Center for Civic Futures – AI Readiness & Public Benefit Innovation Fund
Raegan B
Overview
The Center for Civic Futures (CCF) seeks a strategic, entrepreneurial leader to serve as Program Director of the AI Readiness Project, our flagship national initiative supporting Chief AI Officers across states, territories, and Tribal governments. The Director will build and sustain a vibrant community of practice where public-sector AI leaders can collaborate, experiment, and build a responsible path to adoption of AI and emerging technologies for the public good.
This role is not just about convening, but a true field-building opportunity for impact at scale, translating demand signals from state AI leaders into collaborative workstreams, multi-state experimentation pods, and learning environments that produce real outputs. This could include model governance frameworks, procurement standards, evaluation tools, policy templates, and shared implementation approaches.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director will operate as a strategic backbone for this quickly growing workstream. They will cultivate deep relationships with Chief AI Officers, surface shared priorities, create safe spaces for operational problem-solving, and build partnerships with researchers, philanthropic allies, and experienced practitioners. The ideal candidate is part architect, part operator: comfortable navigating ambiguity, designing from first principles, and executing hands-on to turn ideas into lasting infrastructure for state AI leadership. They are an experienced convener and connector who thrives in collaborative, cross-sector environments and brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to supporting public sector leaders navigating emerging technologies.
CCF is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that equips government leaders to make thoughtful decisions about AI and other emerging technologies. We minimize risks while maximizing transformative opportunities, emphasizing capacity-building, responsible experimentation, and improved outcomes for public service delivery.
CCF is a fiscally sponsored project of the Digital Harbor Foundation. Digital Harbor is dedicated to fostering learning, creativity, productivity, and community through education. With a vision of digital equity for everyone, we take bold yet practical actions rooted in design thinking, data, and collective impact.
Education and Experience Requirements
- 8+ years of experience in public sector innovation, civic technology, technology policy, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience launching and building programs, coalitions, or ecosystems from the ground up in ambiguous environments.
- Proven success managing senior-level communities of practice, peer-learning environments, or cross-jurisdiction collaborations.
- Familiarity with AI, emerging tech governance, data ethics, or procurement in government or regulated environments.
- Experience engaging senior leaders (e.g., CIOs, CTOs, CAIOs, governors’ offices, cabinet-level leaders).
- Demonstrated ability to work across philanthropy, academia, industry, and government.
- Strong communication and facilitation skills with the ability to create trusted spaces for candid dialogue.
- Experience managing projects and budgets, and working with teams in dynamic, mission-driven organizations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Connector & Community Builder - Builds and nurtures a dynamic network of AI Advisors, government leaders, and cross-sector partners. Creates meaningful opportunities for connection, peer learning, and collective problem-solving that strengthen the field of responsible AI in government.
- Entrepreneurial Leader - Thrives in a dynamic environment, builds structure where needed, and brings creativity, experimentation, and initiative to developing a new national program. Able to move from idea to action quickly and refine approaches based on feedback and learning.
- Learning & Knowledge Curator - Identifies and shares emerging insights, trends, and best practices from across the ecosystem. Shapes learning resources, toolkits, pilots, and case studies that strengthen CCF’s leadership and the community’s collective knowledge.
- Convener & Ecosystem Catalyst - Designs and leads convenings that foster collaboration and shared discovery. Crafts engaging agendas and curates speakers for monthly meetings and national gatherings that inspire participation and knowledge exchange.
- Partnership Steward - Works closely with the Executive Director to cultivate philanthropic and corporate partnerships. Works with the Executive Director to develop proposals, sponsorship opportunities, and strategic collaborations that sustain and grow the program.
- Communicator & Thought Partner - Acts as a visible ambassador for the AI Readiness Project. Represents CCF at conferences and events, sharing learnings and building awareness of responsible AI practices across sectors through publications, presentations, and social media.
- Trust Steward - Creates safe, confidential environments for senior government leaders to share risks, explore experiments, and compare approaches without competitive or political pressure.
Role and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership- Lead the overall strategy, design, and evolution of the AI Readiness Project.
- Shape and sustain a national community of practice for Chief AI Officers and state AI advisors.
- Serve as the strategic backbone of this growing workstream, helping states navigate opportunity and risk while advancing collective capacity.
- Cultivate and maintain deep, trusted relationships with Chief AI Officers.
- Create high-trust environments where leaders can share challenges, mistakes, and early insights.
- Forge cross-sector alliances with philanthropy, academia, private technologists, and civic innovators.
- Manage program operations, communications, and engagement activities.
- Develop learning opportunities, peer exchanges, and collaborative projects among Chief AI Officers, with a focus on applied learning and experimentation.
- Track program outcomes and use insights to improve offerings and deepen impact continuously.
- Manage the program budget responsibly, ensuring transparency and alignment with strategic priorities.
- Design programming that supports rapid skill-building and peer-to-peer learning.
- Oversee national convenings, working groups, and learning exchanges that are purposeful, outcomes-oriented, and grounded in real state priorities.
- Manage communications and engagement rhythms to ensure continuity and momentum.
- Work with internal and external partners to translate learning into shared tools and platforms: case studies, knowledge hubs, model policies, evaluation templates, and governance frameworks.
- Ensure outputs don’t sit on shelves but are adopted, adapted, and scaled across jurisdictions.
- Work closely with the Executive Director to build philanthropic partnerships.
- Surface fundable opportunities grounded in the needs of Chief AI Officers and states.
- Support alignment between AI readiness and CCF’s broader programs (e.g., PBIF).
- Supervise and mentor team members supporting program operations.
- Model CCF’s values of collaboration, connection, and authenticity in all interactions.
- Cultivate a mission-driven, collaborative environment that prioritizes learning and impact.
- Lead planning, coordination, and execution of the annual convening of Chief AI Officers.
- Develop agendas, identify topics, and coordinate speakers for monthly AI Advisor meetings to promote consistent engagement and shared learning.
- Curate programming and design additional convenings—virtual and in-person—that extend collaboration throughout the year.
- Ensure events are high-quality, inclusive, and outcomes-oriented.
- Work across CCF’s programs to identify intersections, co-develop initiatives, and ensure consistent messaging and learning exchange.
- Serve as an internal connector, helping integrate lessons from the AI Advisors community into broader organizational strategy.
- Work with the CCF communications to create and advance thought leadership content related to AI
Remote with periodic travel required for conferences, partner meetings, and site visits. Travel is estimated at 10-15% of total time.
Other Duties
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time or new ones may be assigned, with or without notice.
Compensation
The compensation range for this full-time position is $170,000 to $180,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Digital Harbor and the Center for Civic Futures provide a best-in-class, comprehensive set of benefits to support the team. All regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive:
Health Benefits & Insurance- Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield - Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (100% of the premium paid for employees and 85% of dependents)
- Pre-Tax Health Savings Account (HSA) (with $365 monthly employer contributions)
- Pre-Tax Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
- Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Basic Life Insurance
- Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance (Employee, Spouse & Dependent Children)
- Total Pet Plan and Supplemental Wishbone Pet Insurance
- Employee Opportunity Program (EAP) - Health and Wellness
- Wellness Reimbursement Program
- 401k Retirement Plan (with 6% matching)
- 15 Days Paid Time Off Per Year
- 20 Days Paid Time Off Per Year (after 3rd Anniversary)
- 25 Days Paid Time Off Per Year (after 6th Anniversary)
- 16 Paid Holidays (14 common plus 2 flexible holidays, including Dec 25 - Jan 1)
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Paid Parental Leave for Moms and Dads (two weeks after first year)
If our mission and vision align with your personal values, please apply!
A cover letter outlining your qualifications for the position along with your resume, is required. Interviews will be conducted virtually.
Digital Harbor and the Center for Civic Futures are equal opportunity employers.
This posting is accepting applications through end-of-day, Friday, December 19, 2025.
Overview
The Center for Civic Futures (CCF) seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial Director of the Public Benefit Innovation Fund (PBIF) to lead the strategy, execution, and continuous learning of this flagship initiative. The Director will build and steward an ecosystem that connects government innovators, civic technologists, and philanthropic partners to advance modernization across public benefits delivery systems.
This role will identify opportunities and problem statements where innovation can meaningfully improve outcomes for families and communities, serving as a matchmaker and linchpin between government agencies seeking collaboration and the civic tech ecosystem eager to contribute. The Director will oversee the full lifecycle of the Fund, ensuring that PBIF delivers measurable impact, shared learning, and ongoing improvement across the field. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in public sector innovation, grant or program management, and ecosystem building. They thrive in collaborative, cross-sector environments and are skilled at balancing systems-level vision with hands-on implementation.
CCF is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization that aligns government leaders and partners to minimize the potential risks associated with Al while maximizing the transformative opportunities it presents. We equip government leaders with the tools, knowledge, and expertise they need to make thoughtful decisions about where and how to deploy AI and other emerging technologies to address their most pressing service delivery challenges.
Digital Harbor Foundation is dedicated to fostering learning, creativity, productivity, and community through education with a vision of digital equity for everyone. Driven by our sincere belief that access to opportunity is a basic right, we take bold yet practical actions to support making a better future now. Through a portfolio of projects focused on developing leadership within communities, we support those closest to challenges to take deliberate actions based in design thinking approach, backed by data analysis, grounded in a practice of collective impact, and driven by a commitment to racial equity.
Education and Experience Requirements
- 8+ years of experience in public sector innovation, grantmaking, philanthropy, or civic technology.
- Demonstrated success managing innovation funds, accelerator programs, or complex multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- Proven experience in budget management, including forecasting, monitoring, and reporting.
- Experience supervising and mentoring staff, consultants, or fellows.
- Experience designing and leading technical assistance programs that leverage diverse expertise and partnerships.
- Deep understanding of public benefits systems (e.g., SNAP, TANF, Medicaid) and the ecosystem of civic tech and policy organizations that support them.
- Proven ability to engage philanthropic funders and sustain program funding.
- Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship management skills.
- Strong project management and organizational abilities, with attention to detail and follow-through.
- Collaborative, adaptive team player who thrives in dynamic, mission-driven environments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ecosystem Builder & Connector - Builds and nurtures a vibrant network of government partners, civic technologists, funders, and thought leaders. Identifies shared challenges and creates opportunities for collaboration that generate practical, scalable solutions.
- Strategic Program Architect - Designs and manages all aspects of the Fund, from open calls to performance management. Translates insights from the field into strategies that drive collective impact and sustained innovation.
- Matchmaker & Facilitator - Acts as the connecting point between government agencies and civic tech partners, aligning needs with capabilities and ensuring all collaborators have the context, support, and tools to succeed.
- Performance & Impact Manager - Implements systems to track and assess progress across grantees and the broader Fund portfolio. Measures both individual project outcomes and collective ecosystem impact, using data and feedback to inform ongoing improvement.
- Technical Assistance Strategist - Designs and manages the Fund’s technical assistance programming, engaging a diverse network of CCF fellows, senior advisors, and partners to support grantees. Ensures assistance is relevant, coordinated, and tailored to each project’s context and needs.
- Adaptive Innovator - Thrives in an evolving environment, balancing long-term strategy with agility to seize emerging opportunities in technology, policy, and service delivery.
Additional Notes
This position is primarily remote with occasional travel for meetings, convenings, and events.
Role and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership- Lead the strategy, design, and ongoing development of the Public Benefit Innovation Fund.
- Identify opportunities and problem statements for innovation in partnership with government, civic tech, and philanthropic collaborators.
- Shape learning agendas and strategic priorities that strengthen the broader field of public benefits modernization.
- Partner with the Senior Director of HHS Partnerships to ensure the Fund aligns with CCF’s mission and portfolio
- Manage all Fund operations, including open calls, proposal review, grantee selection, and investment oversight.
- Oversee budget management for the Fund, ensuring responsible and transparent use of resources.
- Lead performance management for grantees, ensuring timely reporting, learning capture, and continuous improvement.
- Design and maintain systems for measuring impact across both individual projects and the collective ecosystem.
- Direct and manage technical assistance programming, engaging CCF fellows, senior advisors, and partner organizations to deliver high-quality support.
- Ensure operational excellence, transparency, and accountability in all Fund activities.
- Build and sustain relationships with HHS agencies, civic tech organizations, philanthropic funders, and ecosystem partners.
- Serve as a bridge and matchmaker between government and civic tech collaborators, fostering alignment and mutual value.
- Support fundraising and sustainability efforts for the Fund by cultivating relationships with funders, identifying new investment opportunities, and helping shape funding proposals and calls for collaboration.
- Engage national thought leaders and thought partners across the civic tech and public benefits fields, sharing learnings and uncovering new collaboration opportunities.
- Represent CCF and the Fund publicly at conferences, events, and convenings, amplifying its visibility and reach.
- Work closely with other CCF programs and initiatives to identify opportunities for shared learning, joint research, and co-developed tools.
- Facilitate internal knowledge exchange to ensure CCF’s collective insights are integrated and leveraged across projects.
- Serve as a connector, ensuring alignment and mutual reinforcement among CCF’s broader portfolio of work.
- Supervise and mentor a coordinator-level team member supporting Fund operations.
- Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture grounded in learning, curiosity, and accountability.
- Model CCF’s values of collaboration, connection and authenticity in all internal and external interactions.
Other Duties
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time or new ones may be assigned, with or without notice.
Compensation
Compensation for this full-time position is $170,000 - $175,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Digital Harbor and the Center for Civic Futures provide a best-in-class, comprehensive set of benefits to support the team. All regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive:
Health Benefits & Insurance- Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield - Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (100% of the premium paid for employees and 85% of dependents)
- Pre-Tax Health Savings Account (HSA) (with $365 monthly employer contributions)
- Pre-Tax Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
- Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Basic Life Insurance
- Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance (Employee, Spouse & Dependent Children)
- Total Pet Plan and Supplemental Wishbone Pet Insurance
- Employee Opportunity Program (EAP) - Health and Wellness
- Wellness Reimbursement Program
- 401k Retirement Plan (with 6% matching)
- 15 Days Paid Time Off Per Year
- 20 Days Paid Time Off Per Year (after 3rd Anniversary)
- 25 Days Paid Time Off Per Year (after 6th Anniversary)
- 16 Paid Holidays (14 common plus 2 flexible holidays, including Dec 25 - Jan 1)
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Paid Parental Leave for Moms and Dads (two weeks after first year)
If our mission and vision align with your personal values, please apply!
A cover letter outlining your qualifications for the position along with your resume, is required. Interviews will be conducted virtually.
Digital Harbor and the Center for Civic Futures are equal opportunity employers.
This posting is accepting applications through end-of-day, Friday, December 19, 2025.