Director of AI and Emerging Technology Policy

Overall Responsibility:

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is seeking a forward-thinking and results-oriented Director of AI and Emerging Technology Policy to lead the development and advancement of policy initiatives that promote innovation, national security, and economic prosperity through responsible AI and emerging technology frameworks. This leadership role will work in close collaboration with the EVP for Policy, Senior Director of Policy, AI and Emerging Technology Chair and Vice Chair, Board of Academic Advisors, and other senior leaders across the Institute.

Responsibilities and Duties:

· Champion AFPI’s servant leadership culture with integrity and dedication.

· Lead the strategic development, research agenda, and execution of AI and Emerging Technology policy priorities (including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and data privacy) in coordination with the Chair and Vice Chair, ensuring alignment with AFPI’s overarching mission.

· Oversee the creation, quality control, and distribution of all research and written outputs—including white papers, blog posts, op-eds, and commentaries—ensuring they reflect AFPI’s standards and principles.

· Lead the development and national rollout of policy frameworks and educational materials focused on AI and emerging technologies, integrating themes such as innovation, ethical AI use, national security, workforce readiness and economic competitiveness.

· Collaborate closely with Policy Campaign Directors to drive policy impact at the federal, state, and local levels, translating research into actionable initiatives and model legislation.

· Identify and engage external scholars, experts, and Senior Fellows to contribute to targeted projects and amplify AFPI’s influence across disciplines and constituencies.

· Engage in peer review and editorial collaboration to ensure consistency and excellence across policy outputs.

· Represent AFPI’s AI and Emerging Technology agenda with credibility and clarity in public forums, policy discussions, and media, working closely with Campaign Directors for maximum policy impact.

· Develop a research agenda with the Research Director that anticipates future legislative and regulatory action, technological advancements, and trends; establish appropriate timelines and lines of effort; and build AFPI’s research profile among counterparts at other research institutes and policy stakeholders.

· Identify external scholars and subject matter experts to contribute to specific research priorities, formal public comments, litigation, etc., on a contractual basis and/or as a Senior Fellow, in coordination with the Executive Vice President of Policy, Senior Policy Director, and Research Director.

· Work under the direction of the Executive Vice President for Policy and the Senior Policy Director to manage the day-to-day operations of the AI and Emerging Technology policy team, including supervising policy analysts, coordinating with the Chair and Vice Chair, creating job descriptions, directing work assignments, providing training, monitoring progress, and conducting performance reviews.

· Effectively advocate for AFPI’s principles and recommendations in public settings and, in coordination with Campaign Directors and Communications, in the media.

Qualifications:

· Supportive leadership that fosters a positive team culture and encourages the growth and success of the center’s staff. Demonstrated servant leader.

· Completion of an educational level that, in conjunction with relevant job experience, demonstrates competence in the areas necessary to fulfill the responsibilities and duties of the position. An advanced degree (e.g., master’s or Ph.D.) in a relevant field such as computer science, public policy, law, or engineering is expected, unless unique circumstances warrant otherwise.

· A significant level of relevant legislative and/or executive policy experience in AI, cybersecurity and/or emerging technologies, with a

consistently high level of performance, including knowledge of AI governance, cybersecurity, data privacy, and federal and state legislative and regulatory processes.

· Excellent managerial skills, including the ability to organize and manage the day-to-day activities of the center’s team and coordinate effectively with the Policy and Research teams.

· An entrepreneurial mindset that seeks out new opportunities to grow and advance the mission of AFPI and the center.

· Excellent writing, research, editing, and public speaking/testimony skills.

· A willingness to extend beyond conventional thinking within AI and emerging technology policy, applying rigorous research and analysis to demonstrate the merits of innovative, market-driven approaches.

· Ability to comprehend and analyze complex legislative and regulatory issues related to AI and emerging technologies, develop detailed, practical, free-market recommendations, provide quality research, and assist staff in doing the same.

· Demonstrated ability to translate research recommendations into public policy at the federal, state, and local levels.

· The ability to maintain productive, collaborative, and collegial relationships with staff and external stakeholders while upholding the public reputation of the Institute.

Salaries for positions will be commensurate with the experience, expertise, and skills of the individual. Please send a cover letter, resume, salary requirement, writing samples, and references.

AFPI is a non-profit, non-partisan research institute offering competitive salaries and benefits to qualified candidates.