Ocean Job Board
0
Organizations
0
Jobs
New Grassroots AI Org - Executive Director
Water Foundation
Software Engineering, Data Science
Remote
USD 250k-300k / year
Posted on May 9, 2026
Position: Executive Director
For: A new left-of-center organization working to ensure society addresses societal-scale risks from artificial intelligence.
Position Details: Salaried Full Time Exempt
Salary Range: $250,000 - $300,000
Reports To: Board of Directors
About Us
AI is currently reshaping every part of American life, from work and education, to family life and democracy. Right now, these decisions are being driven by a small group of Big AI billionaires and their investors. They’ve already committed more than $300 million to super PACs in this election cycle alone to lock in their agenda, while everyone else is expected to accept the outcome.
We believe the public should decide how AI shapes our future, not unaccountable corporations. AI is on track to become one of the most consequential political fights this country will face and we are organizing now so that everyday Americans hold the power.
Our core demands for our government are simple:
- Protect Americans’ fundamental freedoms from harmful AI impacts
- Ensure AI benefits all Americans, not just a few companies
- Prevent the development of superintelligent AI that could cause catastrophic harm in the U.S. and push for the same globally
We were spun out of Humans First, the bipartisan effort that launched this fight. They are now the conservative arm, and we are building the left-of-center movement to win federal action.
We are funded, moving fast, and building a force to take on Big AI.
The Opportunity
We’re hiring an Executive Director to build the team, launch the mission, and grow a national movement. As our founding leader, you will build a left-of-center grassroots organization capable of passing meaningful federal AI legislation between 2027 and 2030 that protects Americans and reduces catastrophic risk. This is a time-bound mandate with real funding, serious backers, and a narrow window. Your job is to turn resources into a high-impact organization that mobilizes public support and influences Congress fast enough to shape the 2028 election cycle.
Strong candidates will bring senior leadership experience, sharp political instincts, and a clear point of view on AI’s societal risks, along with the drive to build something ambitious quickly.
What You’ll Do
- Build and execute a 6-month, 2-year, and long-term strategic plan aligned to achieving federal AI legislation by 2030
- Translate strategy into clear priorities, milestones, and measurable outcomes across all workstreams
- Recruit, build, and manage high-performing teams and/or vendors across Operations, Program, Policy, and Communications
- Set team-level goals, performance metrics, and accountability systems to ensure results
- Strengthen and refine the organization’s theory of change as a left-of-center grassroots movement
- Lead day-to-day organizational execution across our affiliated c3/c4 entities, ensuring coordination across teams and timely delivery of priorities
- Represent the organization publicly across media, partners, and stakeholders
- Lead and participate in public events, convenings, and campaign moments to build visibility and influence
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with aligned organizations, funders, and coalitions
- Engage and report to the Board of Directors, including preparing materials and participating in board meetings
- Oversee organizational budget, resource allocation, and financial sustainability
- Ensure the organization operates with speed, discipline, and focus in a time-bound political environment
What You Bring
- Strong leadership: You bring experience inspiring teams to pursue ambitious goals and building cultures that balance high standards with real compassion.
- Builder mindset: You can take a mandate, a budget, and a blank slate and turn it into a high-performing organization. You move quickly and get things done.
- Strategic and political judgment: You have demonstrated experience building power through movements and can translate that into a clear, actionable strategy. You make smart tradeoffs and set priorities with confidence.
- Team management: You set clear goals, drive performance, and hold teams accountable. You can manage directly or work closely with a Chief of Staff or COO to execute.
- Stakeholder management: You can align and manage complex coalitions, including funders, partners, and policymakers with differing perspectives.
- Commitment to AI policy: You believe in the need for federal AI legislation that protects Americans.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: $250,000 - $300,000, commensurate with experience.
- Benefits: Medical / dental / vision, fully covered for employee and dependents; generous PTO.
- Location: Washington, DC preferred, although we are a fully remote team.
- Travel: Expect domestic travel 4-5x per quarter to support the team in the field.
Our Hiring Timeline and Process
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis through June 3, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.
The online application includes a few written response questions in lieu of a cover letter. Successful candidates that move forward in the hiring process will be invited to additional interviews and to complete a skills assessment activity (for which they will receive compensation) and will undergo a vetting process, including reference and background checks. Applicants will receive an outline of what is expected.
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the country we are trying to organize — across race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, age, and veteran status. If you need an accommodation at any point in the process, please let us know.
This search is being led by NRG Consulting Group. Reach out to Jaclyn Jones at jaclyn@nrgconsultinggroup.org with any questions.