Ford Foundation Technology Fellows Program 2026: $170,000 Salary Opportunities in AI, Philanthropy, Digital Safety and Security in New York, USA

The Ford Foundation has officially opened applications for two highly prestigious Technology Fellow positions under its renowned Technology Fellows Program. These two-year fellowship opportunities are designed for experienced technology professionals who are passionate about social justice, public-interest technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, philanthropy, and societal impact.

The Foundation is currently recruiting for:

1. Technology Fellow: AI and Philanthropy
2. Technology Fellow: Digital Safety and Security

Both positions are based in New York City and offer competitive salaries ranging from $166,000 to $170,000 annually, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to influence one of the world’s most respected philanthropic organizations.

Applications for both roles must be submitted no later than July 6, 2026.

About the Ford Foundation

For more than eight decades, the Ford Foundation has been one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations dedicated to advancing social justice, reducing inequality, strengthening democratic values, promoting international cooperation, and fostering human achievement.

Headquartered in New York City, the Foundation operates globally through regional offices across:

• Africa
• Asia
• Latin America
• The Middle East

The Foundation supports visionary leaders, organizations, and movements that are addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity.

Recognizing the growing influence of technology on society, the Ford Foundation has increasingly invested in building expertise at the intersection of technology, democracy, equity, social justice, and public policy.

About the Ford Technology Fellows Program

The Technology Fellows Program was established to strengthen sociotechnical capacity throughout the Foundation.

A sociotechnical approach recognizes that technology and society continuously influence one another and that technological innovation must be evaluated alongside its social, ethical, political, and economic impacts.

The program aims to:

1. Enrich Internal Perspectives

Technology Fellows bring diverse technical expertise into the Foundation and help staff understand emerging technological opportunities and risks through a social justice lens.

2. Increase Technical Capacity

The fellows strengthen organizational understanding of:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Security
• Data Governance
• Emerging Technologies
• Technology Policy
• Responsible Innovation

3. Generate New Ideas and Networks

The program encourages innovation by helping the Foundation build relationships with:

• Researchers
• Practitioners
• Technology experts
• Civil society organizations
• Social justice advocates
• Government institutions
• Philanthropic partners

Technology Fellows act as both strategic advisors and technical experts, helping the Foundation navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape.

Technology Fellow: AI and Philanthropy 

Overview

The AI and Philanthropy Fellow will focus on helping the Foundation better understand and responsibly adopt artificial intelligence technologies.

This role is primarily internal-facing and supports Foundation staff through strategic guidance, training, research, and organizational learning initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Director of Technology and Society, the fellow will help create frameworks and practices that enable ethical, mission-aligned AI adoption throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

The selected fellow will:

Develop AI Evaluation Frameworks

• Support Foundation teams in assessing AI tools.
• Build internal frameworks for responsible AI adoption.
• Evaluate ethical, operational, and sociotechnical implications of AI systems.

Lead AI Training and Learning

• Design workshops and training programs.
• Build staff familiarity with AI technologies.
• Help employees critically evaluate AI effectiveness and risks.
• Promote responsible AI experimentation.

Conduct Research and Analysis

The fellow will monitor:

• Global AI developments
• Emerging AI technologies
• Policy and regulatory trends
• AI innovation in civil society
• AI applications in philanthropy

Build Strategic Partnerships

Responsibilities include:

• Engaging AI researchers
• Connecting with practitioners
• Collaborating with nonprofits
• Identifying innovative grantees
• Supporting mission-driven AI initiatives

Produce Knowledge Resources

The fellow will create:

• AI guidance documents
• Internal learning materials
• Strategic briefings
• Research reports
• Best-practice resources

Desired Expertise

Applicants should possess experience in:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Generative AI
• Responsible AI
• AI Governance
• Technology Strategy
• Organizational Change
• Philanthropic Innovation

Technology Fellow: Digital Safety and Security 

Overview

The Digital Safety and Security Fellow will focus on strengthening digital security capacity among the Foundation and its global network of grantee organizations.

As civil society organizations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, surveillance risks, and information security challenges, this fellow will help expand the Foundation’s ability to support secure and resilient organizations worldwide.

Reporting to the Director of the Office of the Vice President for U.S. Programs, the fellow will work directly with program officers and grantee partners across multiple regions.

Key Responsibilities

Strengthen Digital Security Capacity

The fellow will:

• Assess digital security needs.
• Recommend security improvements.
• Support technical assistance programs.
• Help organizations improve resilience against cyber threats.

Build Ecosystem Capacity

Responsibilities include:

• Identifying strategic gaps.
• Mapping digital security providers.
• Supporting field-building efforts.
• Developing networks across the public-interest technology sector.

Support High-Risk Grantees

The fellow will:

• Provide strategic guidance.
• Support digital risk mitigation.
• Enhance security preparedness.
• Improve organizational safety practices.

Evaluate Emerging Technologies

The role involves analyzing:

• Surveillance technologies
• Security software
• Privacy-enhancing technologies
• Emerging digital risks
• Cybersecurity solutions

Desired Expertise

Strong candidates may possess backgrounds in:

• Cybersecurity
• Information Security
• Digital Rights
• Privacy Protection
• Threat Intelligence
• Risk Management
• Surveillance Technologies
• Public Interest Technology

Qualifications for Both Fellowship Positions

Applicants for either position should demonstrate:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience.

Technical Expertise

Candidates should possess expertise in one or more of the following:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Generative AI
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Safety
• Technology Policy
• Information Security
• Public Interest Technology

Additional Competencies

Strong candidates should also demonstrate:

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Research expertise
• Stakeholder engagement abilities
• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Cross-sector collaboration experience
• Ability to manage confidential information
• Leadership and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

Although not required, the Foundation values applicants with:

• Change management experience
• Organizational transformation expertise
• International experience
• Familiarity with regions where Ford operates
• Understanding of geopolitical issues

Salary and Compensation

The Ford Foundation offers exceptional compensation.

Annual Salary Range

• Minimum: $166,000
• Maximum: $170,000

Final compensation depends on:

• Experience
• Qualifications
• Internal equity considerations

Benefits Package

Employees receive a comprehensive package that includes:

Health and Wellness Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision coverage
• Wellness support programs

Time-Off Benefits

• Vacation leave
• Personal leave
• Sick leave
• Extended holiday leave
• Wellness days

Family Benefits

• Generous parental leave
• Adoption support
• Foster parent support
• Surrogacy support
• Childcare assistance resources
• Elder care support resources

Retirement Benefits

The Foundation offers a highly competitive retirement package featuring employee and employer contributions of up to 13%.

Professional Development

Employees also benefit from:

• Career development opportunities
• Leadership growth
• Skills enhancement programs
• Networking opportunities
• Access to global experts

Work Location and Working Model

Both positions are based in:

New York City, USA

The Foundation operates a hybrid working model requiring employees to work in the office three days per week.

For the Digital Safety and Security Fellow, domestic and international travel of approximately 10–20% may be required.

Work Authorization Requirements

Applicants should note that:

• Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Visa sponsorship will not be available in the future.
• Candidates must already possess legal authorization to work in the United States.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Ford Foundation strongly believes that diversity strengthens organizations and communities.

Employment decisions are made without regard to:

• Race
• Religion
• Gender
• National origin
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Age
• Veteran status
• Marital status

The Foundation also welcomes applications from formerly incarcerated individuals and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Why You Should Apply

Few opportunities allow technology professionals to combine advanced technical expertise with global social impact at this scale.

These Technology Fellow positions offer:

• Exceptional salaries of up to $170,000 annually.
• Direct influence on global philanthropy.
• Opportunities to shape responsible technology adoption.
• Exposure to leading social justice initiatives.
• Access to influential global networks.
• Meaningful work addressing societal challenges.

Whether your expertise lies in artificial intelligence or digital security, these fellowships offer a rare opportunity to help shape the future of technology and social change.

Application Deadline

July 6, 2026

Interested applicants must submit both:

• A Resume
• A Cover Letter

Applications submitted without both documents may not be considered.

 

Learn More

• More global Job opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here