Coalitions Director

Overview

Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) is looking for an experienced Coalitions Director to help lead and expand the organization’s outreach to and work with external partners. The Coalitions Director will develop ARI’s strategy for bringing advocacy groups, think tanks, academics, thought leaders, and industry partners together in support of ARI’s vision. By developing panels, coalition letters, and events with external partners across the ideological spectrum, the Coalitions Director will grow ARI’s brand as a bridge-builder. This position will report to the Senior Director of Communications.

About ARI

ARI is a nonprofit organization advocating for artificial intelligence policy in the public interest. 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. 

Our Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience building partnerships with organizations and individuals working across issue areas and ideologies.
• Has experience educating advocacy groups and thought leaders about tech policy.
• Has experience developing strategy for mobilizing third-party support for legislative campaigns.
• Is eager to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Is able to manage a diverse workload.
• Has strong interest in AI and technology policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop medium and long-term strategic plans for coalition building with advocacy groups, think tanks, academics, thought leaders, and industry partners.
• Mobilize external partners to participate in coalition letters, in-person and virtual panels, grassroots campaigns, and other forms of policy advocacy.
• Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities to expand ARI’s sphere of influence.
• Maintain and strengthen existing coalition relationships through regular engagement and value creation.
• In coordination with the Policy and Communications teams, create new and engaging educational materials for coalition building.
• Represent ARI at political and advocacy events in D.C. and across the country.
• Closely collaborate with Operations, Policy, and Communications teams to design, develop, and execute speaking events, conferences, and other events that external partners can participate in.
• Coordinate with the Government Affairs, Policy, and Communications teams to support Congressional coalitions.
• Develop and maintain systems, policies, and procedures to build ARI’s Coalitions capabilities.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in legislative advocacy and external affairs.
• Strong knowledge of the federal and state policy advocacy landscapes.
• Existing relationships with national advocacy organizations across multiple issue areas.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with ability to communicate policy ideas and legislative proposals concisely and effectively to external partners.
• Flexibility for some travel.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to juggle simultaneous priorities.
• Ability to think creatively, exercise sound judgment, and work independently.

Preferred

• A Bachelor’s Degree in political science, public relations, and/or campaign communications.
• Existing online presence on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.
• Experience working in a non-profit setting.
• Experience managing digital grassroots mobilization efforts.

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 $135,000 - $150,000, commensurate with experience.

Currently, ARI offers the following benefits:

• Healthcare insurance - 85% of healthcare, vision, and dental insurance premiums covered for employees, partners, and dependents.
• Paid time off and federal holidays.

Additionally, ARI is in the process of updating and expanding the benefits package (to include a retirement plan and other benefits) that we provide to support the team, which will roll out in early 2025.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete this application form.

The priority deadline for this role is January 17. Applications submitted after this deadline may not be reviewed.

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.

Anticipated Hiring Process

We plan to use the following steps for this hiring process.

1. Application Review: Our team will review submitted applications and make a decision on who to move forward to the interview stages. 
2. Screening Interview: Candidates will meet our operations team during a virtual interview.
3. Interview with Hiring Manager: Candidates will meet with the Senior Director of Communications for a one-on-one interview.
4. Hiring Exercise: We’ll ask candidates to complete a work exercise to see how they might complete a core responsibility of the role. Candidates who submit an exercise will be compensated for their time. 
5. Team Interview: The top 2-3 candidates will meet with members of the ARI team in person at our downtown DC office.
6. Reference Checks: We’ll ask for references from the top candidate(s) to help us confirm and/or make a final decision.
7. Decision and Offer: Based on the information gathered over the course of this process, we’ll make a decision on who to offer the role to and move on to onboarding and other new hire logistics!

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.