Technology Policy Strategist, Liberty and National Security Program

Brennan Center for Justice; New York (NY); On-site; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

401(k) plan

Generous time off program

Job summary

A nonpartisan law and policy institute in New York City is looking for a Technology Policy Strategist to work on essential issues regarding emerging technologies and national security. The role involves developing accountability projects for government AI use, conducting research, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. An ideal candidate has a graduate degree and at least five years of relevant experience, aiming to promote fairness and transparency in technology policy. Competitive salary range of $145,000–$170,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience.
• Interest in technology policy, especially AI.
• Capacity to work with social science and technology ethics research.

Responsibilities

• Develop projects promoting accountability for civil liberties in AI usage.
• Conduct legal and factual research for policy advocacy.
• Write for diverse audiences including opinion pieces.

Skills

Excellent research and analysis skills

Strong organizational skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Capacity to tackle technological developments

Ability to convey information clearly

Education

Graduate degree in computer science, public policy, law, or related field

Job description

Technology Policy Strategist, Liberty and National Security Program

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think‑tank, part advocacy group, part cutting‑edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

The Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security (LNS) Program works to advance effective national security policies that respect the rule of law and constitutional values. Our current program priorities include ensuring that Congress and the courts serve their constitutional role as a check on executive power in the area of national security; bolstering First and Fourth Amendment protections in the digital age; ending racial, religious, and ethnic profiling in counterterrorism policies; enhancing transparency, oversight, and accountability for intelligence and law enforcement agencies; ensuring that national security artificial intelligence is deployed only when it is safe, effective, fair; and reforming emergency powers to strengthen safeguards against abuse.

Position Overview

The Brennan Center seeks a creative Technology Policy Strategist to join the Liberty and National Security program to work on issues related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies by national security, homeland security, intelligence, and law enforcement programs and agencies. The strategist will work with staff in the program to develop and execute a roster of projects that promote fairness, civil rights and civil liberties, transparency, accountability, and oversight in government programs that rely on these technologies. The strategist will report to attorneys in the program.

Our technology and national security work currently focuses on the military’s acquisition and use of AI, developing AI governance frameworks for intelligence agencies, and state and local regulation of surveillance technologies and data‑driven policing. This work entails collaboration with lawmakers, former and current government officials, allies in the field, and AI researchers and experts.

The Brennan Center’s methods include litigation, legislative and policy advocacy, media and communications, legal and empirical research and writing, and public education.

Note: This position is based at our headquarters in New York City.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage projects that promote transparency, accountability, and protection for civil liberties and rights in government uses of AI.
• Contribute relevant technical, industry, and legislative expertise to support the Program’s work.
• Conduct research—legal and factual—in support of policy advocacy, legislative reform, and communications initiatives.
• Help to advance policy reforms, often in collaboration with coalition partners.
• Write and speak to legal and non‑legal audiences, including opinion pieces and public appearances.
• Contribute to strategic planning to maximize our team’s contributions in this space.
• Supervise and mentor interns and research or program associates.
• Contribute to team administration, including recruitment and hiring, and work with communications and development professionals.

Qualifications

Required: A graduate degree or equivalent experience in computer science, public policy, law or a related field.

Ideal candidate: Will offer some combination—although not necessarily all—of the following experiences and qualifications.

• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience.
• Interest and capacity to tackle relevant technological developments and the ability to apply and translate that knowledge effectively in a law and policy team setting.
• Excellent research and analysis skills.
• Previous work in technology or digital rights, ideally in the context of public policy, legislative and government relations or industry.
• Proven ability to convey information clearly and concisely to multiple audiences (both technology specialists and non‑specialists), in writing and verbally.
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend and work with social science, technology, and/or technology ethics research and experts.
• Strong organizational skills and initiative and the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, including the ability to work with diverse constituencies both inside and outside the organization.

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.

If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. Therefore, please consider submitting your application. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with interviews planned to begin in January 2026. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found. To apply, please visit and upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) writing sample (up to 10 pages), and (4) contact information for three supervisor references. Applications without all listed materials will not be considered.

In your cover letter, please describe, in three paragraphs or less, a technology policy project you established or focused on, the project’s goals and strategy, how you problem solved, and the outcomes you achieved or to which you contributed.

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e‑mail to [e-mail] with “Technology Policy Strategist” in the subject line.

Compensation And Benefits

The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.

The salary range assigned to this position is $145,000–$170,000. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered to a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a generous time off program, 401(k) plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.