Program Director, Artificial Intelligence and National Security Portfolio

ASP is seeking a highly-qualified expert on artificial intelligence and national security with a keen mind for innovative and strategic thinking to develop and launch a substantial new program on strategic considerations for artificial intelligence within U.S. security policy. The program will include research on AI as it relates to American competitiveness, military applications, U.S. relations with China and other adversaries, infrastructure preparedness, and ethical AI governance. This position requires proven leadership in project management, confidence in collaborating in public and private environments, and experience in managing relationships with the general public, policymakers, and other subject matter experts.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and launch ASP’s new research portfolio on artificial intelligence, national security, and strategic competition.
• Competently assess the AI capabilities of U.S. adversaries, including state and non-state actors, and identify and expertly communicate practical policy solutions and countermeasures to key stakeholders and the public.
• Work with other divisions within ASP, its collaborators, and the public sector to develop thought leadership on the advancement and integration of AI into national security processes and structures. Assist in the development of an affiliated group of AI experts to serve as advisors and validators on issues around AI and national security.
• Produce quarterly white papers, briefing notes, and other research that identifies risks and vulnerabilities in AI development and provides actionable recommendations on addressing these issues.
• Brief policymakers, journalists, industry leaders, and other stakeholders on the findings of ASP’s research and, as needed, conduct outreach and draft media communications.
• Organize public and private events, including panels, workshops, and roundtables.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or higher in a relevant technical or specialist field, for example international affairs, national security, data analysis, or research science.
• Between 3-7 years of experience in a relevant position within the technology, nonprofit, public policy, research, management, or consulting sectors.
• Must be located in the Washington, DC area and willing to work in person at ASP’s DC office three to five days a week.
• Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to independently manage a variety of responsibilities and work comfortably within a small team. Capable of rapidly gaining familiarity with new subjects and setting a programming and research agenda.
• Experience working in bipartisan environments and willing to meaningfully engage with individuals across the political spectrum.
• Confident public and external communication skills. Grant writing experience preferred.
• Excellent research and writing skills, combined with an ability to translate complex ideas into documents accessible and understandable to key stakeholders and the general public.
• Competency in Microsoft Office software suite. Experience in data analysis and visualization programs such as Excel, Canva, Google Sheets, R, or similar preferred. Proven social media experience is a plus.

Base salary range $80,000-$100,000 dependent on qualifications and experience

Benefits:

• WMATA transportation stipend.
• Participation in ASP health care plan including dental and vision.
• Access to ASP 403b retirement program (no matching).
• 18 paid vacation days per full year.
• 11 paid federal holidays.

Applicants for the position should send a 1.) cover letter, 2.) resume, 3.) references, and a 4.) short writing sample (4 pgs. max) by September 30 to Matthew Wallin at careers@americansecurityproject.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The American Security Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer.