Do you have deep knowledge of the AI ecosystem and a passion for preserving the history of artificial intelligence and robotics?
Are you a visionary relationship-builder excited to shape a groundbreaking initiative from the ground up?
We are currently in search of a Founding Director, AI Initiative for the Computer History Museum. This position is hybrid in Mountain View, CA.
ORGANIZATION: Computer History Museum
LOCATION: Mountain View, CA
POSITION TITLE: Founding Director, AI Initiative
SCHEDULE: Full-Time
DURATION: Permanent
SALARY RANGE: $140k - $150k
Is This Your Dream Job? The Computer History Museum (CHM) is building its AI Initiative to become the world’s most comprehensive repository and public forum for the history of artificial intelligence and robotics — capturing the living history of today while safeguarding the record of the past. From born-digital materials and oral histories to public programs and exhibitions, the Initiative will document the rapidly evolving AI landscape while engaging audiences around its societal impact.
The Founding Director will serve as the strategic, programmatic, and community lead for this ambitious initiative. This founder-style role is ideal for someone deeply embedded in the AI ecosystem who can build trust, cultivate partnerships, and help establish CHM as a leading institution preserving and interpreting the story of AI. Reporting closely with Museum leadership, the Director will initially operate as a highly entrepreneurial one-person team, shaping the Initiative’s long-term strategy while building the relationships and fundraising support needed for future growth.
Our Ideal Candidate:
· 8+ years of progressive experience in a museum, academic institution, AI-focused organization, or related environment with a record of impactful contributions
· Demonstrated expertise in AI, the history of computing, or both, with credibility within AI and technology communities
· Strong existing network across AI research, open-source, policy, robotics, ethics, or adjacent sectors preferred
· Proven ability to cultivate high-level relationships and translate them into partnerships, sponsorships, funding opportunities, or philanthropic support
· Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort operating in ambiguity and building initiatives from the ground up
· Strong communication and public-facing skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences
· Experience developing high-impact programs, oral histories, exhibitions, or storytelling initiatives
· Appreciation for museums, preservation, curatorial work, and the safeguarding of historical narratives
· Experience with collections management, digital preservation, or IP/data-rights issues in AI preferred
· Ability to travel regularly and work occasional evenings/weekends for events and programs
· Passion for technology history, public engagement, and preserving the evolving story of AI
How You Will Spend Your Day:
· Serve as the highly visible face of the AI Initiative, embedding deeply within AI, robotics, and technology communities
· Build and manage an influential advisory network of industry leaders, researchers, historians, and innovators
· Represent CHM at conferences, industry gatherings, and online communities to establish trust and awareness
· Cultivate strategic partnerships that provide access to emerging artifacts, archives, oral histories, and collections
· Collaborate closely with the Development team to strengthen donor pipelines and secure philanthropic support for the Initiative
· Support fundraising strategy development, sponsorship cultivation, and major gift opportunities tied to the Initiative’s growth
· Identify and secure born-digital materials, archives, physical artifacts, and oral history opportunities for preservation and interpretation
· Produce and support high-impact CHM Live programs focused on artificial intelligence and related technologies
· Develop a phased 3-year strategy for the Initiative’s growth, including staffing, collections expansion, exhibitions, and operational infrastructure
· Leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance museum programming, research, storytelling, and audience engagement
We’d love to hear from you.
If this sounds like the job for you, we would love to help make that happen. Please apply using the link below.
For more information about Careers In Nonprofits and our other available opportunities and workshops, please visit our website at www.careersinnonprofits.com.
Careers In Nonprofits is an equal opportunity employer. Empowered by the #ILoveMyJob mission, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment within the nonprofit sector.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regretfully can only respond to those candidates who best meet the requirements of a specific position or whose backgrounds are generally applicable to our client base. Please rest assured that we retain all candidate information for possible future matches, even if you do not hear from us in regard to your application in response to this ad.