Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews will begin June 30, and the job will close once we find a suitable candidate.
We’re looking for a Director of Finance & Operations to join our team at Meridian — a small, ambitious organisation building a community of researchers focused on AI safety and the long-term future of humanity.
We've scaled rapidly to manage approximately £4M in funding from government bodies, research councils, and major philanthropic organisations, and we need someone to build the operational foundation that supports our continued growth.
You'll have decision-making authority across grant compliance, contract negotiations, fiscal sponsorship arrangements, and strategic operational planning. This is a senior executive role designed to grow with the organisation — you'll be building systems from the ground up and shaping how we operate as we scale our work in AI safety and biosecurity.
What you’ll do
Manage budgets and financial reporting across multiple grant streams
Oversee grant compliance and reporting requirements
Establish financial controls and audit processes
Develop budget planning and resource allocation strategies
Legal & Compliance
Lead contract negotiations and legal review processes
Manage fiscal sponsorship arrangements and partnership agreements
Coordinate with external legal counsel on complex matters
Operational Systems
Design and implement scalable operational processes
Manage visa applications, insurance policies, and administrative requirements
Establish vendor relationships and service provider contracts
What we’re looking for
At least 3 years experience in operational, finance, or compliance roles with increasing responsibility
Experience managing multi-stream budgets (£500K+ annually)
Direct experience with grant reporting, government contracts, or regulated funding
Track record of contract negotiations and working with legal processes
Experience implementing new systems or processes in a growing organization
Competence with financial tools (QuickBooks, Airtable) and working with external service providers
Nice to Have
Knowledge of or interest in AI safety, biosecurity, global health & development, or international security (helpful for context, but not required)
Experience working with academic institutions, research organizations, or mission-driven entities
Familiarity with UK CIC/charity regulations and governance
This is an in-person role in Cambridge, UK. We may accommodate remote arrangements in exceptional cases.
We can sponsor UK work visas.
Contract Type: Full time (40 hours/week)
Salary: £50,000 - £65,000+ (higher salaries are possible for exceptional candidates)
Earliest Start: July 2025 (flexible)
Contract Duration: 1 yr., with strong intention to renew conditional on performance
What you’ll enjoy beyond the paycheck
Access to our hub in central Cambridge where you’ll be surrounded by 200+ researchers, technologists and founders tackling AI safety, bio-security and other world-scale problems.
Annual travel & professional-development stipend
Support with visas and relocation to the UK
How to apply
Submit an application through the form below. Successful applicants will be invited to interview with the team and complete a work test.
If you’re excited by this role but unsure whether you’re a perfect fit, we encourage you to apply anyway — we’d love to hear from you.
If you have additional questions about the role, email info@meridiancambridge.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr