Your Role

You are responsible for providing the deep technical grounding that supports the development and implementation of the foundation's AI policy by translating developments in AI technology, governance, and industry practice into insights the team can act on. You bring firsthand knowledge of the technology sector, including the stakeholders, dynamics, and realities of how AI systems are built, deployed, and governed in practice, and you bring those perspectives and relationships to the table in service of the team's policy agenda.

• Serve as the team's internal resource on AI safety, governance, regulation, and technology policy — monitoring and advising on developments across federal agencies, the technology sector, and national and international AI governance bodies; analyzing emerging and nascent governance frameworks, regulatory proposals, and industry practices; and translating their implications for students, educators, institutions, and the foundation's education policy agenda.

• Work closely with the senior program officer for AI and data infrastructure to strengthen the team’s AI policy perspectives, ensuring they are well-grounded in the realities of AI technology, governance, and industry practice.

• Synthesize evolving technical and regulatory context quickly and accurately — identifying what is known, what is uncertain, and what the strategic implications are for the foundation’s work.

• Develop analytical products, briefings, and points of view for the Policy & Advocacy team and division leadership that translate complex AI governance and technology policy developments into actionable implications for the foundation’s work.

• You will advise program strategy teams on the technology policy landscape as it relates to their investments in AI-enabled tools, helping them understand emerging regulatory developments and governance considerations that may affect their strategies.

• Identify relevant AI governance convenings, multistakeholder forums, and technical/policy contacts worth cultivating, and support colleagues who represent the foundation in these spaces.

• Support the team’s engagement with technology sector partners, AI governance organizations, and relevant federal agencies — bringing tech world relationships and perspectives to the table and providing technical grounding that strengthens the foundation’s credibility in these spaces.

• Help identify and cultivate relationships with new stakeholders across the technology sector, academia, civil society, and government — expanding the breadth of perspectives the team can draw on without diluting the rigor of its policy positions.

• Communicate complex technical and policy developments in a clear, structured, and audience-appropriate way, tailoring analytical products to the needs of foundation leadership, programmatic partners, and external audiences.

• Support inclusive culture through modeling behaviors and actions; escalate issues in a timely fashion to appropriate stakeholders.

• An Advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience.

• Significant experience in technology policy, AI governance, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise in how AI systems are developed, deployed, and governed.

• Mastery level knowledge of the AI governance landscape, including federal and state regulatory activity, industry self-regulatory frameworks, and emerging international standards and their implications for AI use in the United States.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical and regulatory developments into clear, actionable analysis for diverse audiences including foundation leadership and programmatic partners, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Comfort and credibility operating in a policy environment that spans changing federal administrations and varied state political contexts, with a track record of building durable relationships that aren't tied to a particular party or administration.

• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to rapidly assess emerging developments, identify their strategic implications, and develop well-reasoned points of view under conditions of uncertainty.

• Intellectual curiosity about education and a demonstrated commitment to learning quickly in new domains; familiarity with the K-12 or postsecondary policy landscape is an asset but not required.

Must have unrestricted work authorization in the country where this position is located. The Foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. This includes direct company sponsorship and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (eg: H-1B, O-1, L-1, E, OPT, STEM-OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.).

The salary range for this role is $190,100 to $294,700 USD. We recognize high-wage market differences in Seattle and Washington D.C., where our offices are located. The range for this role in these locations is $209,100 to $324,100 USD. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our mission. New hires salaries are typically between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process. 

Hiring Requirements

As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.