Senior Strategic Risk Advisor, Security Strategy & Influence

OpenAI•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

OpenAI is seeking a Senior Strategic Risk Advisor to join its Security organization. This role focuses on anticipating, interpreting, and acting on high-consequence risks at the intersection of cybersecurity, national security, geopolitics, ecosystem dynamics, regulation, and institutional trust. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating complex external developments and translating them into clear strategic choices for OpenAI leadership. This position requires fluency in technical security, national security, cyber, diplomacy, intelligence, and senior advisory work. The Security Strategy & Influence team aims to make cybersecurity a strategic advantage for OpenAI, addressing critical security questions beyond the operational layer, such as model deployment, international expansion, state-linked threats, partner access, infrastructure dependencies, geopolitical risk, external trust, and OpenAI’s freedom to operate. The role is based in Washington, DC, with a hybrid work model requiring three days in the office per week. Some domestic and international travel may be necessary.

Requirements

10+ years of experience advising executives, boards, governments, or national security leaders on cyber, geopolitical, or digital risk.
Deep familiarity with cybersecurity, state-linked threats, insider risk, intelligence analysis, and strategic risk management.
Experience translating complex technical ideas for non-technical senior decision makers.
Strong external network across national security, cyber, policy, technology, academia, think tanks, or security communities.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated ability to produce clear, decision-oriented analysis under pressure.
Technical security qualifications or hands-on cyber background.
Have a U.S. or U.K. Government Security Clearance, or willingness and eligibility to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Advise security and company leadership on strategic risks, connecting technical security priorities to broader business, policy, geopolitical, regulatory, and operating realities.
Produce strategic analysis and contribute to scenario planning and executive briefings on cyber, geopolitical, policy, regulatory, and ecosystem developments, translating them into decision-ready recommendations for OpenAI’s security posture, resource priorities, and operating decisions.
Monitor and interpret external events, policy shifts, geopolitical developments, regulatory changes, and ecosystem dynamics relevant to OpenAI’s security posture and operating environment.
Provide strategic risk and security input into scenario-planning exercises for high-consequence questions, including model deployment, regional expansion, sensitive partnerships, and strategic threat evolution.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with policymakers, researchers, think tanks, academics, national security practitioners, technology leaders, and other external experts.
Help develop credible external positions and executive materials for government engagements, conferences, and other high-stakes forums.