Chief Technology Officer and EVP, Deep Tech & Exploration

XPRIZE Overview

XPRIZE is an established global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. As a 501(c)3, our unique model democratizes innovation by incentivizing crowd-sourced, scientifically viable solutions to create a more equitable and abundant future for all. Since our founding in 1994, we’ve awarded over $300M in prize purses, inspired thousands of global innovators, and collaborated with the most forward-thinking changemakers of our time. We operate across 5 areas of impact, including:

• Deep Tech & Exploration
• Energy, Climate & Nature
• Food, Water & Waste
• Learning & Society
• Health

Join XPRIZE to help empower humanity to achieve breakthroughs and architect a more equitable and abundant future for all.

Position Description

XPRIZE is seeking an experienced EVP, Deep Tech & Exploration to drive operational best practices and overall excellence in our Prizes and Challenges programs within the Deep Tech domain. The EVP, Deep Tech & Exploration will play a key leadership role by leading strategy execution of the Deep Tech domain.

Responsibilities

This role serves two primary functions:

• Chief Technology Officer (CTO) - Oversees all of XPRIZE’s IT infrastructure, platforms, and budgets, including:

• Azure cloud services and enterprise systems
• Public-facing platforms: website, community engagement web/app.
• Proprietary systems including: Prize Operations Platform (POP), Learning Management System (LMS)
• Cybersecurity, data privacy, and risk management
• IT budget,vendor relationships, and long-term technology strategy
• Executive Vice President, Deep Tech & Exploration - Lead XPRIZE’s global Deep Tech and Exploration domain, including:

• Guiding domain vision, strategy, and prize ideation.
• Managing the Deep Tech & Exploration Brain Trust, a network of world experts contributing to Visioneering and leading edge innovation
• Overseeing the $5M XPRIZE Google Quantum Applications prize and future competitions in quantum, Robotics, AI/ML, nanotech, materials, and space
• Actively supporting fundraising for new prizes, including philanthropic and corporate sponsorships
• Providing strategic oversight of program teams in the Deep Tech & Exploration domain including prize operations with Directors/Managers running day-to-day execution
• Serving as accountable executive, advisor, and connector across the domain and organization
• Budget authority on program spending within the domain

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of relevant professional experience in Deep Tech with strong business acumen
• PhD in Computer Science or Physics is desired with established trust, credibility, reputation, and integrity in the Deep Tech community outside XPRIZE.
• Current and able practitioner or researcher in AI/ML hardware and software platforms.
• Demonstrated annual P&L responsibility of at least $10M.
• Desirable if candidate has successful experience in raising philanthropic donations or venture capital in Deep Tech and or Space Tech.
  • Skillsets required, Azure cloud proficiency, Salesforce, Angular, any form of industry leading blockchain technology, and AI/ML integrations.
• Experience in public speaking as well as leading Executive level meetings, webinars, workshops, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in cybersecurity, data privacy, and risk management related to IT infrastructure and AI systems.
• Strong collaborator with experience building and working with ecosystems and partner organizations.
• Superior interpersonal skills, including strong managerial and supervisory experience of fast-paced, nimble, and highly-skilled teams
• Track record in overseeing and leading individuals and teams to smooth execution of multiple initiatives and projects.
• Skilled in interacting with professionals at all levels of authority within major corporations, government agencies, and research institutions.
• Strong business writing and professional verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive and think creatively and calmly in highly fluid situations and under intense schedules and deadlines.
• Highly diplomatic, with proven crisis management experience.

Competencies

• Collaborative Leadership - Builds trust and alignment across diverse teams and stakeholders; fosters a culture of shared purpose
• Team Building and Alignment - Creates and develops strong teams, unites them around a compelling vision and inspires high performance
• Decisive and Action Oriented - Moves ideas into action with urgency while balancing thoughtful risk-taking
• Comfort with Ambiguity - Navigates complexity and uncertainty with resilience, adaptability, and clarity
• Effective Communication - Communicates with professionalism and influence, tailoring style to audiences from engineers and scientists to global executives and lay people
• Strategic Planning and Execution - Aligns resources and priorities; sets clear goals and ensures accountability
• Global Mindset - Operates with cultural awareness and perspective; experienced and comfortable engaging with international partners
• Intellectual Curiosity - Approaches challenges with curiosity, creativity, and a passion for continuous learning
• Network Builder - Creates and leverages partnerships, ecosystems, and advisory networks to advance organizational goals
• Data-Driven Results Orientation - Establishes metrics, analyzes outcomes, and drives measurable impact
• Situational Agility - Adapts quickly to evolving circumstances, demonstrating judgment, diplomacy, and presence
• Talent Developer - Builds, mentors, and sustains high-performing, engaged teams

The anticipated base salary for this position is $275,000 to $325,000 and may also qualify for an annual incentive. This role is eligible for our competitive pay package including base salary and bonus, extensive benefits package and generous paid time off including vacation, sick, and holidays. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors including the qualifications of the individual applicant, years of relevant experience for the role, level of education attained, and certifications and/or other licenses held. XPRIZE is a remote-first environment.

The XPRIZE FOUNDATION is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization.

Please note: Though submitting a resume to the XPRIZE FOUNDATION implies that you are interested in a position(s), it does not imply that you are an applicant. You are not considered an applicant until you have been contacted directly by a Talent Acquisitions representative requesting that you begin the designated application process, which may involve phone and/or in-person interview(s), job-related testing, and background checks.

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