AI Innovation Lead

Year Up United

. Maintain a trusted, current view of every AI initiative, including status, cost, adoption, outcomes, and readiness to graduate .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $135,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in AI initiative management, including the ability to lead pilots, synthesize external developments, and facilitate cross-organizational collaboration. Proficient in product management and portfolio oversight, with a strong focus on evidence-based decision-making and community building.

Highest-signal resume keywords

AI Initiative ManagementProduct ManagementEvidence-Based Decision MakingCommunity BuildingStakeholder Facilitation

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Portfolio ManagementOperating DashboardsPilot DevelopmentAI FluencyLean ExperimentationAgile DeliverySalesforce ProficiencyData SynthesisStrategic Implications AnalysisWorkforce Development Understanding

Soft Skills

Strong Facilitation SkillsStakeholder EngagementLeadership Through InfluenceComfort with AmbiguityPassion for AI

Industry Keywords

NonprofitEducationWorkforce DevelopmentDiversity, Equity, InclusionChange NetworkAI GovernanceStrategic AI LeadershipCommunity of PracticeAmbassador ProgramOpportunity Divide

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Maintain a trusted, current view of every AI initiative, including status, cost, adoption, outcomes, and readiness to graduate
Move AI use cases from intake through discovery to clear evidence-based go/kill decisions
Stand up fast, low-cost pilots to test business problems and determine whether they are worth solving
Run discovery with people closest to the work to identify high-value problems
Design and orchestrate experiments using contractors, vendor pilots, and borrowed capacity
Prepare validated pilots for transition into scaled builds
Co-chair the Strategic AI Leadership group and own its intake process
Collect and triage AI use cases across the organization
Bring pipeline evidence to governance leaders for build and investment decisions
Lead biweekly AI skill shares and build cross-organizational AI fluency
Co-lead and manage the AI Champions program, including recruitment, development, resources, playbooks, and peer learning
Partner with program, partnerships, marketing, Development, and operations teams to surface AI opportunities
Track AI tools, models, capabilities, releases, investments, policies, and sector initiatives
Brief internal leaders on relevant external AI developments
Hand validated pilots to technical AI build and agile delivery teams for scaling
Mentor a small group of current students and participate in weekly Learning Community sessions, staff meetings, and training
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum 5–7 years of experience in product management, portfolio management, innovation, or digital transformation
Experience building and maintaining portfolio views, operating dashboards, or initiative roll-ups used by leaders for decisions
Demonstrated track record standing up pilots or prototypes and making evidence-based go/kill decisions
Deep, current fluency in AI and ability to distinguish real capability from hype
Genuine passion for AI and active experimentation with new tools
Comfort operating with ambiguity and lean experimentation
Strong facilitation and stakeholder skills
Ability to partner with technical builders and agile delivery teams to move validated work into production
Senior operator comfortable leading through influence without a dedicated team
Experience building or scaling a community of practice, ambassador program, or distributed change network across a complex organization
Ability to track and synthesize external AI developments and translate them into strategic implications
Understanding of workforce development, skills-based hiring, or economic mobility, or genuine drive to develop it quickly
Passion for Year Up United’s mission and belief in the potential of young adults navigating the Opportunity Divide
Proficiency with Salesforce or a similar ecosystem preferred
Experience in nonprofit, education, or workforce development environments preferred
Prior experience presenting to senior leaders or an executive/governance committee preferred
Must live within a reasonable commutable distance to a Year Up United location
Must live and work in a state or approved proximate state where Year Up United operates
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Thoughtful cover letter and resume required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive healthcare options and dental coverage
401(k) match for eligible participants
Three weeks paid vacation in first year of employment
Four weeks paid vacation after initial year
Hybrid work arrangement with on-site work at least two days per week starting January 5, 2026
Occasional travel to Year Up United sites
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Professional learning and training through participation in the broader Learning Community