Director of Policy

Position Summary

The AI Policy Institute (AIPI) seeks an experienced Director of Policy to lead our policy research and development efforts on artificial intelligence (AI) governance and catastrophic risk mitigation. You will translate complex AI policy challenges into actionable legislative proposals, manage cutting-edge research projects, and serve as a key leader in building AIPI's policy research team. This role requires deep policy expertise, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to communicate technical AI issues to diverse audiences. The Director of Policy will shape AIPI's policy agenda while ensuring our research and recommendations reflect both public opinion data and technical realities of advanced AI systems.

Compensation: $120,000 – $170,000

Responsibilities

Policy Research & Development

• Set AIPI’s policy agenda and official public policy stances, in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Lead development of comprehensive policy proposals addressing AI catastrophic risks, including model legislation, regulatory frameworks, and governance structures addressing advanced AI systems including AGI and superintelligence.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of existing and proposed AI policies at federal and state levels.
• Synthesize technical AI safety research into accessible policy briefs, white papers, and reports.
• Integrate AIPI's public opinion polling data into policy recommendations to demonstrate voter support.

Stakeholder Engagement & Education

• Brief congressional staff, executive branch officials, and state policymakers on AI risks and policy solutions in educational settings.
• Coordinate expert convenings, roundtables, and educational workshops on AI governance.
• Serve as a policy expert for media interviews, panels, and public forums.
• Build relationships with AI researchers, safety organizations, and other think tanks to strengthen policy proposals.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Develop and implement AIPI's multi-year policy research agenda in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Identify emerging AI governance challenges and proactively develop policy responses.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments to inform AIPI's strategic priorities.
• Ensure policy proposals are technically sound, politically viable, and aligned with public sentiment.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage policy analysts and research associates; provide mentorship and professional development.
• Collaborate with AIPI's polling team to design surveys that inform policy development.
• Work with communications team to ensure effective dissemination of policy research.
• Coordinate with external researchers and consultants on specialized projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in policy development, analysis, or research in technology, national security, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in translating complex technical issues into policy recommendations.
• Strong understanding of AI technology, AI safety concepts, and emerging risks from advanced AI systems.
• Experience working with or within government, think tanks, or policy research organizations.
• Exceptional writing skills with proven ability to produce high-quality policy briefs, reports, and legislative analysis.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, and media.