Director, Youth AI Research

Director of Youth AI Research

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing trustworthy information, education, and an independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year.

We are seeking a Director of Youth AI Research to join our team and sit at the vital intersection of data, policy, and public narrative. In partnership with the Head of Research, you will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive research agenda focused on how artificial intelligence shapes child development, learning, well‑being, and family technology use. This is a unique opportunity to drive foundational work on AI and youth, engaging across disciplines and sectors, influencing policy and practice, and elevating the profile of Common Sense as a thought leader in the field.

Location:

San Francisco, California

Reports To:

Head of Research
Salary: $111,200‑$132,050
Type:
Full‑time, exempt

• Design and lead high‑impact research projects, ranging from comprehensive landscape studies (e.g., "The State of AI and Youth") to agile public opinion polls, establishing the factual groundwork for our policy goals.
• Manage external polling firms, academic partners, and research contractors, and collaborate closely with internal staff to execute projects on time and within scope.
• Coordinate with the Communications, Marketing, Editorial, Education, and Advocacy teams on narrative and message development, translating research findings into political messaging, press releases, and policy briefs for lawmakers and the media.
• Serve as a thought leader externally: represent Common Sense at conferences, in academic and policy forums, and in media engagements.
• Act as a consulting thought partner on matters of AI, child development, learning, well‑being, and family technology practices.
• Develop protective frameworks and evidence‑based guidelines to support children's healthy engagement with AI.
• Partner with leading academic institutions, experts, and advisors in AI, child development, and family studies to build a robust network and collaborative research ecosystem.
• Balance the need for academic rigor with the need for speed and accessibility. Innovate on how we measure the "black box" of AI's impact on families.
• Create cross‑disciplinary collaborations that bridge child development researchers, AI technologists, policy experts, and family study experts to ensure holistic and rigorous inquiry.

• Open to diverse backgrounds: an academic looking for real‑world impact, a political pollster focusing on tech safety, or a policy strategist with a deep background in data.
• PhD, master’s degree, or equivalent experience preferred. Background in child development, psychology, communications, education, media research, learning sciences, public policy, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience conducting research, preferably both quantitative and qualitative, in relevant domains.
• Familiarity with the current debates surrounding AI, social media algorithms, data privacy, and youth mental health.
• Deep expertise in research design and implementation.
• Experience designing and analyzing public opinion research, messaging surveys, or message testing.
• Quantitative research skills: survey development, statistical analysis (descriptive and inferential), and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in qualitative research methods: focus groups, interviews, diary studies, contextual inquiries, personas, or similar frameworks.
• Excellent writing skills for diverse audiences: academic peers, professionals, and lay or low‑literacy audiences.
• Track record of managing complex research projects on schedule and within resources.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, relationship‑building, and presentation skills.

• Experience in political consulting, campaign strategy, or advocacy organizations.
• Experience conducting research directly with children and/or families.
• Spanish language skills and cross‑cultural research experience.

• The chance to work with…