our priority is building a team that will help humanity safely navigate the development of transformative AI. If you would be excited to do this work, we'd love to consider you.
We value diversity in all respects and base our hiring decisions on the needs of the organization and individual qualifications. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age or disability.
Logistics
This is a full-time, on-site position at our Berkeley office, just steps from the nearest BART (metro) and bus stop. On-site parking is also available.