AI and Emerging Tech Manager

AI & Emerging Tech Manager  

Full-time Federation of American Scientists staff

Washington, DC

Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned to your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is deeply committed to our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.  

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.  

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.  

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency. As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

At a time of rapid change in the AI and emerging technology landscape, FAS seeks an AI & Emerging Tech Manager to implement and support a diverse set of projects within the broader Emerging Tech & Competitiveness policy portfolio. The role will oversee work spanning the AI and emerging tech policy ecosystem, such as: responsible AI development and deployment, the societal impacts of increased AI adoption across sectors (such as our national education system, S&T talent pipelines, and workforce dynamics), and innovative policy solutions that encourage safe, beneficial, and equitable AI futures. 

This role will initially focus on advancing the AI equity policy landscape at national and state levels through research, strategic coalition building, innovative policy development and policy training, and issue education. The role will also support the growth of a new initiative focused on the equitable, effective, and inclusive development of Science and Technology (S&T) talent and a strong S&T workforce. This role may also work on projects related to AI safety and AI for science, as well as AI policy intersections in national security, clean energy and environment, education and workforce, and government capacity. 

The ideal candidate for this role will possess stellar organizational and interpersonal skills to drive progress on project goals alongside a range of expert collaborators. In order to provide informed management capacity and strategic support to a team of subject matter experts, this candidate will cultivate a cohesive and current understanding of the dynamics shaping the AI and emerging tech policy landscape, as well as the broader US science and tech ecosystem. 

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate professional relationships and strategic partnerships with stakeholders, practitioners, thought leaders, policymakers, and subject-matter experts, especially on tech-related topics. 
• Strong demonstrated project management skills, including:
  • Ability to break large and complex projects into manageable components and timelines, and to flexibly adjust project plans to changing circumstances.
  • Ability to track and provide quality control for multiple deliverables associated with a single project.
  • Ability to coordinate work energetically, enthusiastically, and successfully across diverse teams.
  • Ability to provide clear direction to project contributors at very different levels of seniority, including peers and managing up/across FAS.
• Ability to set and track performance metrics, outputs, and outcomes.
• Excellent written communication skills, especially with respect to project instructions, progress reports, grant applications, and policy briefs.
• Ability to work independently without close oversight while also contributing as a team player.
• A basic understanding of the AI, tech, and S&T ecosystem policy landscape, and a demonstrated curiosity and desire to learn more.
• Willingness to learn, give, seek and implement feedback.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and pursuing it within the mission of FAS.

Nice to Haves (but not requirements):

• Budget and/or grant management experience.
• Workshop and/or event planning experience.

What You’ll Do (Core Responsibilities)

• Manage and support execution of projects within FAS’s AI, emerging tech, and S&T ecosystems policy portfolios.
• Support creative, impactful, and ambitious policy development efforts to encourage more responsible and equitable technology policy at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Plan and facilitate high-impact convenings alongside key partners and stakeholders. 
• Identify opportunities to support and collaborate with the growing FAS network of policy entrepreneurs working on AI, tech, and S&T ecosystem policy issues.
• Coordinate across FAS to ensure high-quality project execution.
• Work with Emerging Tech & Competitiveness portfolio leadership (such as the Associate Director of AI and Emerging Technology Policy, the Associate Director of S&T Ecosystems, and the Director of Emerging Technologies and Competitiveness) on overall strategy and goal setting. 
• Support the development of concept notes and funding proposals.
• Manage ET&C team metrics reporting and other internal team-wide requests. 
• Draft written products (such as research reports, blog posts, memos, and other publications) 
• Review, edit, and provide critical feedback on draft FAS publications and policy memos.
• Engage with relevant research and publications to build knowledge of key subject matter areas.
• Other responsibilities as needed. 

Work Environment 

This position will be based in Washington, DC and will operate as a hybrid role, meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote.  

This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining.

Salary Range

• The salary range for this role is $70,000 – $87,500.

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FAS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. All hiring decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications and skills and FAS is committed to ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.

Salary : $70,000 - $87,500