Senior Director, AI Studio

Urban Institute•The Urban Institute (DC), DC

9d•$200,000 - $250,000

About The Position

The Senior Director will establish and lead the Urban Institute’s AI Studio, a new center within its Technology and Data Science Department. The role will build a portfolio of applied AI engagements that delivers measurable benefits for partners, strengthens Urban’s capabilities, develops reusable methods and evidence, and creates a sustainable operating model. The Studio will serve governments, nonprofits, philanthropies, and technology organizations with practical, evidence-based AI solutions grounded in public policy expertise. As the Studio’s founding leader, the Senior Director will set its long-term strategy and growth trajectory, build a sustainable pipeline of supported initiatives, cultivate partnerships across sectors, and lead multidisciplinary teams delivering responsible, user-centered, evidence-driven work. The role will help position Urban as a national thought leader in AI, public policy, and social impact; advance ways to evaluate AI systems and their effects; and explore public goods, reusable tools, and shared infrastructure. The AI Studio combines Urban’s policy expertise, research methods, trusted relationships, and technical capabilities. The Senior Director will shape how governments and mission-driven organizations adopt AI, create evidence about applied AI, and help ensure that AI delivers measurable public benefit, particularly for communities often left behind by technological change. The position reports to the Vice President of Technology and Data Science & Chief Information Officer and draws on experts across the department and Urban’s policy divisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including a track record of building, scaling, or leading high-impact programs, initiatives, or business units.
Entrepreneurial mindset, sound judgment, and a bias toward action.
Demonstrated experience at the intersection of strategy, technology, public policy, research, philanthropy, or social impact.
Ability to cultivate and leverage a broad network of AI, technology, research, and policy leaders to accelerate innovation, attract resources, and expand organizational impact.
Proven success securing funding, developing strategic partnerships, and engaging leaders across sectors.
Strong understanding of emerging technologies and their potential applications to public and social challenges.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to influence and collaborate across teams and stakeholder groups.
Experience leading diverse teams of experts and fostering a culture of innovation, learning, and execution.
Ability to navigate ambiguity, identify opportunities, and turn a vision into action and tangible outcomes.
Deep commitment to evidence and the responsible use of technology in service of the public good.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.

Responsibilities

Develop and drive the Studio’s long-term strategy, growth trajectory, and work portfolio.
Build a sustainable pipeline of philanthropy- and partner-supported initiatives in collaboration with Urban’s leadership and development teams.
Identify where AI can improve systems, services, and outcomes, and translate those opportunities into actionable engagements.
Position Urban as a national thought leader at the intersection of AI, public policy, and social impact.
Cultivate partnerships with governments, philanthropies, nonprofits, technology companies, researchers, and civic innovators.
Convene technologists, social scientists, practitioners, and community leaders to develop solutions grounded in real-world needs.
Lead multidisciplinary teams across Urban to deliver responsible, user-centered, and evidence-driven AI initiatives.
Advance approaches for evaluating AI systems and measuring their effects on people, organizations, and communities.
Explore opportunities to develop public goods, reusable tools, and shared infrastructure.
Build organizational capabilities that help Urban and its partners navigate technological change.

Benefits

Generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays.
Medical insurance, including prescription coverage.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Transit benefits.
403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after hire, with a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours; immediate vesting.
Access to a health advocate.
Personal finance coaching.
Employee Assistance Program.
Educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.