Director of Emerging Technologies and Competitiveness

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) takes quite seriously 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.

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

This is a founding role leading a new team.  Do you have the unique set of attributes we need for the role?

People Skills

What leadership skills do you need to possess to be a strong candidate?

Management expertise that led to strong results for a team and/or organization, including:

• Coaching and/or developing staff, with evidence to support success
• Creating and iterating on structures and systems to effectively support talent development, including selection, onboarding and expectation setting, coaching, and career development
• Articulating what excellent performance looks like, and establishing clear metrics to celebrate growth and ensure accountability
• Tracking data consistently and being able to produce evidence over time that proves a demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 

Transformational culture building that shifted what people imagined was possible, including:

• Building a psychologically safe environment where evidence of belonging exists among all team members
• Creating and investing others in an aspirational, strategic vision that is ambitious and bold
• Evidence of prior success leading teams where risk-taking and continuous learning were championed to drive innovation

Expertise

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

• Vision: the ability to “see around corners” and opportunity spot to ensure that FAS remains on the leading edge of shaping the intersection of technology, innovation, and policy
• The ability to translate strategy to actionable plans and measurable outcomes
• Dense subject matter expertise in at least one of the following areas and working knowledge of several: industrial strategy, artificial intelligence, metascience and R&D policy, or bioeconomy/biosecurity
• A track record of building and scaling a successful multi-million dollar initiative
• A deft policy entrepreneur with demonstrable knowledge of the executive branch and Congress
• An advanced degree in science or technology 
• Organizational leadership skills equipping one to serve as a member of the FAS Leadership Team

To Sum It Up…

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

The Director of Emerging Technologies and Competitiveness will serve in an inaugural role leading a policy portfolio focused at the nexus of emerging technologies, R&D, commercialization and  American competitiveness. This role will integrate and support a suite of projects across FAS into a coherent, strategic whole while also being tenacious about seizing new opportunities as they arise.  The Director will raise funding to grow and sustain a $4-5 million portfolio.

The ideal candidate is already a well-regarded leader among the science, technology and innovation ecosystem with an established track record of successfully shaping and driving science and technology policy. The Director of Emerging Technologies and Competitiveness will leverage their own expertise and openly collaborate with other subject matter experts in and outside of FAS to advance key priorities across the legislative and executive branches of government. The ideal candidate will show acumen in using communications, convening and policy entrepreneurship to lead and grow a team of subject matter experts who grow a reputation for being preeminent thought leaders and go-to experts in all domains of science and technology policy.

Work Environment 

This position will be 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.  

Salary Range

$200,000 - $250,000

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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. 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 : $200,000 - $250,000