Associate Director for Artificial Intelligence Policy

The Federation of American Scientists seeks a dynamic subject matter expert to serve as the Associate Director for Artificial Intelligence Policy.  At FAS we believe in bringing technical expertise to federal AI policy debates with a goal of fostering the safe and responsible development of AI technologies and pursuing domains where deploying AI can do the most good.  The vision for the role includes influencing federal policy making and effective implementation of AI and emerging technology policy within the legislative and executive branches of government.  

The Associate Director for Artificial Intelligence Policy will seek to shape US AI policy and have demonstrated experience in engaging in critical dialogue across industry, academia, government and the public sector.  As a team leader, the AD of AI policy will work closely with colleagues to curate, fundraise, and implement a high-impact strategy focused on achieving results.

About FAS

At the Federation of American Scientists, we believe in embracing a growth oriented and entrepreneurial mindset to drive impact for our colleagues, our customers and the world.  We envision a world where cutting-edge science, technology, ideas and talent are deployed to solve the biggest challenges of our time. We embed science, technology, innovation, and experience into government and public discourse in order to build a healthy, safe, prosperous and equitable society.

What you’ll do

• Influence the AI policy discourse at the federal level, serving as a subject matter expert on AI policy at the nexus of innovation, national security, high-skilled immigration, government capacity and competitiveness 
• Provide technical assistance to the legislative and executive branches as they curate AI and AI adjacent policy and regulation
• Partner across the organization with domain experts to understand how their work and fields of study will be changed with AI tools, and develop integrated solutions about how these changes should be governed
• Network, inform and convene ecosystem actors across academia, government, and industry to engage in once in a generation policy making
• Serve as a team lead for the AI Policy team, including managing at least two teammates and mentoring fellows on an ongoing basis 
• Contribute to raising at least $1-2M in funding annually for the AI policy portfolio

Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in emerging technology with at least 3+ years in artificial intelligence policy
• 5+ years in people and team management
• Experience working in the federal government or on the Hill
• Capacity to plan and execute on an action-oriented policy agenda
• Ability to manage to clear priorities and make tradeoffs when necessary for both your team and your own time
• Collaborative team-player who can communicate complex subject matter to non-technical audiences and stakeholders
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong relationship management skills
• Demonstrated ability and passion for convening non-partisan, civic discourse
• Experience in raising philanthropic funding to support policy and advocacy work 
• Master’s degree in related field, PhD preferred

Nice to haves

• Ability to influence public policy dialogue through the media and publications
• Expertise in high-skilled immigration policy, national security policy a plus
• Experience working with international AI and emerging technology policy a plus

Work Environment 

This position will be a hybrid role based in Washington DC, meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote.

Salary Range

• $120,000 – $170,000

Hiring Statement

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.

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.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.