Director of Artificial Intelligence

Connect is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as Director of AI (Artificial Intelligence). This role is central to Connect’s mission of building the best innovation ecosystem on the planet - bringing the world to San Diego, and taking San Diego to the World. 

Connect is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping innovation economy companies grow with capital access, advisory support, and community-driven accelerator programming. With 40 years of impact, Connect leverages trusted relationships across industry, academia, investment, and the San Diego ecosystem to catalyze founder success. Our passionate team has a collaborative culture, and we’re excited to welcome the right individual to this role. 

Overview

The Director of Artificial Intelligence leads Connect’s AI and AI-in-healthcare founder pipeline and sector engagement, sourcing and preparing high-potential startups across artificial intelligence, healthcare AI, and adjacent innovation areas. The role builds strategic investor, corporate, and ecosystem relationships while strengthening the advisory network and directly supporting founder success through hands-on mentoring.

This role reports to the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and supports program execution under the programmatic leadership, operating systems, and standards set by the Head of Entrepreneurial Programs (HEP), ensuring a consistent and high-quality founder experience.

In addition to vertical program and pipeline responsibilities, the Director is expected to proactively build and maintain a trusted, high-value network across AI founders, healthcare innovators, venture and corporate investors, research institutions, universities, health systems, and strategic partners. A major component of this role includes supporting operations and global program participants for the Alliance for AI in Healthcare powered by Connect, helping build and operationalize that initiative over time through disciplined relationship management, business development, participant support, and execution excellence. This role must become a recognized and respected connector in the AI and AI-in-healthcare innovation communities, while operating as a disciplined, accountable, and collaborative member of the Connect team - advancing founders, partnerships, and outcomes through both relationships and execution excellence.

General Responsibilities

Strategic Ecosystem & Vertical Leadership

Serve as a primary external representative and relationship builder in the artificial intelligence and AI in healthcare innovation ecosystems

Develop and execute annual Artificial Intelligence vertical strategies in partnership with the CSO and CEO

Under guidance from the CSO, convene and lead Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee(s) to inform strategy, strengthen industry connections, and support founder needs

Build, map, and deepen trusted relationships across venture funds, corporate innovation teams, health systems, research institutions, universities, and AI-focused accelerators and partners 

Identify strategic opportunities for regional and national partnerships, sector positioning, and ecosystem connectivity

Founder Programs & Advisory Execution

AI Program Lead (under HEP operating authority)

Execute founder program responsibilities in alignment with HEP-defined program design, operating standards, and cadence

Provide sector-specific readiness guidance, scientific/commercial advisory, and milestone accountability for founders

Source, evaluate, and prepare tech and defense-focused companies for Connect programs

Support Head of Entrepreneurial Programs in advisory matching; ensure founders follow structured advisory and milestone pathways

Maintain long-term founder and alumni engagement to support post-program growth

Capital, Sponsorship & Strategic Partnerships

Expand venture, corporate venture, AI sector, healthcare innovation, family office, and institutional relationships alongside the CSO 

Identify sponsorship and partnership opportunities; surface leads for CSO/CEO/COO to develop and close

Engage ecosystem leaders, potential funders, and strategic partners to support Connect founders, the Alliance for AI in Healthcare powered by Connect, and related initiatives

Represent Connect and the San Diego ecosystem at key AI, healthcare, innovation, and industry events, delegations, and summits

Help bring people, organizations, partners, sponsors, and participants into the Alliance for AI in Healthcare powered by Connect and related Connect initiatives

Internal Collaboration & Org Integration

Partner closely with the CBEO to highlight founder wins, sector milestones, and ecosystem growth

Support COO and operations team with accurate reporting inputs, CRM discipline, grant-related tracking, and operational follow-through tied to the Alliance for AI in Healthcare powered by Connect 

Provide data-driven market and sector insights to the C-Suite & HEP to inform strategic planning and programming evolution

Values & Leadership Expectations

Mission-driven, collaborative, and committed to equitable access for all founders

Trusted, humble, and relationship-oriented: builds influence through value creation, not title or ego

Hands-on operator with comfort switching between high-level ecosystem engagement and tactical execution

Embodies Connect’s role as a connector, catalyst, and champion for founders and the regional ecosystem

Qualifications

Advanced degree preferred (MS, PhD, MBA, JD) - or equivalent relevant experience in artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, venture, public-private innovation spaces, or academic research environments

1–2 years of experience in AI innovation, healthcare innovation ecosystem, venture, research institutions, innovation programs, startups, or related ecosystem roles (internships/fellowships included).

Demonstrated ability to build, maintain, and leverage relationships across academic, industry, investor, and service networks

Curiosity and/or competency in AI and/or AI in healthcare commercialization pathways 

Strong communication skills — able to engage founders, advisors, and senior stakeholders confidently

Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple programs and relationships simultaneously

Mission-driven collaborator who thrives in entrepreneurial environments and values community building

Pay Range

$70,000-$85,000

Application should Include

Resume and Cover letter

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Physical requirements include but are not limited to: ability to be in a stationary position for an extended period of time, ability to move, operate a computer, communicate and converse with staff members and Connect guests, transport items up to 25 pounds, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, typing, grasping, talking, hearing, lifting up to 30 pounds, pushing, and pulling. Depending on job tasks, physical demands may require extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking for extended lengths of time.