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Special Projects Lead, Partnerships

OpenAI
Full-time
On-site
San Francisco, California, United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Special Projects Lead, Partnerships

πŸ”Ή Company: OpenAI

πŸ”Ή Location: San Francisco, California, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Research Services

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-07-07

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office per week)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Managing high-priority special projects that span teams
  • Supporting complex partnerships and strategic programs
  • Collaborating with internal teams and external partners
  • Driving clarity and efficiency in leadership's top priorities
  • Operating effectively at all altitudes, from strategy to execution

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organizational agility, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Take end-to-end ownership of high-priority special projects that span teams

βœ… Support the strategy and execution of OpenAI’s most complex partnerships and strategic programs

βœ… Collaborate closely with internal teams to shape deals, align execution plans, and ensure successful delivery

βœ… Turn one-off, high-impact projects into repeatable programs the company can scale and operationalize

βœ… Drive clarity and efficiency in how leadership’s top priorities are scoped, executed, and communicated across the organization

βœ… Build a strong, forward-looking perspective on how OpenAI operationalizes partnerships and use that insight to shape long-term strategy and operating model

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management, and project management.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in business operations, strategy, venture capital, private equity, or consulting, with at least 2 years operating within a company.

Required Skills:

  • Proven track record of end-to-end ownership of large, ambiguous projects
  • Experience structuring and managing partnerships
  • Strong communication and influencing skills
  • Highly analytical with a sophisticated approach to modeling and data-driven problem-solving
  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills and ability to build trust and drive alignment
  • Passion for technology and artificial intelligence

Preferred Skills:

  • Familiarity with SQL
  • Experience working with national governments or global technology companies

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in project management, strategic thinking, and partnership management. Familiarity with AI and technology is a plus.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $210,000 - $210,000 per year. This is an AI-estimated range based on industry standards for this role and experience level. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and market conditions.

Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company matching
  • Generous time off and flexible work arrangements
  • Relocation assistance
  • Employee stock options

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in the office per week).

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and market conditions.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Research Services, focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning

Company Size: 201-500 employees. This size allows for a dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: 2015. OpenAI was founded with a mission to ensure that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.

Company Description:

  • OpenAI is dedicated to creating safe AI that benefits all of humanity
  • The company values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and invests in initiatives to promote these values
  • OpenAI believes in the potential of AI to solve global challenges and wants the upside of AI to be widely shared

Company Specialties:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Company Website: openai.com

ASSUMPTION: OpenAI is a mission-driven company focused on the responsible development and deployment of AI. Its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in its initiatives and policies.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior. This role offers opportunities for growth and career advancement within the company.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the COO and works closely with business leadership. It also involves significant collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 3 days in the office per week. This arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining a strong office culture.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the company
  • Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives
  • Chance to gain experience in partnership management, strategic planning, and project execution

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a meaningful impact on the company's mission and strategy.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: OpenAI's headquarters is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, United States

Geographic Context:

  • San Francisco is a major tech hub with a vibrant startup scene and a diverse talent pool
  • The city offers a high cost of living but also has a high quality of life
  • San Francisco is known for its progressive culture and commitment to social responsibility

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in the office per week).

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between office collaboration and remote flexibility. The San Francisco location provides access to a dynamic tech community and a diverse talent pool.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and resume screening
  • Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
  • In-depth interviews with team members and stakeholders
  • Final interview with the hiring manager

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Communication and collaboration skills
  • Strategic thinking and planning
  • Partnership management and stakeholder engagement

Application Tips:

  • Highlight your experience with large, complex projects and partnerships
  • Demonstrate your ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders
  • Showcase your passion for AI and technology

ATS Keywords: Special Projects, Partnerships, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, AI, Machine Learning, Data-Driven Decision Making, Stakeholder Management

ASSUMPTION: OpenAI's interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit. The company values diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira)
  • Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)
  • Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Google Workspace)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the projects and initiatives the candidate works on.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Safety and human needs at the core of AI development
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork

Work Style:

  • Dynamic and fast-paced environment
  • Strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork
  • Data-driven decision making and continuous learning

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you share OpenAI's commitment to creating safe AI that benefits all of humanity?
  • Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders?
  • Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-based work culture?

ASSUMPTION: OpenAI values candidates who are passionate about its mission, comfortable working in a dynamic environment, and committed to collaboration and teamwork.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously
  • Operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequent changes and new initiatives
  • Balancing the needs and objectives of OpenAI with those of external partners
  • Navigating a high-pressure work environment with high expectations for performance and results

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require strong project management, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is unique in its focus on special projects and partnerships, but it shares similarities with project management, strategic planning, and business development roles in other industries
  • OpenAI's focus on AI and machine learning sets this role apart from similar positions in other companies
  • This role offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company, similar to other mid-level to senior roles

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other positions, its unique focus on special projects and partnerships makes it a distinct opportunity within the AI industry.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Managing a strategic partnership with a global technology company to deploy AI responsibly
  • Leading a cross-functional team to develop and execute a go-to-market strategy for a new AI product
  • Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the AI landscape in a specific industry to inform strategic decision-making

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives the Special Projects Lead may work on, from strategic partnerships to product development and market analysis.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe a recent example of a successful special project and the role you played in its execution?
  • How does OpenAI balance the needs and objectives of its partners with its own mission and goals?
  • What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the company for this role?
  • How does OpenAI support work-life balance for its employees?
  • Can you describe the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how it manifests in day-to-day work?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the role's responsibilities, the company's culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience with large, complex projects and partnerships
  • Prepare for interview questions that assess your problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking skills
  • Research OpenAI's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your enthusiasm and cultural fit
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.