Senior AI Policy Fellow

States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to the rule of law and free, fair, and secure elections, is seeking a Senior AI Policy Fellow to join its State Innovation team.

About the State Innovation Team:

State Innovation is a new program within States United Democracy Center that supports states in protecting democracy and filling critical gaps left by the federal government. Artificial intelligence is reshaping how state governments work and creating opportunities for states to develop regulatory frameworks. These choices carry real opportunity and risk for public trust, civil rights, consumer protection, data privacy, and accountability. States United is building capacity to help states manage this rapidly evolving technology and its impact on communities, individuals, and their states.

Job Overview:

The Senior AI Policy Fellow is a core member of the organization’s State Innovation program reporting to the Program Director (State Innovation) within the Legal Department. The Senior AI Policy Fellow works with a small team to analyze technical, policy, and legal developments related to artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for state government, providing in-depth research and practical strategies to state officials, other clients and stakeholders, and States United. This role will track, monitor, draft, and devise AI-related policy solutions. Additionally, the Senior AI Policy Fellow will provide written reports and presentations, facilitate peer learning opportunities, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. The Senior AI Policy Fellow will work closely with the legal, communications, and strategy and partnership teams at States United.

The is a full-time, limited-term position that will serve a 12-month term.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform all duties in accordance with States United’s values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Conduct factual, legal, and strategic analysis concerning artificial intelligence to support the development and execution of projects related to States United’s work.
• Conduct research and provide guidance and analysis on complex issues related to States United’s work, including analyzing relevant bills, laws, developments, media and government activity and recommending research, operations, and policy responses concerning artificial intelligence.
• Monitor and analyze state and federal AI legislation, regulations, and executive orders, policy proposals, government activity and emerging issues related to States United’s work concerning AI.
• Track and analyze policy developments related to AI from state and federal legislatures and other AI stakeholders.
• Follow emergency AI risks and opportunities for state governments.
• Provide technical assistance and expert advice concerning AI to team members, the Chief Executive Officer, Board members, state officials, stakeholders, partners, coalition members, and others who seek assistance from States United.
• Translate technical AI concepts and policies into clear, actionable guidance for non-technical audiences.
• Draft and recommend AI policy proposals as needed.
• Work with colleagues across the organization to analyze issues and develop public education and other materials on AI, particularly as it intersects with state government, including drafting and/or reviewing policy reports, white papers, press materials, and other resources.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, partner organizations, and state and local officials around the country to advance States United’s work.
• Draft high-quality materials, including policy briefs, memos, guidance, analysis, and research.
• Help manage Project Associates/Assistants and interns on projects, as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree.
• At least nine (9) years of experience in law, public policy, public administration, political science, or similar field (a graduate degree in a relevant field may count toward experience).
• Substantive knowledge of AI systems, their capabilities and risks, and the policy and governance frameworks that apply to them; significant experience working on AI policy.
• A record of providing policy analysis or advice on AI, and ability to explain complex technical and legal issues plainly to senior officials and stakeholders.
• Experience working on policy issues and solutions, including legislative and regulatory policy frameworks; experience researching and developing policy solutions with a broad base of stakeholders inside and outside of government.
• Experience working with policymakers and other policy stakeholders.
• A team player who can partner and collaborate with others and coordinate with internal and external teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent critical thinking skills with the ability to creatively develop and execute thoughtful solutions to complex problems.
• Outstanding judgment about challenging issues and project management/organizational issues.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, including drafting and editing complex analysis.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize and mobilize appropriate resources to accomplish objectives.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as necessary.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 15% travel time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with state officials, including governors, attorneys general, Secretaries of State, state legislatures, and/or other state or local government officials.
• Existing relationships with AI researchers, developers, or state policy networks.
• Experience conducting legislative, regulatory, or other complex analysis.
• Experience working in public interest, government, or other mission-driven legal settings.

We welcome and encourage individuals to apply even if they do not have all or any of the preferred qualifications listed above.

Compensation + Benefits:

• Annual salary will be $150,000+ and commensurate to experience.

States United Democracy Center offers?generous benefits including 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental plans plus matching retirement plans.

We have offices located in Boston, MA; Brooklyn, NY; and Washington, DC. This position may also be remote within the United States, with travel to attend organizational and team meetings and conferences, and other travel as needed.

States United values a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

As part of our finalist process, we conduct professional reference checks and may speak to former supervisors and colleagues beyond the references you initially provide. We will never contact your current employer without your express permission.