Scale AI · 2 months ago
Strategic Portfolio Lead
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$161K/yr - $202K/yr
7+ years expScale AI is seeking an accomplished Strategic Portfolio Lead to drive growth of their partnership with the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). The role involves leading strategic expansion in data labeling, model development, and test & evaluation initiatives while collaborating with internal teams and government stakeholders to achieve measurable outcomes.
AI InfrastructureArtificial Intelligence (AI)Data Collection and LabelingGenerative AIImage RecognitionMachine Learning
Responsibilities
Own and drive the overall relationship with CDAO’s Autonomy Factory & Data Foundry, one of Scale AI’s most complex and strategically significant government partnerships
Define and execute the strategic direction across data labeling, model development, and T&E initiatives, ensuring alignment with CDAO’s mission priorities
Lead quarterly business reviews to assess progress, address challenges, and reinforce Scale’s value proposition across multiple contracts
Co-develop and validate the “AI Incubator” model with CDAO, creating a repeatable framework for scaling small AI projects into self-funded, mission-critical capabilities
Identify, qualify, and capture high-impact growth opportunities with new and existing mission partners across the Department of War, emphasizing autonomy, computer vision, and AI-ready data
Own the end-to-end development and execution of Mission Partner Growth Plans, including relationship mapping, engagement cadences, funding strategies, and measurable value creation metrics
Develop and execute renewal and expansion strategies—understanding stakeholder priorities, navigating review processes, and driving mutual close plans that ensure long-term continuity and growth
Track and communicate progress against growth objectives, proactively managing risks and dependencies while driving scope expansion, sustainable funding, and strategic alignment
Build and foster trusted relationships with senior government officials, military leaders, and technical industry partners to advance Scale AI’s mission and credibility
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders across multiple organizations, demonstrating responsiveness, business acumen, and a deep understanding of their mission and operational needs
Represent Scale AI in high-stakes discussions and strategic negotiations, demonstrating thought leadership, adaptability, and a long-term perspective
Drive collaboration across GTM, Delivery & Operations (D&O), Engineering, Product, and Government Relations to define SMART growth objectives, set KPIs, and deliver actionable engagement plans that create measurable mission and business outcomes
Act as the voice of the customer internally—advocating for partner needs, providing feedback to influence product direction, and ensuring delivery excellence
Foster alignment and clarity across internal teams by establishing transparent communication channels, reducing silos, and driving unified execution
Establish a centralized “homeroom” for all CDAO contract materials to enhance internal knowledge management and operational efficiency
Partner with Deployment Strategists to ensure strategic alignment across service-specific initiatives, providing escalation support and enabling high-quality deal execution
Oversee the creation of sales and customer enablement materials that equip DSs to position Scale AI’s capabilities effectively and consistently
Stay current on defense, autonomy, and AI industry trends, consistently sharing insights to inform account strategy and strengthen Scale AI’s competitive positioning
Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment—managing multiple priorities while maintaining strategic focus and execution excellence
Qualification
Required
7+ years in strategic roles involving account growth, cross-functional leadership, or executive stakeholder engagement in AI, defense tech, SaaS, or government
Familiarity with basic concepts of Machine Learning & Machine Learning Operations
Demonstrated success orchestrating complex multi-party strategies across government and industry
Strong experience working alongside sales teams to define winning approaches and support deal execution — without directly owning quotas
Excellent communicator with strong executive presence; comfortable leading high-stakes conversations and aligning senior stakeholders
Proven ability to drive clarity and progress in ambiguous, high-velocity environments
Experience leading cross-functional collaboration and aligning diverse teams around shared goals
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or similar)
Preferred
Master's degree in a relevant field (Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or similar)
PMP, CSM, or similar certifications
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage
Retirement benefits
A learning and development stipend
Generous PTO
A commuter stipend
Company
Scale AI
Scale’s mission is to develop reliable AI systems for the world’s most important decisions.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Scale AI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (82)
2024 (54)
2023 (29)
2022 (17)
2021 (10)
2020 (10)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$15.9BKey Investors
MetaAccelTiger Global Management
2025-06-10Corporate Round· $14.3B
2025-06-04Series Unknown
2024-05-21Series F· $1B
Leadership Team
Jason Droege
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Dennis Cinelli
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-16
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2026-01-09
Crunchbase News
2026-01-07
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