Experience in government service, including fellowships
Proven track record of policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement
Ability to translate technical concepts for policy audiences
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Deep commitment to privacy and open-source principles
Self-directed with a proactive approach to policy opportunities
Responsibilities
Lead OpenMined's US policy agenda on AI oversight and verification
Develop and advocate for OpenMined's position on network-source AI
Staff the Executive Director for high-level meetings and briefings
Identify and track critical policy developments in Washington
Build relationships with key stakeholders across government
Represent OpenMined in policy forums and working groups
Build coalitions with privacy-tech companies and civil society organizations
Benefits
Mission-driven work focused on social impact
Medical, dental, and vision insurance with company contributions
403(b) retirement plan for non-profit employees
Opportunity to contribute to an impactful Open Source project
Collaborative and diverse global team environment
Flexible work hours to suit personal productivity
Fully remote work with location requirements
Flexible paid time off including local national holidays
Full Job Description
About the Role
We're seeking a Senior Policy Manager, based in Washington, DC, to lead our US policy work. This role will be instrumental in advancing OpenMined's nonprofit mission to build the infrastructure that lets AI be overseen and built in public. One half of our work gives regulators, researchers, and independent evaluators a way to examine AI systems with privacy and IP protected. The other half gives people a way to combine models and data into AI that no single company controls. You'll translate both halves of our technical work for US policymakers and make legible why it matters. Reporting to our Director of Research & Policy, and working closely with our Executive Director, this role is for a policy entrepreneur who can help us build OpenMined into a trusted tech-policy voice in Washington.
Location
While OpenMined is a remote organization and you'll work from home, this role is based in Washington, DC. The job depends on being in the city to regularly attend in-person meetings with policymakers, agency staff, and partners. Responsibilities
Policy Strategy & Education
Lead OpenMined's US policy agenda on AI oversight and verification, covering independent evaluation, secure model access for regulators and researchers, and attribution-based control
Develop OpenMined's US position on network-source AI and make the case to policymakers
Staff the Executive Director for principal-level meetings, briefings, and roundtables
Identify critical policy windows and track Washington developments proactively
Build relationships with key stakeholders in Congress, the Administration, Relevant Agencies, and select state governments
Represent OpenMined in policy forums, consultations, and working groups
Build coalitions with privacy-tech companies, research institutions, and civil society organizations to advance common policy goals
Cross-functional Collaboration
Work closely with Product and Engineering teams to inform technical development and infrastructure investment decisions, as well as operationalize policy strategy
Work closely with Partnerships team to represent OpenMined in federal AI research programs including the NAIRR and the Genesis Mission
Collaborate with internal and community researchers to translate technical innovations into policy recommendations
Coordinate with global policy colleagues to ensure consistent messaging and approach
Support Leadership in developing policy-informed partnership frameworks and deployment strategies
Thought Leadership
Author blog posts, research papers, and policy briefs (see Policy Blog for ideas)
Speak at conferences and events
Contribute to public consultations and regulatory impact assessments
Requirements Must-Haves
Based in Washington, DC, or willing to relocate before start
5+ years of experience in US technology policy
Technical literacy sufficient to engage engineers in depth (a CS degree is not required)
Experience in government service, including fellowships
Proven track record of successful policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement
Experience translating between technical and policy communities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Deep commitment to privacy, open source, and countering concentrations of power
A self-directed policy entrepreneur who creates opportunities rather than waiting for them
Willingness to travel roughly once a month on average, for conferences and policy events, and occasional partner visits. Most of this is domestic; some is international
Preferred (Nice-to-Haves)
Advanced degree in law, public policy, computer science, or related field
Experience working with open-source projects and communities
Experience with federal research or science programs
Compensation
Salary Range: $176,635 - $205,279 per year.
Actual offers will be determined based on the candidate's skills, level of experience, and location.
Benefits
Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, focused on social impact rather than profit, offering the chance to make a meaningful difference in the world.
US employee benefits:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance with company contributions
Retirement: 403(b) plan - 401(k) equivalent for non-profits
Open Source Contribution: Make a real impact by contributing to an Open Source project that benefits a broad community.
Collaborative Global Team: Join a dynamic, international team that values collaboration and diversity.
Flexible Work Hours: Enjoy the autonomy to structure your work hours around what best fits your life and productivity.
Fully Remote Work: Work remotely within the location requirements for this role.
Flexible Paid Time Off: Take the time you need with flexible vacation days, alongside recognition of local national holidays.
