Policy Analyst

ARI is a nonprofit organization advocating for artificial intelligence policy in the public interest. We believe in establishing a thoughtful governance framework for rapidly advancing AI technology that protects the public from harm while continuing to foster innovation. ARI takes a bipartisan approach, building coalitions across the political spectrum.

The ARI Policy Department is the organization's product development engine, responsible for the ideation and design of the policy frameworks, concepts, and analytical tools that define ARI's advocacy agenda and advance responsible AI governance. The Department's core work is deliberately proactive: rather than reacting to a legislative calendar set by others, we identify consequential policy questions before they reach Congress and develop durable frameworks that outlast any single bill or news cycle. Our aspiration is not merely to participate in the AI policy debate, but to shape it, generating the ideas that others eventually have to respond to. 

• A Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to one or more of the portfolio’s focus areas, such as economics, education, public administration, or public policy.
• Academic training or professional experience in policy analysis, with a demonstrated ability to move from problem definition to policy design.
• A willingness and intellectual orientation to specialize within the portfolio over time, building the subject-matter depth required to contribute meaningfully to ARI's agenda.
• An advocacy mindset, including a political instinct for how policy ideas are received and acted upon by legislative, executive, and public audiences.
• Strong written and analytical communication skills, including the ability to construct clear causal narratives that connect problems, solutions, and outcomes.
• Comfort and effectiveness working in cross-functional teams alongside Government Affairs and Communications colleagues.
• Demonstrated experience or interest in AI policy.
• Willingness to work in-person at least three days each week and to physically relocate to the greater DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area if not already living there. 

• At least 2–3 years of experience conducting policy design or analysis in one or more of the portfolio’s focus areas, such as economics, labor and workforce policy, public administration, education policy, or the policy dimensions of sectoral transformation in areas like healthcare or finance.
• Prior experience in a legislative, executive branch, think tank, or advocacy setting where policy ideas were designed for real-world uptake.
• A demonstrated ability to generate original policy ideas and translate them into coherent frameworks, not simply to analyze or comment on the ideas of others.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research or analysis into advocacy-ready products, both for external audiences and ARI teammates assisting with advocacy efforts.
• A background in economics, education, or government modernization.

At ARI, we intentionally design the application process to ensure mutual fit and success in the role by using the following recruitment process, where each stage is different and meant to help us understand something distinct about the candidate. Each of the stages is outlined below to help give you an idea of what lies ahead: 

1. Resume Review & Initial Down Select: Submitted resumes, writing samples, and cover letters are evaluated against our nonnegotiable and preferred core competencies of the position to determine our initial candidate pool. 
2. Initial Interview: Virtual 30-minute video chat 1:1 with the Policy Department’s operational deputy, the Associate Director of Policy Strategy.
3. Supervisor Interview: Virtual 45-minute video chat 1:1 with the Senior Policy Director for E&ST to assess substantive qualifications. 
4. Semi-Finalist Panel Interview: Virtual 45-minute video chat with selected members of the Policy Department to assess cultural fit. 
5. Finalist Interview: In-person 30-minute interview with the Vice President of Policy Design & Delivery, the head of ARI’s Policy Department, to assess growth potential and alignment with leadership vision. 

The hiring process concludes when a final candidate is approved by the VP for Policy Design & Delivery, and an offer has been made and accepted. Generally speaking, the whole process is meant to be conducted within 45 days from the time the position closes for applications. 

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every applicant in a timely manner. We apologize in advance for any communication delays.

ARI is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.