Executive Director

About this role

Position Title: Executive Director
Location: Fully remote (20%-30% Travel Expectations)
Reports to: Board Chair (or Co-Chairs)
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the GovAI Coalition and is responsible for advancing the strategic direction established by the Advisory Board. The Executive Director leads the Coalition’s operations, programs, fundraising, partnerships, membership growth, communications, and financial stewardship while building a sustainable nonprofit dedicated to advancing responsible AI in government. The Executive Director will recruit and supervise a small team, coordinate the efforts of 600+ volunteers, five committees, and multiple work groups.

As the Coalition’s primary ambassador, the Executive Director builds relationships with government leaders, philanthropic organizations, industry, academia, nonprofit partners, and other stakeholders to expand the Coalition’s reach and impact. The Executive Director also works closely with the Advisory Board and Coalition members to identify emerging public-sector AI needs, develop high-impact initiatives, convene stakeholders, and maintain the Coalition’s position as a trusted, nonpartisan, practitioner-led resource for responsible AI adoption across government.

GovAI Coalition has recently joined as a fiscally-sponsored project of the Hopewell Fund.

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks
Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Advance the strategic direction established by the Advisory Board, translating the Coalition’s priorities into actionable plans, programs, and organizational goals.

• Work with the Advisory Board to refine strategic priorities, establish measures of success, and guide the Coalition’s long-term growth and impact.

• Identify and develop new initiatives, pilot programs, and partnership opportunities that advance the Coalition’s mission and respond to emerging public-sector AI needs.

• Monitor organizational performance and provide the Advisory Board with timely updates, insights, and recommendations to support effective governance, decision-making, and the resolution of barriers to success.

Operations, Team Leadership, and Culture

• Lead the Coalition’s day-to-day operations and strengthen the systems and processes needed to support its growth and liaise with fiscal sponsor.

• Recruit and build a high-performing team, overseeing staff, contractors, and volunteers while establishing clear roles, priorities, and performance expectations.

• Support and develop team members while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven culture.

Financial Stewardship and Sustainability

• Develop and implement the Coalition’s annual work plan, budget, and performance goals.

• Ensure sound financial management, organizational compliance, and responsible stewardship of the Coalition’s resources.

• Lead fundraising and revenue-development efforts, including philanthropic grants, government funding, corporate sponsorships, and other mission-aligned opportunities.

• Oversee grant development and management, including proposal preparation, funder engagement, reporting, and compliance.

• Work with the Advisory Board, as appropriate, to evaluate revenue-generating opportunities that support the Coalition’s sustainability.

• Develop long-term financial strategies that diversify revenue while protecting the Coalition’s independence, credibility, and public-interest mission.

Partnerships, Membership, and External Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Coalition members, government leaders and agencies, philanthropic organizations, industry, academia, nonprofits, and other strategic partners.

• Develop partnerships that expand the Coalition’s reach and impact and support collaborative initiatives, knowledge sharing, and public-sector innovation.

• Lead efforts to grow Coalition membership and strengthen member engagement, in consultation with communications resources, through targeted outreach, relevant programming, and meaningful opportunities to contribute.

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Coalition at conferences, working groups, media engagements, and other public forums, strengthening its reputation as a trusted, nonpartisan, practitioner-led organization focused on responsible AI in government.

Programs, Resources, and Communications

• Oversee the Coalition’s programs, working groups, publications, member services, and other mission-related initiatives.

• Provide strategic direction to committees and working groups to ensure their activities align with organizational priorities and produce meaningful outcomes.

• Guide the development, testing, and continuous improvement of practical AI governance, policy, workforce, procurement, and implementation resources for government organizations with varying levels of capacity and AI maturity.

• Translate emerging developments in AI and government into actionable programs, pilots, educational resources, and opportunities for collaboration.

• Oversee the Coalition’s communications and engagement activities, including member communications, digital content, publications, and educational materials.

Events and Convenings

• In consultation with communications resources, provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Coalition’s annual Summit and other significant convenings, guiding event goals, agendas, programming, speakers, and partnerships to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and meaningful value for public-sector practitioners.

• Leverage the insights, relationships, and outcomes generated through Coalition events to strengthen year-round programs, partnerships, resources, and member engagement.

Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Ability

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, nonprofit management, technology, public policy, or a related field.

• At least seven years of…