Senior AI Governance Lead — Tech & Policy

Center for Democracy & Technology; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full health, dental and vision for you

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Disability insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Sick days

Parental leave

Job summary

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) seeks a Senior Technologist or Senior Policy Researcher with deep expertise in AI governance. You will lead original projects and contribute to writing and speaking publicly on responsible design, testing, and regulation of AI systems.

This role sits in CDT’s AI Governance Lab, collaborating with policy teams to translate technical insights into accessible policy guidance, while mentoring others and building bridges to civil rights and public-interest

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or commensurate practical experience in a relevant discipline such as computer science, information science, engineering, economics, public policy, or similar qualification and experience.
• Extensive demonstrated experience related to AI research, development, and/or governance with ability to translate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with the AI governance landscape, including risk assessment and regulatory frameworks.
• Interest and experience in impacts of technology on democracy, civil rights, and civil liberties; surveillance and national security considerations are encouraged.
• Excellent writing skills for communicating with technical, policy, and general audiences.
• Ability to represent CDT in meetings with government officials, industry, and coalition partners, public events, and with the press.
• Research management experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Structure and lead original AI governance projects.
• Contribute to writing and speaking publicly on AI governance topics.
• Collaborate with policy teams to advise policymakers on effective legislative and regulatory approaches.
• Support civil rights organizations and other public-interest advocates with technical expertise.
• Build bridges for researchers to participate in policy debates and disseminate findings.
• Track AI research and translate trends to policy audiences.
• Ground AI research and policy in stakeholder needs and contexts.

Skills

Writing skills

Public speaking

Research management

AI governance

Policy research

Education

Advanced degree or commensurate practical experience

Job description

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) seeks a Senior Technologist or Senior Policy Researcher with deep expertise in AI governance. You will lead original projects and contribute to writing and speaking publicly on responsible design, testing, and regulation of AI systems.

This role sits in CDT’s AI Governance Lab, collaborating with policy teams to translate technical insights into accessible policy guidance, while mentoring others and building bridges to civil rights and public-interest