Program & operations
David E. Nicholson
Program and operations manager for mission-driven research organizations.
I run the programs, awards, and events behind serious research — and build the systems that let expert teams turn complex work into organized action. At the Future of Life Institute, I directed programs across AI safety, x-risk, and award initiatives.
Selected work
AI-Safety Program & Award Operations
Program Director, Future of Life Institute (2020–2025)
Five cycles of the Future of Life Award — research and expert interviews to verify people whose work averted catastrophe, then the annual case to the board. The 2024 cycle honored the foundations of AI safety. Convenings of 50–150, budgets to $500K, award decisions above $200K.
View →Learner Engagement Systems
Learner Engagement Manager, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government (2020–2021)
A Salesforce CRM that cut support requests 30% for 200+ Public Leadership Credential participants.
View →Partner Program Management
Partner Manager, Archibus (2010–2020)
Managed 15 software resellers driving 30% YoY growth and $12M in annual partner revenue.
View →Teaching & Knowledge Communication
Teaching Assistant and Instructor, Harvard Division of Continuing Education (2006–Present)
Instruction since 2006, including nuclear deterrence since 2016, plus long-form interviews translating expert research for a broad audience.
View →Looking for someone to run the programs behind work that matters?
Résumé & contact