Executive Managing Director

Role Description This full-time remote Executive Managing Director role at Sahara AI Lab is responsible for setting and driving the organization’s strategic vision, ensuring alignment between research, product development, and business objectives. The Executive Managing Director oversees day-to-day operations, leads senior leaders and cross-functional teams, and manages budgets, resource allocation, and organizational performance. This role includes building partnerships with industry, academia, and investors, representing the lab in external forums, and guiding long-term growth initiatives. The Executive Managing Director will monitor key performance indicators, ensure effective governance and risk management, and foster an inclusive, high-performance culture that supports innovation in AI. The role also involves regular reporting to the board or executive stakeholders and making data-informed decisions to scale the lab sustainably.

Qualifications

Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including leading senior teams, setting strategic direction, and driving organizational performance. Strong operational and financial management capabilities, including budgeting, resource planning, and KPI-driven decision-making. Experience in technology or AI-focused organizations, with an understanding of research, product development, and innovation lifecycles. Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build partnerships and represent the organization to external stakeholders. Track record of fostering inclusive, collaborative work environments and managing distributed or remote teams. Ability to develop and implement governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks appropriate for a growing AI lab. Advanced problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, with comfort operating in fast-changing, ambiguous environments. Relevant academic background such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, management, technology, or a related field; an MBA or similar qualification is a plus. Prior experience in an executive, managing director, or senior leadership role in a startup, research lab, or innovation-driven organization is strongly preferred.