Technology Product Strategist

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Miami (FL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A philanthropic foundation is seeking a technology product strategist to drive investments in journalism innovation. You will play a pivotal role in developing networks of experts, championing sustainable media consumption, and managing funding proposals for technology-related projects. Ideal candidates have a deep commitment to the mission and possess strong business acumen, along with a background in emerging technologies. This position offers flexibility to work remotely or from the Miami headquarters.

Qualifications

• Deep commitment to Knight Foundation’s mission.
• Strong experience with emerging technologies.
• Proven track record in transforming information engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop a network of experts in technology and journalism.
• Champion sustainable media consumption models.
• Manage funding proposals for journalism projects.
• Represent Knight Foundation at conferences to build grantee relationships.
• Support grant documentation and learning agendas across the team.

Skills

Business acumen

Stakeholder influence

Technology and AI evaluation

Relationship building

Innovative leadership

Blockchain

VR/AR/MR

Networking

Tools

Data analysis

UX/design

Blockchain

VR/AR/MR

Job description

Do you have a strong interest in news media technology? Are you interested in applying your expertise to innovative initiatives that result in new forms of news creation, distribution and consumption? If so, we want to hear from you.

Knight Foundation’s Journalism Program is seeking a technology product strategist, visionary and impact-oriented leader to help shape our investments, partnerships and a network of and projects at the intersection of technology and news media.

In this role, you’ll drive Knight’s decisions about which target markets we should serve with technology investments and which product capabilities matter most in service to our goal to fund projects that will make a meaningful difference in the news ecosystem.

The position reports to the Vice President of Journalism.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop an active network of diverse experts (technologists, product specialists, entrepreneurs and researchers) who will support the foundation’s mission to drive journalism sustainability and innovation.
• Champion emerging and existing technologies and media consumption models that can be replicated and sustained to better inform communities.
• Leverage a background in technology and AI to evaluate and refine funding proposals received by Knight’s journalism team.
• Source, develop and manage a portfolio of innovative technology-related projects for Knight Foundation to fund.
• Represent Knight Foundation at local and national convenings to develop grantee relationships and expand the foundation’s network.
• Monitor grantee reporting deadlines, support grant documentation, and help organize insights that contribute to the team’s learning agenda.
• Use the foundation’s systems and processes to help manage grant-making workflows and ensure accuracy and timeliness of documentation.
• Work collaboratively with Knight program staff at the intersections of quality information, economic mobility and cultural vibrancy.

Things we look for in a successful candidate:

• Deep commitment to Knight Foundation’s mission.
• Insightful and innovative leader who possesses strong business acumen and a risk‑taking mindset.
• Experience at the forefront of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, UX/design, data, blockchain and VR/AR/MR.
• A proven track record of implementing technologies and products that transform how people are informed and engaged.
• Adept at building relationships and influencing individual stakeholders and the broader technology community.
• Avid consumer of news and information.

Knight Foundation supports a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers. Our approach is inclusive and nonpartisan. We value freedom of speech and the press, and we often embrace new and innovative technology to achieve our goals. Our drive to create positive change is amplified by our ability to collaborate internally and with our partners. We look for authenticity, agility, and accountability, knowing we are at our best when we leverage our collective strengths and experiences. We proactively approach our work with a sense of pride and responsibility–adapting, as needed, to the changing realities in our communities.

We welcome candidates at different stages of their careers. Final title and scope will be determined based on the selected candidate’s background, skills and leadership experience. As such, this role may be filled at a junior or senior level and compensated accordingly.

This position may be based remotely or in-office at our Miami, Florida headquarters.

Knight Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.