Applied Artificial Intelligence Manager

ClimateWorks Foundation

1h•$110,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ClimateWorks Foundation is seeking an applied AI technical owner to lead AI and automation capabilities supporting its work to understand climate philanthropy funding and the broader philanthropic ecosystem. The role sets technical direction for applying AI and automation to funding data, establishing standards for model and tool evaluation, human review, and confidential-data safeguards. It combines hands-on technical work with cross-functional leadership and judgment about where AI is appropriate. The role sits within a joint team between Advisory & Insights (A&I) and Information Systems & Technology (IS&T), and reports to the Director, Advisory & Insights (Climate Philanthropy). The position partners with functional, product, and technology teams to translate needs into technical approaches and align delivery with underlying infrastructure. The role designs and deploys AI-assisted workflows, LLM-powered tools, and expanded automated data processing. This includes natural-language interfaces over funding data, automated analysis synthesis, grantee-profile lookups, grant classification and tagging, data quality checks and normalization, and integration of ClimateWorks data with external and partner datasets. It also supports adoption through evaluation, documentation, training, and practical guidance, and produces quantitative analysis and visualizations for ClimateWorks teams and affiliated climate funders. ClimateWorks is based in San Francisco, and this position is classified as US Flexible. Exceptional candidates may work from the San Francisco office or other locations in the United States, with compensation adjusted by geographic labor costs. The organization describes itself as globally distributed and expects staff to attend an in-town week in San Francisco, an all-staff retreat, and a department retreat annually.

Requirements

BS/BA degree and at least 8 years of related experience, or MS/MA degree and at least 6 years of related experience in data analysis, analytics, AI, or a similar technical role.
Hands-on experience with large language models and AI APIs to build automations, natural-language tools, or AI-augmented workflows; experience must go beyond using AI products.
Strong programming skills, including proficiency in Python, and experience with data wrangling, transformation, and pipeline work.
Experience with machine-learning concepts and tools, particularly classification or text processing.
Track record of identifying a workflow problem and delivering an AI- or automation-based solution.
Strong data management and analytical skills, with sound judgment about when AI is and is not appropriate.
Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI and ability to produce clear visual outputs for non-technical audiences.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain technical work to colleagues without a technical background.
Experience engaging stakeholders, data partners, or end users to understand needs and shape solutions.
Ability to work independently and cross-functionally, take initiative, and manage multiple workstreams.
At least 5 years of project management experience.
Understanding of data confidentiality and responsible handling of sensitive organizational and donor data in an AI context.
Commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
Passion for environmental issues and commitment to ClimateWorks Foundation's mission and values.

Nice To Haves

Natural language processing (NLP) experience is a plus.
Portfolio examples or project descriptions demonstrating an AI- or automation-based solution are welcome.

Responsibilities

Own the AI and automation agenda for ClimateWorks' philanthropic ecosystem and funding data work, setting priorities, sequencing, and standards.
Establish standards and practices for applied AI, including evaluating models and tools, determining where human review is required, and safeguarding confidential data.
Evaluate emerging AI tools and platforms for organizational fit and support adoption through documentation, training, and hands-on guidance.
Serve as the applied AI point of contact for the joint A&I and IS&T team, advising colleagues on appropriate and responsible uses of AI.
Design, build, and deploy AI-assisted workflows and LLM-powered tools, including natural-language interfaces over funding data, automated synthesis of recurring analyses, and grantee-profile lookups.
Expand automated data processing for grant tagging, taxonomy classification, quality checks, and normalization to reduce manual effort.
Improve machine-learning approaches to grant classification and tagging, increasing accuracy and coverage over time.
Build crosswalks and connectors integrating ClimateWorks data with external and partner datasets into a unified view of the philanthropic ecosystem.
Partner with A&I and IS&T functional and product teams to understand desired outcomes and translate needs into technical approaches.
Coordinate with technology teams on infrastructure for AI and automation workflows, aligning technical direction across separate roadmaps and priorities.
Engage data partners on how AI is applied to contributed data and build confidence in its use and safeguarding.
Conduct quantitative analysis and produce clear data visualizations for ClimateWorks teams and affiliated climate funders.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage plans with 100% healthcare coverage.
20 days of paid time off for first-year employees, with incremental paid time off in subsequent years.
14 paid holidays annually.
Paid sabbatical leave for qualifying employees.
401(k) plan with employer contributions and matching employee contributions.
Life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Family support, including fertility, child, elder, and pet care.
Physical wellness benefits, such as gym memberships and fitness equipment.
Financial wellness support, such as financial planning services.
Mental wellness support, such as therapy and coaching.
Opportunities for staff to meet in person, including an annual San Francisco in-town week and retreats.