Head of Emerging Technology and Security Initiative
HybridMenlo Park, California, United States
Job Summary
Implement the initiative strategy approved by the Board, overseeing day-to-day grantmaking including sourcing, selection, and diligence of grantees. Build a high-impact grants portfolio aligned to strategic priorities while mapping the emerging technology and security field to identify leading experts and up-and-coming stars. Develop trust-based relationships with policymakers, cross-sector leaders, and other funders to pursue partnership and co-funding opportunities. Design and organize impact-oriented convenings that strengthen collaboration among grantees and stakeholders. Continuously analyze complex information volumes to identify strategic risks and opportunities, translating insights into concrete follow-up actions. Represent the foundation externally through writing, speaking, and attending key events to shape thought leadership. Work closely with the Special Projects team and cross-functional partners to adapt approaches based on evidence and evolving landscape conditions.
Required Qualifications
- 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
- Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into execution and manage complex projects through to successful completion
- Intellectual horsepower: the analytical ability to absorb and assess large, complex volumes of information quickly, connect the dots, identify key insights and implications, and think ahead
- Sound judgment in the face of an ever-shifting external landscape, with the ability to calibrate on risk and operate well under uncertainty
- An entrepreneurial orientation to deftly build out the Initiative and get things done with limited direction
- Creativity, curiosity, and a penchant for proactive problem-solving
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to influence and engage diverse, senior audiences and to represent the foundation credibly in external settings
- A demonstrated ability to develop trust-based relationships and work constructively with a diverse range of stakeholder organizations and individuals
- Curiosity and genuine hunger to learn about philanthropy, emerging technologies, and their security implications for society
- Modesty, humility, collegiality, and strong collaboration skills
- Ability to work from the Hewlett Foundation's Menlo Park, CA office
- Role carries a five-year term limit
- This role will require up to 25% domestic and international travel to attend key events and discussions
- The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
- While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time and to travel via various modes of transportation for extended periods of time
- This role is based in Menlo Park, California and has a hybrid work environment with the current expectation of two to three days in the office per week
Desired Qualifications
- Experience at a national think tank, federal agency, leading research center, technology company, or comparable technical or policy institution is highly valued
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