© 2026 AI Strike Team.
AI Strike Team · Full-Time
Pittsburgh · Consultant-based · Title flexible
The AI Strike Team is a fast-moving, industry-led initiative created to position Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania as national leaders in the New AI Economy—where artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, advanced manufacturing, and capital converge to drive real-world economic growth. Through initiatives such as AI Horizons, the Strike Team convenes executives, investors, policymakers, and academic leaders to accelerate job creation, attract investment, and deploy AI at scale.
As the organization enters Strike Team 2.0, we are building a lean, execution-focused operating model designed for speed, adaptability, and impact.
The AI Strike Team is seeking a Chief of Staff & Strategic Partnerships (title flexible) to work directly with the CEO as a senior thought partner and execution lead. This is a highly trusted, high-autonomy role for a non-linear operator who thrives in ambiguity, sees the big picture, and can translate strategy into action across multiple stakeholders.This individual will serve as a force multiplier for the CEO—helping manage priorities, advance high-impact initiatives, and ensure that the organization moves quickly and cohesively at a moment of accelerating opportunity.
Strategic Execution & CEO Support
Work directly with the CEO to advance the Strike Team’s fast-moving strategic priorities, initiatives, and partnerships. Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies and their real-world applications.
Serve as a thought partner in shaping and adapting the organization’s strategy as opportunities evolve.
Act as an internal integrator—connecting people, ideas, capital, and execution across workstreams.
Events, Platforms & Applied AI Initiatives (technical depth not required)
Support the execution of high-profile, AI-driven economic development convenings, including AI Horizons and related programs.
Develop a working understanding of the AI capital, innovation, and commercialization landscape—and how cohesion across the AI stack drives economic impact.
Help translate complex AI and economic concepts into clear narratives for executives, policymakers, and partners.
Stakeholder & Board Coordination
Coordinate stakeholder engagement across industry leaders, academic institutions, investors, and government partners.
Support Strike Team 2.0 board operations, including preparation for meetings and follow-through on non-incremental priorities.
Selectively interface directly with board members and executive leaders, representing the CEO as appropriate.
Partnerships & External Engagement
Help manage and grow relationships with key partners, including CMU, Pitt, corporate leaders, and select public-sector stakeholders.
Interface selectively with elected officials and institutional leaders as part of broader economic development initiatives.
Help manage and grow relationships with key partners, including CMU, Pitt, corporate leaders, and select public-sector stakeholders.
Represent the AI Strike Team publicly on occasion, in coordination with the CEO.
Operational Leadership
Keep multiple high-stakes initiatives moving simultaneously—anticipating challenges, aligning timelines, and ensuring follow-through.
Bring order and momentum without over-process; keep “the trains running” while adapting in real time.
Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities early—and surface them proactively.
Minimum 10+ years of experience in a high-growth, high-stakes environment.
Non-linear backgrounds welcome, including:
Former founders
Senior consultants or strategists
Ex-government or public sector leaders
Corporate strategy, investment, or economic developments professionals
Proven experience scaling initiatives tied to job creation, investment, or economic impact.
Strong executive communications skills—able to write clearly, speak confidently, and operate credibly with CEOs, academics, and public leaders.
Curious and informed about the AI economy, capital flows, and innovation trends (technical depth not required).
Big-picture thinker who can also execute.Non-linear backgrounds welcome, including:
Comfortable with ambiguity and speed.
Strong relationship-builder with sound judgment.Curious and informed about the AI economy, capital flows, and innovation trends (technical depth not required).
Self-directed, highly organized, and calm under pressure.
Someone who does not need excessive structure to be effective.
Consultant-based engagement.
Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and scope.
Flexible structure, with meaningful responsibility and visibility.
Require highly defined processes or rigid structures to operate.
Prefer narrow functional roles without cross-cutting responsibility.
Are looking for a purely communications or administrative position.
This position sits at the center of a defining economic moment for Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania. The Chief of Staff & Strategic Partnerships will help ensure the AI Strike Team moves with urgency, clarity, and impact—translating vision into execution as the region stakes its claim in the New AI Economy.