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Full-time FAS Staff
WASHINGTON, DC
$145,000 ‒ $215,000 Annually
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Director of Policy Fellowship Programs

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is a nonprofit policy research and advocacy organization founded in 1945 to meet national security challenges with evidence-based, scientifically-driven, and nonpartisan policy, analysis, and research.  The organization advances progress on a broad suite of contemporary issues where science, technology, and innovation policy can deliver dramatic progress, and ensures that scientific and technical expertise has a seat at the policymaking table.  We believe in embracing a growth-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset to drive impact for our colleagues, clients, and partners around the world.

Position Summary:

FAS is hiring an inaugural Director of Policy Fellowship Programs to lead its cross-organization efforts to connect science and technology professionals to opportunities to serve throughout government and public policy nonprofits. Overseeing a $20M initiative investment, the Director will be responsible for building out and sustaining several talent focused initiatives across a variety of programs at FAS including the Talent Hub, the Endless Frontier Fellowship and multiple other fellowship programs placing 100 – 200 science and technology professionals in government and policy organizations, annually.  The Director will build upon the initial success of these programs to develop and drive a consistent and cohesive strategy and lead the Talent portfolio into the next phase of growth, including the development of federal “talent as a service” offerings.  With a focus on shared learning, collaboration and scale this role will work with both internal and external stakeholders and will focus on deepening partnerships with various federal agencies and civil society stakeholders. In coordination with FAS leadership, the Director of Policy Fellowship Programs will build and deliver high quality recruitment, programming, and community-building functions aimed at increasing the reach and impact that science and technology professionals have across government and civil society organizations.

What you’ll do:

Working closely with the FAS leadership and reporting to the CEO, this new position will  direct all talent related activities within the organization working across FAS programs, government agencies and collaborative partners.  The Director will be responsible for refining the project direction and developing products that can scale across a variety of programs as the demand for science and technology talent increases at a rapid pace.  Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Sustaining and enhancing the effective programmatic elements of FAS’ talent initiatives;
  • Developing new offerings to meet federal recruiting, hiring and other “tour of service” technical talent needs;
  • Developing, refining and communicating a clear vision and strategy for FAS talent initiatives that will guide the body of work to the next phase growth and scale;
  • Creating a robust community of stakeholders including government officials, policy makers, funders, fellowship and accelerator alum and other people  that have engaged with FAS  initiatives;
  • Growing relationships with federal government leaders to understand their talent needs;
  • Cultivating relationships with new and existing funding partners in order to support and sustain diverse talent focused initiatives;
  • Working with our finance team to manage grant budgets aligned to strategic talent initiatives and ensure proper allocation of funds across the program; 
  • Maturing and growing FAS’ recruitment abilities, with a focus on diversity and inclusion,  elevating opportunities for individuals historically underrepresented in STEM fields;
  • Collaborating and working alongside FAS teammates to ensure cross-pollination across programs and robust organizational health;

Qualifications you’ll need:

The FAS team is seeking an entrepreneurial, ambitious, and resourceful individual who is comfortable in a lean and agile environment, and has previous job experience in a similar dynamic setting. Specifically, FAS seeks a candidate who has:

  • A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the federal government, science or technology policy, policy think-tanks or nonprofits, consulting, recruiting or technology;
  • Expertise in cultivating and managing large-scale grants and/or investments and relationships with diverse stakeholders and multiple funding partners;
  • Critical thinking and attention to detail specifically as it relates to fundraising, program planning, budgets and reporting;
  • Demonstrated ability to toggle between strategy and successful execution;
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate and engage with diverse audiences specifically as it relates to internal and external communications and funding proposals;
  • Ability and willingness to do as well as lead, working flexibly in a nimble, small agile team;
  • A clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially with regard to workforce/workplace issues;
  • Demonstrated experience in working across a variety of different program and issue areas
  • Experience in recruitment (e.g., executive search), federal government hiring or contracting is a plus.

This position is based in Washington, DC – Hybrid (in-office 2-3 days per week

Hiring Statement:

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.

FAS looking to fill this position quickly. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Early submission will ensure your application receives full consideration.

To apply, please click the “Apply for this position” button and fill out all of the required details. Please ensure to attach a resume and cover letter in the associated boxes.

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

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