APAC Director of Operations/Strategy

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