AI Fellow Opportunity – Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (Kansas City, USA)

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has officially opened applications for the AI Fellow position, a part-time strategic fellowship based in Kansas City, Missouri, with remote flexibility. This role focuses on advancing the responsible and equitable use of artificial intelligence to strengthen economic mobility, expand access to education and entrepreneurship, and ensure emerging technologies do not deepen existing opportunity gaps.

This fellowship aligns with the Foundation’s long-term 2035 mission to close opportunity gaps by supporting inclusive systems that help individuals and communities thrive.

About the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation dedicated to helping people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity, regardless of race, gender, or geography. Through grantmaking, research, programs, and partnerships, the Foundation supports the start and growth of new businesses, workforce readiness, and community resilience.

With an asset base of approximately $3 billion, the Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the United States. While its work has national and global reach, the Foundation remains deeply committed to Kansas City, investing in initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life. Its work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion, consistent with the vision of its founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.

Fellowship Overview

• Position Title: AI Fellow

• Time Type: Part-time

• Location: Kansas City, Missouri (remote possible with periodic travel)

• Reporting Line: Chief Impact and Strategy Officer

• Job Requisition ID: R188

• Application Deadline: February 20, 2026 (5:00 pm CT)

Fellowship Purpose

The AI Fellow will help shape how artificial intelligence can be applied as a force for inclusive economic growth, while actively addressing the risks of bias, exclusion, and unequal access. Working closely with Foundation leadership, the Fellow will advise on strategic priorities and explore where AI can remove barriers, redesign systems, and unlock new pathways into education, work, and entrepreneurship—particularly for communities historically excluded from economic mobility.

The Fellow will also have the flexibility to propose and advance a signature initiative or line of inquiry aligned with the Foundation’s mission and long-term strategy.

Key Responsibilities

The AI Fellow will contribute across several interconnected areas:

Strategic Advisory & Thought Leadership
Advise senior leadership on the responsible and equitable use of AI across the Foundation’s strategy, research, grantmaking, and ecosystem initiatives. This includes assessing emerging AI trends, governance models, and risks related to workforce disruption, access, bias, and regional inequality.

Fellow-Led Signature Initiative
Design and advance a high-impact initiative or inquiry exploring how AI can strengthen economic mobility. Potential focus areas may include improving access to postsecondary education and credentials, reimagining entrepreneurship support and capital access, identifying hidden barriers through data and research, or developing community-centered frameworks for AI adoption.

Ecosystem & Field Building
Engage with universities, nonprofits, employers, civic leaders, and technologists to inform responsible AI adoption in the Kansas City region. Contribute to national learning by sharing insights, frameworks, and lessons with peer funders, policymakers, and practitioners.

Internal Collaboration
Work closely with the Foundation’s internal AI Working Group and cross-functional teams to translate ideas into pilots, capacity-building efforts, and real-world applications.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Computer Science (with a focus on ethics or society), Data Science, Sociology, Education, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in technology strategy, public policy, economic development, applied innovation, or public-interest technology.

• Willingness to travel occasionally for meetings or convenings.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be self-directed, detail-oriented, and comfortable working across teams in a dynamic environment. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Expertise in AI strategy, responsible AI, or public-interest technology

• Strong grounding in equity, economic mobility, workforce development, entrepreneurship, or education systems

• Experience influencing decision-makers across philanthropy, policy, academia, or industry

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• A proven ability to translate ideas into action and manage projects effectively

• Alignment with the Foundation’s values, integrity standards, and commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable law.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a resume and cover letter through the official application portal. The job posting will be removed at 5:00 pm CT on February 20, 2026.

Closing Note

The AI Fellow role offers a unique opportunity to influence how artificial intelligence is used in service of economic opportunity, fairness, and community impact—from within one of the most respected philanthropic institutions in the United States.