Senior Policy Manager

WHO WE ARE

Partnership on AI (PAI) is the leading independent, non-profit partnership of academic, civil society, industry, and media stakeholders seeking to address the world’s most important and difficult questions concerning the future of AI

We invite diverse voices into the process of technical governance, design, and deployment of AI technologies.

Our vision is a future where AI empowers humanity by contributing to a more just, equitable, and prosperous world. Our mission is to bring diverse voices together across global sectors, disciplines, and demographics so developments in AI advance positive outcomes for people and society.

ROLE SUMMARY

PAI is seeking a strategic and analytical manager, who is passionate about exploring the societal implications of technologies. The Senior Policy Manager will lead work related to AI governance and regulation, making a meaningful contribution to the design and delivery of PAI’s policy strategy.

AI policy continues to develop in a variety of forms globally, including through an evolving regulatory landscape, international specifications and methods (e.g. AI technical standards) alongside a number of AI tools and frameworks developed by industry, civil society and academia. Against this backdrop, the PAI plays an important role in working to ensure that both AI technologies and the policies used to govern them benefit and protect people and society. This role will work to inform global public policy, advance public understanding, and ensure the adoption of best practices by PAI partners and wider stakeholders to support the design, development and deployment of equitable and responsible AI systems.

This role will sit in PAI's expanding policy department, reporting to the Head of Policy. The role will work across PAI, engaging closely with PAI’s programs and research team and comms team; senior leaders from PAI Partner organizations in civil society, industry, and academia; policy officials in countries internationally; and international organizations. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Assessing and analyzing global AI policy developments

• Monitor, interpret, and analyze global policy developments (legislative texts, international AI policies and frameworks) to identify and evaluate emerging political and policy trends, and share anticipated issues, risks and opportunities with PAI teams, PAI’s multistakeholder Partner community, and AI policy community
• With direction from the Head of Policy and working with the PAI communications team, develop insightful verbal and written policy briefings and papers through conducting in-depth research
• Work to contribute PAI policy and legal analysis to global policy discussion and forums, including by representing PAI externally
• Use findings and analysis to support the Head of Policy, CEO and PAI executives’ policy engagement and advise internal teams on the policy implications of our work
• Work with Global Public Affairs Manager and PAI’s communications team to inform PAI’s public positioning on emerging and relevant public policy issues drawing on policy and legal insights.

Delivering the PAI Policy strategy alongside specific PAI policy projects

• Support the delivery of the PAI policy strategy and lead on its implementation
• Develop policy recommendations to be included in the PAI policy strategy for public- and private-sector actors, working closely with PAI teams, PAI Partners, and global AI policy community (e.g. governments, multilateral organizations such as the OECD)
• Lead development and organization of convenings of the PAI Policy Steering Committee and working groups, to support the PAI policy Strategy and wider PAI policy projects
• Strategically consider ways to create linkages between PAI work and global policy developments. This includes scoping out opportunities to advance the PAI mission and theory of change
• Lead on specific policy projects as they arise - delivering to tight timelines
• Work with the Partnerships Team to support fundraising initiatives and the creation of a globally-diverse and inclusive Partner community.

Embedding policy considerations in programmatic research and PAI Partner Community work

• Collaborate closely with PAI Program and Research team, PAI communications team, PAI Partners, and other stakeholders to embed policy considerations in outputs from PAI and our Partner Policy teams
• Champion PAI’s work and grow its visibility including through identifying opportunities for the mobilization and adoption of PAI’s work outputs

International policy engagement and Multi Stakeholder coordination

• Represent PAI as needed in global policy discussion at the international level and within specific jurisdictions (e.g. supporting representation of PAI within Council of Europe)
• Build and maintain relationships with governments and the wider policy community across multiple countries, within international organizations and and industry forums, representing PAI
• Organize multi-stakeholder convenings focused on key policy questions and/or with policymakers
• Support briefings for teams across the organization who are attending key policy events and discussions, to ensure policy and legal considerations are embedded
• Work together with teams across the organization to connect PAI (Programs & Research, Partnerships and Philanthropy, Communications) with opportunities with relevant policy stakeholders.

WHO YOU ARE / WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Strong grasp of science and technology policy and dedication to working towards policy solutions that benefit people and society. Understanding of AI specific policy issues is an advantage
• Experience of developing and delivering policy projects successfully in fast moving areas
• Understanding sophisticated technical and regulatory issues in order to make credible and innovative policy proposals
• Excellent written and oral and communication skills including communicating technical and complex legal concepts in a clear and accessible way.
• Experienced in international, multi-stakeholder settings, including convening stakeholders with differing perspectives to deliberate complex issues. Ideally supported by skills to successfully challenge and negotiate with key stakeholders and gain their confidence
• Ability to build consensus and networks of stakeholders across government, academia, civil society and private sector.
• Experience coordinating response to external stakeholders on policy matters, including those made by government entities
• A champion for equity and diversity internally and externally
• Capacity to travel within North America and internationally, as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of deep professional experience related to technology and policy, government relations or regulatory affairs
• If the candidate has a Master’s Degree (e.g technology law and policy, Master of Public Policy), Juris Doctor (J.D.) or PhD alongside a Bachelor’s Degree, we will consider this as we assess the years of experience
• Preferred: A legal background (J.D. / legal experience) Not required
• Experience in government, consultancy, an international organization, academic institution, think tank, or industry working on policy issues.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• We know that some applicants will apply only when they feel that they have met close to all of the qualifications for a role—we encourage you to apply with us as long as you are passionate about working to make real impact on responsible AI. 
• PAI offers a generous paid leave and benefits package, including: 20 vacation days; 3 personal days; sick leave and family leave above industry standards; high-quality PPO and HMO health insurance plans, many 100% covered by PAI; Dental and vision insurance 100% covered by PAI; up to a 7% 401K match, vested immediately; automatic cell phone reimbursement ($75/month); up to $1,000 in professional development funds annually; $150 per month to access co-working space; regular team lunches, mental health days; opportunities to attend AI related conferences and events 
• Must be fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus

PAI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment in all aspects of employment, including recruiting, hiring, promoting, training, education assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, and all privileges and conditions of employment. 

The Partnership on AI may become subject to certain governmental record keeping and reporting requirements for the administration of civil rights laws and regulations. We also track diversity in our workforce for the purpose of improving over time. In order to comply with these goals, the Partnership on AI invites employees to voluntarily self-identify their gender and race/ethnicity. Submission of this information is voluntary and refusal to provide it will not jeopardize or adversely affect employment or any consideration you may receive for employment or advancement. The information obtained will be kept confidential.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter 
3. Diversity Statement
4. 3 References 

Only complete applications will be reviewed