OpenAI raises the stakes, dangles massive $550,000 pay cheque for ‘critical’ new hire

OpenAI is hiring a new employee to address growing concerns that artificial intelligence may create, and the tech giant is ready to spend a hefty sum to convince someone.

In a recently published job listing, OpenAI said it is hiring a “Head of Provisioning.” The new hire at Sam Altman’s company will focus on reducing AI-related harms, including cybersecurity and mental health, among others.

Why is OpenAI hiring a Head of Prep?

Describing the job as a “critical role at a crucial time” in a post on X, Sam Altman explained why a “head of readiness” is needed at OpenAI.

The OpenAI CEO wrote: “Models are evolving rapidly and can now do a lot of cool things, but they’re also starting to present some real challenges. The potential impact of models on mental health is something we previewed in 2025; now we’re seeing models getting so good at computer security that they’re starting to find critical vulnerabilities.”

(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)