Director of Government Affairs

Position description

Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) is seeking a Director/Senior Director of Government Affairs to join our growing organization. The Director/Senior Director of Government Affairs will help support the development and execution of ARI’s advocacy strategy and help lead our outreach to Republicans.

About Us

ARI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to policy advocacy in the public interest, focused on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). We believe in establishing a thoughtful governance framework for rapidly advancing AI technology that protects the public from harm while continuing to foster innovation. ARI takes a bipartisan approach, building coalitions across the political spectrum. 

About the Role

Reporting to the VP of Government Affairs, the Director/Senior Director of Government affairs will work closely with the VP & SVP of Government Affairs to execute ARI’s advocacy strategy.

The Director/Senior Director will have the responsibility for cultivating and maintaining relationships with Republican lawmakers and their staff. We are looking for someone who has strong experience in tech policy, a strong network, and excels at accomplishing policy objectives as part of a team. ARI is deeply committed to developing a bipartisan policy agenda that can gain support with policymakers in both parties, and the Director/Senior Director of Government Affairs will play a critical role in helping develop ARI’s policy agenda and lead advocacy efforts to advance this agenda.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the SVP and VP of Government Affairs to develop, coordinate and execute a public policy and stakeholder engagement strategy for ARI’s policy objectives.
• Support ARI’s engagement with lawmakers and their staff and executive branch officials.
• Proactively monitor, report and craft thoughtful responses to governmental initiatives related to ARI’s policy areas
• Weigh the tradeoffs between our ideal policy objectives and political feasibility; identify political obstacles and craft and execute strategies to overcome them
• Host and attend fundraising and networking events, briefings, and roundtables for policymakers

Qualifications

Required

• 7+ years of experience working in advocacy or government
• 2+ years of experience working in Congress or the Executive Branch
• Passion for the responsible development of AI and emerging technology
• Alignment with ARI’s mission and values
• Strong network and reputation in DC, including both chambers of Congress and the Executive Branch
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain trust-based, productive relationships
• Reputation for trustworthiness and integrity
• Successful track record of advancing public policy objectives
• Experience driving strategic initiatives beyond functional tasks 
• A solid understanding of Congressional procedures and a strong ability to navigate complex and fluid political and policy issues
• Collaborative and bipartisan coalition-building skill set and experience

Preferred, but optional:

• Deep expertise and familiarity with AI, science, cybersecurity, or national security policy

Compensation, Benefits, and Location

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC. Relocation assistance may be available. ARI maintains a flexible hybrid work schedule (working in-person Tuesday-Thursday and remote on Monday and Friday).

The salary range for this role is $175,000 – $250,000 commensurate with experience.

ARI offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Healthcare insurance – 85% of healthcare, vision, and dental insurance premiums covered for employees, partners, and dependents
• Unlimited PTO and ~20 office holidays including all Federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• 401k Retirement Plan with 6% Employer Match
• Wellness Benefit – stipend to support physical and mental well-being
• Internet & Utilities Reimbursement – stipend to cover internet and utilities’ expenses from remote work 
• Home Office Expenses for New Employees – up to $500 to all new full-time employees for home office set up expenses
• Professional Development Stipend – Up to $2,500 annually to be used towards building new knowledge and skills
• Medical FSA
• Commuter FSA

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on theacademicjob.com