Head of Emerging Technology and Security Initiative

In A Nutshell Location

On Site Menlo Park, California, United States

Salary

$360,000 - $400,000 / year

Job Type

Full-time

Experience Level

Senior-level

Deadline to apply

August 28, 2026

The Head of Emerging Technology and Security Initiative will play a central role in designing and executing a cutting-edge grantmaking portfolio at the intersection of emerging technology, security, and governance. This individual will translate the initiative’s strategy into action—building a high-impact portfolio, mapping the field and its most consequential players, cultivating trust-based relationships with leading experts and institutions, and helping shape the field through convening and thought leadership.

Responsibilities Strategy Development & Portfolio Management

• Implement the initiative strategy approved by the Board in July 2026; monitor and assess the impact of the strategy, and identify and lead pivots or refinements as the landscape evolves.

• Oversee day-to-day grantmaking, including sourcing, selection, and diligence of grantee organizations and projects, recommendation, and ongoing performance monitoring.

• Build, manage, and evolve a high-impact grants portfolio aligned to strategic priorities, adapting approaches to maximize impact in a dynamic field. Field Building & External Engagement

• Develop a granular understanding of the emerging technology and security field, and build a robust network across its major nodes, experts, and stakeholder groups.

• Map the field: know who the leading experts are, identify the up-and-coming stars who are not yet getting enough airtime, and understand where new opportunities and gaps are emerging.

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with grantees, experts, policymakers, and cross-sector leaders across government, the private sector, and academia.

• Identify and pursue opportunities to partner and co-fund, building relationships with other funders (philanthropic, corporate, government, and individual).

• Design and help organize impact-oriented convenings that strengthen collaboration and leverage the foundation’s unique role as a convener for grantees and others.

• Represent the foundation externally by attending key events and producing and sharing thought leadership through writing and speaking. Insight Generation & Risk Management

• Continuously analyze large and complex volumes of evolving information to identify strategic opportunities, risks, and implications—and translate those insights into concrete follow-up actions.

• Routinely exercise sound judgment in a shifting external landscape, including calibrating risk, spotting and mitigating potential risks, and identifying inflection points.

• Contribute to shaping the initiative’s learning agenda and adapt strategy based on evidence and insight. Internal Collaboration

• Work closely and collaboratively within the Special Projects team and with cross-functional partners across the foundation.

• Contribute to a collaborative team environment grounded in humility, collegiality, and shared accountability. Skillset

• Subject-matter expertise in one or more relevant domains:

• Artificial intelligence and security;

• Cybersecurity;

• Quantum technologies and/or biotechnology and biosecurity; and/or

• Geopolitics or global governance, and/or other emerging technology and security topics.

• Knowledge of the emerging technology and security ecosystem, especially key nonprofit organizations, academic research centers, government decision-makers, and corporate leaders.

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience. Experience at a national think tank, federal agency, leading research center, technology company, or comparable technical or policy institution is highly valued.

• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into execution and manage complex projects through to successful completion. Apply Now Spot any inaccurate information? Have a job to share? Let us know.