Director of Government Affairs

Overview 

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

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

Hiring Process

We plan to use the following steps for this hiring process. We are aiming to make a decision by the end of May and for the person in this role to start in June. Candidates who apply by April 14th will receive priority consideration. 

1. Application Review: Our team will review submitted applications and make a decision on who to move forward to the next step of the process. 
2. 1st Round Interview: Virtual 1:1 conversation with our recruiter. 
3. 2nd Round Interview: Virtual 1:1 conversation with the Hiring Manager. 
4. Hiring Exercise: A roughly 3 hour hiring exercise. Candidates who submit an exercise will be compensated for their time. 
5. Final Interview: In-person panel interview at our office. 
6. Reference Checks: We’ll ask for references from the top candidate(s) to help us confirm and/or make a final decision. 

Please note that due to the anticipated number of applicants, we may not be able to respond to everyone. We apologize in advance for any lapse in communication.

ARI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education. We encourage women, people of color, and individuals from other marginalized backgrounds to apply.