Risk Assessment Analyst (Youth AI Safety Institute)

Common Sense Media•San Francisco, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate for policies to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. The Youth AI Safety Institute, launched in May 2026, is Common Sense Media's newest programmatic pillar. The Institute establishes safety standards, builds open-source evaluations that AI developers can run against their models, independently tests AI products, and publishes the results to provide transparency and accountability. It is an independent research and testing ground dedicated to ensuring that the AI used by children is safe and developmentally appropriate. The Risk Assessment Analyst will execute comprehensive evaluations of AI tools and platforms used by children, teens, and educators, under the strategic direction of the Head of AI & Digital Assessments. This is a highly collaborative role focused on rigorous execution of assessment protocols, data analysis, and report development within an established framework and methodology. The Risk Assessment Analyst will also contribute to process improvements to evolve our risk assessment framework and methodology as AI use cases and products continue to evolve. In service of understanding risks to children, the analyst will be required to conduct evaluations of a range of sensitive content, including but not limited to mature themes, harmful language, inappropriate sexual content, violence, self-harm, and other potentially disturbing material. As such, the Risk Assessment Analyst must possess the professionalism, emotional resilience, and analytical detachment necessary to evaluate disturbing material while maintaining clear boundaries and focusing on child safety outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in relevant field (computer science, psychology, education, public policy, or related).
3–5 years in research, data analysis, content moderation, or safety evaluations.
Demonstrated experience with technical tools to support automated testing.
Strong analytical skills, with experience in systematic evaluation methodologies.
Excellent written communication skill, with the ability to document complex technical findings clearly.
Ability to handle sensitive, potentially upsetting content related to youth safety in a professional context.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in AI safety research, platform trust and safety, or technology risk assessment.
Background in child development, educational psychology, or youth-focused research.
Experience with data analysis and methods.
Familiarity with AI platform APIs and testing frameworks.
Knowledge of privacy regulations and educational technology compliance requirements.
Experience working in collaborative, mission-driven organizations.

Responsibilities

Design and execute risk assessment test plans that evaluate AI tools and platforms used by kids, teens, and K–12 institutions, including conducting comprehensive evaluations of major AI platforms and emerging educational AI tools while following established methodologies.
Implement systematic prompt testing procedures.
Apply standardized evaluation frameworks as directed across different AI applications and use cases.
Run batch and manual prompt testing plans to produce AI system outputs across a range of scenarios, systematically assessing AI tool behaviors, safety mechanisms, and content appropriateness.
Process and analyze large data sets from testing procedures to identify patterns, risks, and safety considerations.
Handle sensitive content evaluation, including potentially triggering or challenging material related to youth safety concerns.
Conduct comprehensive background research on AI tools and platforms under assessment, including literature reviews, technical documentation analysis (model cards, system cards, safety documentation), and media coverage.
Synthesize research findings from academic papers, industry reports, and technical specifications to inform assessment approach and contextualize findings.
Prepare research briefs that summarize key background information, known risks, and relevant technical details to support assessment planning and execution.
Stay current with emerging research on AI safety, youth development, and platform risk assessment methodologies as directed.
Compile and organize assessment data into structured formats for analysis and reporting.
Document testing procedures and findings.
Translate complex technical findings into clear, accessible reports for diverse audiences, including educators, parents and caregivers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
Draft assessment reports using Common Sense Media's voice, tone, and editorial standards.
Prepare executive summaries and key findings briefs for different stakeholder groups and communication channels, including clear data visualizations and summary materials.
Adapt communication style for various audiences while maintaining accuracy and analytical rigor.
Develop public-facing risk assessment reports that meet Common Sense Media's standards for accuracy and accessibility.
Manage assessment project timelines and deliverables in coordination with organizational priorities.
Supervise Risk Assessment Fellowship/Associate in executing research, assessment, and writing tasks.
Coordinate with subject matter experts and contractors for specialized testing or expertise as directed.