Program Associate, AI for Math

Job description

As the Program Associate, AI for Math at Renaissance Philanthropy, you will play a key role in scaling and shaping our emerging work at the intersection of AI and Mathematics. This is a rare opportunity to help build a globally significant initiative from the ground up—engaging top technical talent, strengthening rigorous program delivery, and advancing ambitious ideas for the public good. You’ll work closely with our Director of Program Delivery and Program Scientist supporting long-term vision while owning critical day-to-day operations, ecosystem building, and technical execution.

This position is based in New York, D.C. or London, with in-office work required 2-3 days per week.

Role & Responsibilities

Program Operations & Delivery

  • Manage end-to-end program operations for grant cycles and proposal review processes, including managing backend automations and workflow tracking to keep internal teams and external reviewers aligned.

  • Build and maintain internal systems (e.g., Airtable, Slack integrations, shared dashboards) that provide clear insight into deliverables, owners, and timelines across workstreams.

  • Liaise with internal (e.g., Finance, HR, programs) and external (e.g., grantees, reviewers) stakeholders, including ownership of stakeholder communications.

  • Own preparation of team meetings and program check-ins, ensuring agendas are set, action items are tracked, and follow-ups are completed.

  • Coordinate onboarding and offboarding for program partners, reviewers, and advisors, ensuring smooth integration into our systems and processes.

Technical & Strategic Support

  • Contribute to technical diligence of grant proposals, helping assess Mathematical rigor or machine learning relevance in close collaboration with the Program Scientist.

  • Partner with the Program Scientist to identify and implement backend automations that improve review efficiency and program execution.

  • Support exploration of new program models, such as tiered grants or special funding calls, by gathering insights from the field and helping to design pilot structures.

  • Prepare briefing materials and strategic analyses that inform long-term vision and help identify new opportunities for the AI for Math program.

Field Building & Ecosystem Development

  • Serve as a key driver of our efforts to grow and strengthen the AI + Math ecosystem by building and maintaining relationships with leading researchers, technical advisors, prospective applicants, and institutional partners.

  • Organize and execute a range of field-building activities, including hackathons, lecture series, seminars, and technical convenings to surface and support outstanding talent.

  • Develop and maintain robust contact and engagement tracking systems (e.g., Airtable CRM) to ensure visibility into our network and strategic follow-ups.

  • Support strategic communications efforts, such as drafting event collateral and coordinating with partners to elevate AI for Math’s reach and reputation.

If you are successful in this role, in three years’ time you will have been instrumental in building a world-class program that advances the frontiers of mathematics and AI. You will have grown and stewarded a thriving ecosystem of top researchers, technical advisors, and institutional partners, while launching innovative funding models and field-building initiatives that reshape how this work is supported. Your operational and strategic contributions will have laid a durable foundation for Renaissance Philanthropy’s next phase of ambitious, high-impact scientific programs. 

Key Qualifications

  • 2-5 years of professional experience in program management, technical operations, or ecosystem development.

  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, solve problems independently, and build systems or processes; familiarity with tools like Airtable (or a willingness to learn and configure) is a strong plus.

  • Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple workstreams, with a track record of keeping complex projects on time and aligned.

  • Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, able to engage stakeholders from world-class researchers to philanthropic partners with professionalism and enthusiasm.

  • Exposure to Mathematics, data science, machine learning, or an adjacent quantitative field, with interest in applying that expertise to grantmaking and proposal evaluation is preferred.

  • Experience organizing events, managing grant or competition cycles, and driving strategic partnerships in high-paced environments is preferred. 

  • A genuine passion for advancing ambitious ideas at the intersection of Math, AI, and public good.

Values

You will thrive within our team if you:

  • Have strong mission and vision alignment: You believe in the power of science, innovation, and technology to create a brighter future for all.

  • Exhibit high agency: You can move mountains and break perceived constraints.

  • Inspire others and are highly collaborative: You can motivate others to join your mission and goals. You understand the value of going further by working with others.

  • Value exceptional talent and the power of networks: You can spot or nurture exceptional talent and believe in the value of building networks and the power law of talent.

  • Are comfortable working in fast-moving and ambitious teams: You are not afraid of ambiguity and enjoy working at pace.

Next Steps

Apply here by November 21st.  We encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply, regardless of whether you feel you meet 100% of the qualifications. The top candidates will bring their own unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds from a variety of industries along with many but not necessarily all the skills listed above. Recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retaining a diverse workforce is critical to our success. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Renaissance Philanthropy is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.