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Carlsbad, California, United States
Onsite
Please submit both a resume and cover letter in order to be considered. The deadline to apply is July 6th, 2026.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Ford Foundation seeks a two-year Technology Fellow for AI and Philanthropy. This internally-facing position will focus on cross-programmatic learning and advisory support. The AI Tech Fellow will support Foundation staff in building and adapting internal frameworks for evaluating AI use in ways that prioritize mission and strategy and address ethical, sociotechnical, and operational considerations.
Reporting to the Director, Technology and Society, they will be responsible for designing and curating practical, hands-on training, workshops, and learning sessions for Foundation staff to build practical familiarity with AI tools and practices and help staff critically assess their value and efficacy. Additionally, they will curate sociotechnical conversations exploring how philanthropy and the nonprofit sector more broadly are experimenting with AI in ways that respect and advance mission, privacy, safety, and equity, and create accessible documentation and guides on AI experimentation for Foundation staff.
The AI Tech Fellow will also be responsible for research and field engagement. They will monitor emerging, global AI developments relevant to the Foundation's program strategies and operations, providing timely briefings and analysis to program teams. They will conduct landscape research on AI initiatives in the philanthropy and social justice sectors, build relationships with AI researchers, practitioners, and organizations working on mission-enabling AI development, and identify and connect grantees and partners who are thoughtfully experimenting with the use of AI and related technologies in their work.
ABOUT THE TECH FELLOW PROGRAM
The Ford Technology Fellows Program is designed to increase sociotechnical (understanding how technology and social systems shape each other) capacity within the Foundation, explore emerging ideas and practices at the intersection of technology and social change, and build new relationships and networks. The Technology Fellows program is administered by Ford’s Technology and Society Program, which works globally to ensure that the internet and digital technologies are increasingly equitable and are designed and governed to advance social and economic justice, particularly for those experiencing persistent discrimination. This role does not include IT and administration responsibilities, however, the Tech Fellow will partner with members of the Information Technology team to collaborate on common and overlapping initiatives and facilitate alignment between our internal and external strategies.
Technology Fellows play a strategic advisory role within the Foundation as well as provide practical technical expertise to foundation staff and grantees; identify emerging opportunities and challenges; help develop networks and communities of social justice mission-driven technology experts; and enrich the diverse perspectives of the Foundation’s program experts.
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
The Technology Fellowship Program has three overarching goals:
Innovative Strategic Advising:
Help Foundation staff examine the role of technology in advancing organizational objectives
Inform development of technology strategies within program and/or operations areas, and conducting landscape research
Design and curate hands-on trainings, workshops, and learning sessions for Foundation staff to build practical familiarity with AI tools and practices and help staff critically assess their value and efficacy
Develop accessible documentation and guides on mission aligned AI experimentation for Foundation staff
Serve as an internal technology advisory resource on how philanthropy and the nonprofit sector are experimenting with AI in ways that respect and advance mission
In collaboration with the Tech and Society team, develop learning sessions and training for foundation staff about the intersections of social justice and technology
Support the Technology and Society Director on other Foundation priorities
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Minimum 7 years working within public interest, government, civil society, or commercial technology sectors.
Baccalaureate degree in related field or relevant and equivalent experience.
Demonstrated sociotechnical expertise in artificial intelligence and related technologies, including understanding the practical applications of machine learning systems, generative AI, and their societal implications.
Ability to critically evaluate and assess the practical application of AI and related technologies within social change organizations, particularly regarding usefulness, effectiveness, security, and potential social and environmental impact.
Experience in understanding the technical needs of mission driven organizations, and collaboratively designing technical solutions to advance organizational mission and strategy.
Experience designing, implementing, or supporting AI applications and tools in a complex, global setting.
Strong strategic communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with and articulate the potential roles and importance of technology to diverse audiences.
Experience working with diverse individuals across civil society, government, and the private sector.
Familiarity with information and communication technologies specifically designed to serve the public interest.
Ability to evaluate existing and emerging technologies for usefulness, effectiveness, security risks, and potential alignment with Ford’s programmatic work.
Excellent analytical, writing, oral presentation, information curation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to handle confidential issues with appropriate discretion.
Action-oriented, disciplined, and self-motivated; highly comfortable working both independently and collaboratively with diverse teams.
Demonstrates humility, a capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor.
Ways of working and engaging that aligns with the Foundation’s mission, core values and commitment to creating a culture of excellence.
Willingness to work in New York City.
HELPFUL BUT NOT REQUIRED
Experience in change management and organizational transition is preferred.
Familiarity with the regional context and cultures, including geopolitical landscape, in which Ford works.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer.
The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact talentacquisitionhr@fordfoundation.org.
SALARY: The Ford Foundation is committed to salary transparency. The minimum salary for this position is $166,000, and the maximum is $170,000. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of this range. A candidate’s relevant experience and our commitment to internal equity determine the final offer. We review global compensation regularly to ensure market competitiveness and equity. The hiring range for this position has been carefully crafted to align with the market.
LOCATION: This position is based in the foundation’s New York office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.
WORK AUTHORIZATION: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: This is a term-limited position with a two-year contract.
WORKING AT FORD
Commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels respected
A hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies offer colleagues the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways and the space to maintain a healthy work-life balance
Professional development and ample opportunities to build your expertise and expand your network
Comprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being and work-life needs, including medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on your first day
Generous time off, including personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday time off, and wellness days
Generous parental leave policy, including birth, surrogacy, adoptive, foster parents, and resources for backup child and elder care that support our colleagues’ ability to attend to family responsibilities
Comprehensive retirement benefits options (with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%), allowing you to invest in your financial future with confidence
Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Ford Foundation.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at The Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law. The Ford Foundation does not discriminate against formerly incarcerated individuals.
