Director of Operations/Strategy

Director of Operations/Strategy @ Sentient

A strategic and operational leader driving ecosystem growth, partnerships, and community engagement across APAC. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution—building relationships with key partners and exchanges, running cross-functional initiatives, and fostering a vibrant open-source AI community in markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning
• Develop and execute strategies spanning marketing, BD, and community growth with APAC as priority
• Lead planning cycles ensuring alignment between ecosystem initiatives and Foundation mission
• Identify market opportunities and position Sentient Foundation as a leader in open-source AI
• Operations & Execution
• Drive cross-functional coordination, resolving dependencies and keeping initiatives on track
• Build processes and systems that improve team velocity and operational excellence
• Support leadership in real-time decision-making to move projects forward efficiently
• Business Development & Partnerships
• Build relationships with exchanges, AI labs, protocols, and enterprises across APAC
• Leverage exchange relationships to drive strategic initiatives and ecosystem visibility
• Represent the Foundation at industry events and conferences throughout the region
• Marketing & Community
• Shape Foundation messaging and brand positioning with regional nuance
• Design programs that engage developers, researchers, and builders across APAC
• Build relationships with community members, contributors, and KOLs in key markets

Requirements

• 5+ years in strategy, operations, BD, or ecosystem growth in web3 or AI
• Background at a top exchange (Coinbase, Binance, OKX) is a strong plus
• Experience at a foundation or protocol-level organization preferred
• Strong track record building partnerships and driving execution in APAC markets
• Exceptional communication skills; ability to operate autonomously in fast-paced environments
• Deep understanding of open-source software, AI, and web3 ecosystems
• Existing network within APAC AI and crypto communities strongly preferred
• Fluency in Mandarin is a plus