Project Director, AI for Disasters + Emergencies (AIDE) Initiative

The AI for Disasters + Emergencies (AIDE) Initiative is a new multi-sectoral, non-partisan initiative that aims to harness AI to save lives, protect communities, leverage AI for good, and help emergency managers and communities better prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters. It was launched by the Markle Foundation in 2025.

AIDE brings together leading experts from emergency management, technology, government, business, educational and research institutions, volunteer organizations active in disasters, and community groups to identify and scale AI approaches that can help save lives, protect property, and enable communities to recover faster.

The Markle Foundation is partnering with Aspen Digital, a program of the Aspen Institute, and RAND to build and convene a multi-sector, non-partisan coalition that will work directly with emergency managers and communities across the country to identify the most critical needs, opportunities, and practical approaches.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Project Director will lead the AIDE Initiative – working with the president to guide its strategy, execution, and programmatic development. You will be responsible for overseeing partner contributions and ensuring that all aspects of the initiative align with the Foundation’s leadership vision and priorities.

The Project Director will drive excellence in execution across all components of the initiative – engaging and coordinating among stakeholders in government, industry, and civil society to advance the Initiative’s goals. You will translate complex ideas into actionable outcomes – serving as an energetic, collaborative leader and natural connector who thrives on working with diverse teams and building cross-sector partnerships.

The ideal candidate brings a strong interest and curiosity about the utilization and adoption of AI for public good – with particular focus on emergency management, technology policy, multisectoral alignment, and the functioning of government.

Reporting to the President of the Markle Foundation, the Project Director will directly manage the Project Manager and Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator and provide strategic direction and coordination among partners to ensure the successful delivery of key milestones and deliverables. The Markle Foundation is based in New York, though remote work is also an option with occasional travel to headquarters.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead the execution of the AIDE Initiative, working closely with Markle Foundation leadership, partner organizations, and key stakeholders across the public and private sectors to drive progress and success against stated strategic goals.
• Oversee and coordinate the work of three partner organizations (RAND, Aspen Digital, and FTI Consulting), ensuring alignment, accountability, and successful execution of all deliverables and milestones.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with existing and new stakeholders, strengthening the Initiative’s and Foundation’s visibility and credibility.
• Develop and implement clear impact indicators; track progress, evaluate outcomes, and adapt strategy to ensure continuous improvement and measurable results.
• Design and implement a comprehensive timeline for the Initiative, including programming, partnerships, activations, convenings, thought leadership, and other strategic activities.
• Represent the Initiative externally through public engagement, industry events, media opportunities, global forums, and any other opportunities.
• Translate the Initiative’s vision into an actionable and measurable program plan, evolving its strategy over time to reflect emerging opportunities and challenges.
• Oversee project budgets, resource allocation, and funding strategy to ensure effective and sustainable operations.
• Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing team, which currently includes the Project Manager and Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, and a roster of partner organizations.
• Support the Markle Foundation President in board meetings and other critical engagements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• 10+ years of experience spanning public service, technology, or related fields, with a demonstrated track record of leading and managing complex, high-impact initiatives from strategy through execution.
• A proven record of success operating in high-demand environments requiring cross-functional coordination, stakeholder engagement, and strong team leadership.
• Proven experience leading and managing teams, as well as overseeing external partners from diverse sectors, including industry, government, academia, and nonprofit organizations.
• Exceptional communication skills - both oral and written - including the ability to facilitate and influence senior leaders, engage diverse audiences, and produce clear, compelling written materials.
• Entrepreneurial acumen and drive, with the ability to identify and respond to opportunities, adapt to changing circumstances, and refine program direction to maximize impact.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, foster collaboration, and drive alignment across stakeholders without direct authority.
• High degree of adaptability and comfort navigating ambiguity in a dynamic, evolving environment.
• Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and timeline/deadline management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, intellectual curiosity, and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Experience as a people manager.
• Collaborative and friendly; able to influence change outside of chain of command.
• Experience managing priorities and achieving results in a dynamic operating environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed including to Markle headquarters in New York.
• Familiarity with emergency management, AI technologies, and/or related policy is a plus.

Job Details:

• Location: NYC (Hybrid)
• Reports to: President
• Term: Full-time
• Salary & Benefits: $275,000 - $325,000

Markle is committed to providing compensation that is competitive and equitable within the philanthropic sector. The amount of pay offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to qualifications, unique skills, credentials, or experience that is expected to impact the candidate’s contribution to the role. We will also consider market data as well as the Foundation’s internal pay equity framework. Markle offers a generous total reward package that includes base salary and a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, pension and paid time off.

• Travel: Ability to travel as needed.
• Applying: Please submit cover letter and resume to careers@markle.org.

The Markle Foundation is committed to building an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Employment opportunities are based on individual qualifications, merit, and organizational need without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds.

Markle offers a generous total reward package that includes base salary and a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, pension and paid time off.