We are seeking a Director of Tech Innovation to shape and lead the adoption and application of emerging technologies that advance our mission and strategic objectives. This role will ensure the effective use of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital tools across the organization to drive impact. The role will report to the Chief Programme Development Officer.
The Director will develop innovative approaches for programmatic areas like deployment, analysis, research, testing, content development, and data management through the application of artificial intelligence. They will also provide strategic leadership in evaluating, validating, and developing technology solutions that address critical organizational challenges and workflow automation tools.
This role is also expected to ensure Meliore's readiness for the emerging technologies that will have impact on the space. The Director will assess technological trends, opportunities and risks, lead experimentation, and position the network to capitalize on early-mover advantages.
This is a role for a leader who combines technical expertise and strategic, creative thinking to shape the future of Tech Innovation across the organization.
How you'll contribute
- Proactively devise and craft new ways in which technology, particularly AI and emerging technologies, can be piloted, leveraged, and scaled as part of the Meliore strategy, including externally and internally.
- Act as a source of technology innovation, intelligence and information for the network, and engage in strategic discussions about Meliore activities through the lens of innovative technology.
- Provide horizon scanning and insight on emerging technologies that present opportunities, risks, and implications for our work, operating context, and strategic communications in general.
- Manage the strategy, execution, and budget of specific projects, including but not limited to: pilot projects, technology builds and integration, campaign strategy, technical development, etc, and ensuring their timely completion.
- In collaboration with the Digital Governance and Architecture Director, manage the recruitment and delivery of work of freelancers, agencies, and service providers to solve project-specific challenges across the network and manage projects as applicable.
- Develop and maintain networks of contacts and partners across relevant issue interests to stay informed about how technology is being used effectively, and in order to advise on where major gaps exist among the field.
- Work closely with the legal team and Digital Governance and Architecture Director to build digital guardrails and AI governance frameworks for responsible, ethical, and secure use of AI and other emerging technologies.
Our ideal candidate has
We are looking for a visionary yet practical technology leader who can translate emerging tech into high-impact strategies for global strategic communications. You will thrive in this role if you combine deep hands-on familiarity with AI and automation, a strategic understanding of media/political landscapes, and proven expertise in managing external vendors and cross-functional partners.
Experience & Track Record
- 7+ years of experience leading, designing, and deploying digital, AI, or automation technologies that serve as a force multiplier for organisational impact.
- Demonstrated success sourcing, procuring, and managing external technical vendors, agencies, freelancers, and service providers to deliver complex tech builds on time and within budget.
- Background or strong familiarity with strategic communications, political campaigns, media monitoring, or digital narrative tracking.
- Experience working within multi-regional, remote-first, or matrixed international organisations.
Technical & Innovation Expertise
- Deep understanding of current and emerging technology trends, particularly Generative AI, automation workflows, and data management systems.
- Familiarity with digital governance, AI ethics, data security, and creating guardrails for responsible tech usage in sensitive or high-stakes environments.
- Proven ability to rapidly prototype, test, and pilot speculative tools, turning viable concepts into fully integrated organisational capabilities.
Leadership & Core Competencies
- Exceptional ability to demystify complex technical concepts, AI tools, and data architectures for non-technical leadership, campaign partners, and board-level stakeholders.
- Strong horizon-scanning skills to identify technological risks, opportunities, and gaps across the philanthropic and strategic communications sector.
- Highly self-motivated with a problem-solving orientation, comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-evolving global network.
Why join us?
- Be part of a remote-first, international network of professionals working on climate, energy and nature and work with a bunch of dynamic, culturally diverse individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work.
- 6 offline days (with no calls or meetings) per year to focus on your work
- Reduced working time on Fridays during the Dry Season (summer)
- Access to our employee assistance program to support your mental health and personal development
- Supplementary paid business closure for end-of-year holidays
- Maternity leave matched to 20 weeks for countries where regulation allows less than that
- Enjoy regular opportunities to connect and collaborate with colleagues around the world
- A full-time position with an employment or consultant contract, subject to location, for 12 months, with possible renewal after one year.
Location: flexibly remote.
Some international travel will be required. We may be able to provide co-working spaces in some locations. Only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered.