Application Guide

How to Apply for Contractor, Digital Content and Strategy

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 advanced AI by producing rigorous policy research. Their work directly influences how governments and organizations approach frontier AI safety, making it an impactful place for those passionate about responsible AI development.

About This Role

This role involves translating complex policy research into engaging digital content, including social graphics, data visualizations, and vertical videos. As a contractor, you'll support rapid-response communications for time-sensitive memos and report launches, helping to make AI policy accessible to broader audiences.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing a new policy memo from researchers, then quickly sketch infographics and draft social copy. Midday, you'd edit a vertical video for LinkedIn, collaborate with the comms lead on messaging, and finalize a carousel for a report launch. The role involves balancing creative work with fast turnaround, often iterating based on feedback from the team.

🎯 Who Institute for AI Policy and Strategy Is Looking For

  • Experienced in digital content creation with a portfolio showcasing graphic design (infographics, carousels) and video production (vertical videos, scripting, editing).
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) and Canva, with the ability to produce polished assets quickly.
  • Understands social media platforms (e.g., Twitter/X, LinkedIn) and how to optimize content for engagement, especially for policy or tech audiences.
  • Comfortable working on tight deadlines and collaborating remotely with researchers and communications teams to align visuals with strategic messaging.

📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

1

Tailor your portfolio to include examples of data visualization and explainer graphics related to AI, technology, or policy topics.

2

Highlight any experience with rapid-response content (e.g., creating graphics for breaking news or time-sensitive reports).

3

In your cover letter, mention specific IAPS reports or research areas you admire and how your content could amplify their impact.

4

Include links to social media accounts where you've managed content, especially if you've worked with nonprofit or research accounts.

5

Demonstrate your understanding of AI risk and policy by briefly referencing current debates (e.g., regulation, safety standards) in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your ability to simplify complex policy research into clear, engaging visuals for non-expert audiences.', 'Showcase your experience with time-sensitive projects and your process for balancing speed with quality.', 'Mention specific design tools and video editing software you excel at, and how they enable efficient content production.', "Express genuine interest in AI safety and IAPS's mission, and how your content skills can help advance their policy goals."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read recent IAPS reports (e.g., on AI regulation, compute governance) to understand their research style and key recommendations.
  • Explore IAPS's social media channels and note the types of content they currently post and any gaps you could fill.
  • Familiarize yourself with the broader AI policy landscape, including organizations like OpenAI, Anthropic, and government initiatives.
  • Understand the target audience: policymakers, researchers, and tech stakeholders who need clear, concise content.
Visit Institute for AI Policy and Strategy's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach creating a data visualization for a dense policy report on AI compute governance?
2 Describe a time you had to produce content under a tight deadline. How did you prioritize and manage feedback?
3 What social media strategies have you used to maximize reach for policy-related content?
4 How do you stay updated on AI policy developments to ensure your content is accurate and timely?
5 Walk us through your process for scripting and editing a 60-second vertical video explaining a key AI risk concept.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic portfolio without AI or policy-related examples, as it shows lack of preparation.
  • Overpromising on speed without demonstrating a clear workflow for rapid content creation.
  • Ignoring the nonprofit and mission-driven context; avoid focusing solely on money or career advancement.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 29, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

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!