Interim Project Director - AI

Burtch Works; United States; Remote; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Job summary

Burtch Works seeks an AI-focused Interim Project Director to lead a global nonprofit initiative advancing women in data science within the AI era. Remote role guiding advisory collaboration, shaping programs and partnerships, and steering the organization’s growth with a focus on AI workforce development.

The role reports to the Fiscal Sponsor's CEO and works with an Advisory Committee; the initial term is about one year, with renewal at the sponsor’s discretion, and includes a performance-based

Qualifications

• Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience leading or implementing AI solutions or providing training & education in AI; proven ability to develop innovative programs with clear product-market fit addressing emerging workforce needs in AI and data science; strong leader with the ability to build a core team with motivated and inspired talent.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop a strategic plan (to be reviewed/refreshed annually) in collaboration with the Advisory Committee that establishes this Initiative as the trusted voice on the future of data science careers in the age of AI, with a clear investment strategy, reinstating our flagship technical conference in Silicon Valley, growing our Ambassador Program, and evolving our flagship Datathon and successor products.

Job description

Job Title

Interim Project Director - AI

Location

Remote

Duration

This is a full-time, one year assignment with the opportunity for renewal.

About The Company

This worldwide nonprofit initiative began over a decade ago as a 1-day technical conference at a leading research university, with the mission to inspire, elevate and educate women in the field of data science. Our goal is to have substantial representation of women in leadership positions in industry, government and academia. The data science profession is transforming at unprecedented speed. Generative AI, agentic systems, and AI-assisted development are reshaping how organizations build, operate, and develop technical talent, and this Initiative must evolve with it. With the right leader, this Initiative can step into the global spotlight and become the defining platform for women navigating the next generation of AI-driven careers for data science professionals.

Job Summary

We are looking for a recognized AI leader to join our team who can translate deep industry or academic expertise into programs and partnerships that sustain this Initiative's growth and mission in AI. The ideal candidate will lead with confidence while remaining open to guidance from an Advisory Committee of peers and experts in the field. A collaborative and responsive leadership style is as important as expertise in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop a strategic plan (to be reviewed/refreshed annually) in collaboration with the Advisory Committee that establishes this Initiative as the trusted voice on the future of data science careers in the age of AI, with a clear investment strategy, reinstating our flagship technical conference in Silicon Valley, growing our Ambassador Program, and evolving our flagship Datathon and successor products.
• Corporate Sponsorship Development: Develop offerings for our Corporate Sponsor program that support data scientists who are upskilling to assume emerging AI roles. Create a sustainable sponsorship model that funds this Initiative's mission while delivering real value to the professionals we serve.
• Flagship Conference Revival: Revive the flagship Silicon Valley technical conference as the premier stage for celebrating the achievements of women in AI across academia, industry, and government, and set the standard of excellence for our Ambassador events worldwide.
• Fundraising & Sponsorship Growth: Sustain our fundraising momentum, investing to grow our base of Corporate Sponsors and building a diversified base of private donors and grants from foundations — with a target of $400-500K in 2027, growing the base back to $1.4M annually, and sustaining ~10-15% growth thereafter.

Requirements

• Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience leading or implementing AI solutions or providing training & education in AI; proven ability to develop innovative programs with clear product-market fit addressing emerging workforce needs in AI and data science; strong leader with the ability to build a core team with motivated and inspired talent.
• Technical Skills: Deep familiarity with the Silicon Valley AI ecosystem, including NVIDIA, OpenAI, Google, Snowflake, Databricks, Anthropic, and other leading infrastructure and platform providers.
• Other: A professional reputation sufficient to secure partnerships and sponsorships with senior technology leaders, major AI companies, and leading research institutions in AI; strong relationships with leading academic institutions and globally recognized AI research centers in the field.

ROLE STRUCTURE

The Interim Project Director's work centers on this Initiative, however you will be an employee of the Fiscal Sponsor and will report to the Fiscal Sponsor's CEO. Together with the Board of Directors, the CEO holds fiduciary responsibility and final authority over the project's work and the use of its funds. Final decisions on employment, funding, and other matters customarily held by a nonprofit CEO and Board rest with the Fiscal Sponsor. The Advisory Committee (AC) is comprised of highly accomplished leaders who are deeply embedded in AI and data science and who guide and support the Fiscal Sponsor's CEO and the Interim Project Director on technical and programmatic matters. The AC recommends priorities for the annual plan, contributes its subject-matter expertise to the OKRs, and provides input to the annual performance review for this role. We're looking for a leader with the professional maturity and collaborative instincts to make the most of that partnership. The appointment as Interim Project Director is for an initial term of approximately one year, renewable at the Fiscal Sponsor's discretion. Employment with the Fiscal Sponsor is at-will, and the offer letter and employment agreement govern the actual terms and conditions of employment. The Fiscal Sponsor provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, age, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices; to request one during the application or interview process, please contact HR.

Salary & Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $175,000–$200,000, determined by experience and qualifications. This role is also eligible for a performance-based bonus tied to fundraising results.