Application Guide

How to Apply for Communications Senior Associate / Manager

at Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

🏢 About Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy is a unique nonprofit focused specifically on reducing risks from frontier AI systems through policy research. Unlike broader AI organizations, IAPS concentrates on high-stakes policy recommendations for advanced AI development, offering the chance to work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and global governance. This makes it an ideal workplace for someone passionate about shaping responsible AI policy before major systems are deployed.

About This Role

This Communications Senior Associate/Manager role involves executing IAPS's communications strategy to build brand authority and media presence specifically in the AI policy space. You'll be responsible for translating complex AI policy research into accessible content, pitching to policy publications, and building relationships with journalists covering AI governance. Your work directly amplifies research that could influence how governments approach frontier AI risks.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing AI policy news to identify pitching opportunities for IAPS research, then drafting a press release about a new report on AI safety standards. You'd coordinate with researchers to create social media threads explaining technical concepts, update the editorial calendar with upcoming policy events, and have calls with journalists covering AI governance beats. The day would end with analyzing newsletter engagement metrics to refine your communications approach.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Institute for AI Policy and Strategy Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years experience executing communications strategies for policy/research organizations (not just corporate brands)
  • Demonstrates specific experience pitching technical or policy content to media outlets like Tech Policy Press, Brookings, or specialized AI publications
  • Shows portfolio of press releases and social media content that successfully explained complex topics to diverse audiences
  • Has existing relationships with journalists covering AI, technology policy, or governance beats

📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

1

Include specific metrics from past communications roles showing how you increased media mentions or social engagement for policy/research content

2

Create a sample social media thread explaining one of IAPS's recent research papers in accessible language and include it in your application

3

Mention specific AI policy publications you've worked with or would target for IAPS research pitches

4

Demonstrate understanding of frontier AI terminology (e.g., 'model evaluations', 'compute governance', 'frontier model oversight') in your materials

5

Show how you've tracked communications analytics to demonstrate policy impact, not just engagement metrics

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain how your communications experience aligns with IAPS's specific mission of reducing frontier AI risks through policy", 'Provide concrete examples of translating complex research into compelling narratives for policymakers and journalists', "Demonstrate familiarity with IAPS's existing communications channels and suggest one specific improvement", 'Share your perspective on effective AI policy communications in a polarized media environment']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read at least 3 recent IAPS research papers to understand their specific policy focus areas
  • → Analyze IAPS's current social media presence and newsletter content to identify gaps or opportunities
  • → Review media coverage of IAPS and similar organizations (like CSET or OpenAI's policy work)
  • → Study the AI policy landscape including key publications, journalists, and policymakers IAPS targets
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you pitch IAPS's research on AI compute governance to The Economist's technology policy editor?
2 What metrics would you track to demonstrate our communications impact on policy discussions?
3 How would you handle communicating about controversial AI policy positions to skeptical audiences?
4 Walk us through how you'd create a launch campaign for a technical report on AI model evaluations
5 What's your strategy for building relationships with journalists who cover AI policy but may be unfamiliar with frontier AI risks?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic communications examples without showing understanding of AI policy context
  • Focusing on consumer tech communications rather than policy/research communications experience
  • Proposing communications strategies that don't align with IAPS's nonprofit, research-driven approach

📅 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

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