AI Research Scientist

At Blackbaud we are committed to building AI systems that are safe trustworthy and aligned with human values especially in service of social impact. Our mission is to empower nonprofits foundations and educational institutions through responsible innovation. AI plays a critical role in this journey and must reflect the needs behaviors and values of the communities we serve.

About the role
The Responsible AI Research Scientist is a strategic member of the Data & AI team. This role drives research at the intersection of machine learning behavioral science and AI alignment - advancing Blackbauds Responsible AI maturity by designing implementing and validating RAI standard-based frameworks methods and tools that ensure our AI systems are ethical inclusive and effective.

This role operationalizes the NIST AI RMF across the product lifecycle - embedding governance risk mapping measurement and ongoing management into development workflows and feature delivery so our AI capabilities are trustworthy and demonstrably aligned with stakeholder intent.

Partnering closely with Data Science Engineering Product Legal Governance teams etc. this role serves as a thought leader and subject matter expert for Responsible AI across the enterprise. The Responsible AI Research Scientist will help shape how we innovate responsibly safeguard organizational trust and strengthen Blackbauds leadership in Responsible AI for social impact.

What youll be doing

• Lead the design and execution of research to evaluate and improve the safety trustworthiness and alignment of AI systems with a focus on enterprise-scale impact and regulatory compliance
• Design and conduct research to evaluate and improve the safety trustworthiness and alignment of AI systems with a focus on nonprofit and mission-driven contexts.
• Develop and validate scalable evaluation frameworks (aligned to standards such as NIST AI RMF) to measure how well AI systems reflect human intent ethical standards and real-world utility.
• Advance AI alignment strategies by modeling human preferences and behaviors using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Contribute to frontier research to anticipate future trends and risks in Responsible AI integrating foresight and reflection to maximize benefits and avoid harm.
• Create and test new technical paradigms for Human-AI interaction including feedback loops oversight mechanisms and interfaces that empower users and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Data Science Engineering Product Legal Governance etc.) to embed Responsible AI practices and frameworks into the development lifecycle.
• Publish research and thought leadership to further position Blackbauds Intelligence for Good as a trusted leader in Responsible AI for social impact including contributions to the Blackbaud Institute and external forums.
• Serve as a key advisor to the CDAIO on responsible AI strategy governance and risk management.

What well want you to have

• 10 years of experience working in or with centralized Data & AI teams and a proven track record in enterprise AI governance risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated expertise in machine learning AI alignment andor Responsible AI research.
• Experience developing and validating evaluation frameworks for AI systems (preferably aligned to NIST ISO or similar standards).
• Strong background in behavioral science computational linguistics or related fields.
• Track record of publishing impactful research in AI safety ethics or alignment.
• Ability to translate complex research into actionable recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Motivated by Blackbauds mission to amplify social impact through technology.
• Demonstrated ability to influence organizational policy and technical strategy

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Blackbaud powers social impact through purposedriven technology and responsible AI. Guided by our Intelligence for Good vision were building a culture where innovation trust and human expertise come together to help organizations make a greater difference in the world.

Blackbaud is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin physical or mental disability age or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal state or local law.

Benefits Include:

• Medical dental and vision insurance

• Remote-flexible workforce

• Wellness Programs

• 401(k) program with employer match

• Flexible paid time off

• Generous Parental Leave

• Donations for Doers

• Pet insurance legal and identity protection

• Tuition reimbursement program