Application Guide

How to Apply for AI Policy Fellowship, Applied Track

at Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

🏢 About Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing risks from frontier AI by producing actionable research and policy recommendations. Working here means contributing to high-impact policy work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, with a focus on practical solutions rather than purely academic research.

About This Role

This fellowship is designed for professionals from adjacent fields to transition into AI policy by working on real-world projects under supervision. You will run policy workshops, evaluate grant applications, and collaborate on policy memos, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to IAPS's mission of shaping safe AI governance.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team check-in, followed by working on a policy memo with your supervisor, then facilitating a workshop with policymakers or grant applicants. You might also spend time reviewing grant proposals or researching a fast-breaking AI policy issue, with flexibility to pivot as new challenges arise.

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🎯 Who Institute for AI Policy and Strategy Is Looking For

  • Background in government, programs, operations, grantmaking, or research, with a desire to pivot into AI policy.
  • Strong adaptability and problem-solving skills, comfortable with evolving project scopes and real-world policy challenges.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, able to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and contribute to policy memos and workshops.
  • Basic understanding of AI technologies and policy landscape, with a willingness to learn quickly on the job.

📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

1

Highlight your transferable skills with concrete examples: e.g., how you've run workshops, evaluated grants, or contributed to policy-relevant projects in your previous roles.

2

Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize adaptability and practical impact, not just academic research experience.

3

Show your understanding of IAPS's work: reference specific reports or projects they've published (e.g., on AI governance or risk mitigation) in your application.

4

If you have any AI policy knowledge, even self-taught, mention it and how you've applied it in a practical setting.

5

Network with current or past IAPS fellows on LinkedIn to gain insights and show your genuine interest in the fellowship.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Why you want to transition into AI policy and how your professional background provides a unique perspective.', "Your experience with practical, hands-on projects (workshops, grant evaluations, policy memos) that mirror the fellowship's responsibilities.", 'Your adaptability and ability to thrive in dynamic environments, with examples of navigating changing priorities.', "Your alignment with IAPS's mission to reduce AI risks and your interest in contributing to their specific policy areas."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read IAPS's latest publications and research papers to understand their focus areas and policy recommendations.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key AI policy debates, such as AI risk frameworks, regulation, and international cooperation.
  • → Look into the background of the fellowship supervisors and team members to understand their expertise and working style.
  • → Check IAPS's website for any updates on their projects, events, or press coverage to show you're up-to-date.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach evaluating a grant application for an AI policy project? What criteria would you consider?
2 Describe a time you had to adapt to a rapidly changing project scope. What did you do?
3 What do you think are the most pressing AI policy challenges today, and why?
4 How would you facilitate a policy workshop with diverse stakeholders who have conflicting interests?
5 Why IAPS and this fellowship specifically? What do you hope to achieve in this role?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on your academic research experience; emphasize practical skills and adaptability.
  • Avoid generic statements about AI being important; instead, show specific knowledge of IAPS's work and AI policy issues.
  • Don't underestimate the fellowship's hands-on nature: avoid sounding like you expect to do deep research only; show enthusiasm for workshops, grant evaluations, and collaboration.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Institute for AI Policy and Strategy!

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