Director of Artificial Intelligence – Machine Learning

Thorn

. Shape and lead Thorn’s Machine Learning and AI strategy with Build leadership, Product, and cross-functional stakeholders .

Posted 9/28/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $188,000 - $302,450 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading Machine Learning and AI strategies, ensuring the development of reliable, scalable systems while maintaining compliance with privacy and security standards. Proven ability to build and mentor high-performing technical teams and foster collaboration across cross-functional stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Machine Learning LeadershipAI Strategy DevelopmentTechnical Team DevelopmentProduction System ReliabilityCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Machine LearningArtificial IntelligenceData ScienceContent Detection TechnologiesSoftware DevelopmentML System EvaluationML System MonitoringPrivacy ComplianceSecurity StandardsResponsible AI Practices

Soft Skills

EmpathyHumilityHonestyClarityConstructive Feedback

Industry Keywords

Technical Innovation RoadmapCSAM ReportingStakeholder ManagementOperational ExcellenceBudget Stewardship

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

SDLC

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Shape and lead Thorn’s Machine Learning and AI strategy with Build leadership, Product, and cross-functional stakeholders
Identify promising ML and AI technologies and translate research and experimentation into investment, partnership, and product strategy recommendations
Support Thorn’s Technical Innovation Roadmap through exploration, prototyping, de-risking, and validation of new capabilities
Ensure ML systems and practices meet privacy, security, responsible AI, regulatory compliance, reliability, and operational excellence expectations
Oversee sensitive datasets, external data annotation partners, and CSAM reporting processes
Partner with Business Development and Strategic Impact to inform the technical research roadmap
Develop, recruit, empower, and retain an exceptional ML team
Lead, coach, and develop technical leaders and individual contributors
Build deep partnerships across ML, Engineering, Product, BDSI, and other teams across the SDLC
Ensure ML capabilities are designed, built, deployed, and operated as reliable, scalable, production-ready systems
Align ML priorities, dependencies, investments, and capacity with Build’s strategy and roadmap
Establish priorities, expectations, and operating rhythms for predictable delivery
Partner on resource allocation, headcount planning, infrastructure investment, and budget stewardship
Serve on Build’s leadership team and contribute to strategy, organizational planning, threat response, and investment decisions
Represent Thorn’s ML work externally with customers, strategic partners, funders, conferences, advisory groups, and the technical community

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience leading ML, AI, Data Science, or related technical teams responsible for production capabilities at meaningful scale
Strong technical judgment across modern ML and AI
Deep understanding of AI/ML applications, content detection technologies, and software development
Experience developing and operating ML capabilities with attention to reliability, evaluation, monitoring, privacy, security, and responsible AI
Proven ability to lead, develop, and strengthen high-performing technical teams
Experience attracting, hiring, and retaining exceptional talent
Experience coaching technical leaders and individual contributors
Ability to delegate ownership appropriately, set clear expectations, and provide candid, constructive feedback
Ability to earn trust with an established team and thoughtfully evolve culture
Track record of collaboration with Engineering, Product, Research/BDSI, and other cross-functional partners
Experience moving capabilities from research and experimentation into reliable production systems
Skill navigating complex stakeholder environments and creating alignment across teams
Ability to influence, drive change, and solve complex problems calmly and strategically
Strong communication skills, including representing technical work externally
Ability to lead with empathy, humility, honesty, clarity, and a trauma-informed approach
Commitment to putting the children Thorn serves at the center of everything

Benefits

Comp & perks

Remote-first work model structured around working from home most of the time
Company-wide gatherings
In-person team meetings and team-building events
Conference attendance opportunities
Broad range of employee benefits
Reasonable accommodations for candidates and employees with disabilities