Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Emerging Tech Workforce and Inclusive Growth Fellow

at Federation of American Scientists

🏢 About Federation of American Scientists

The Federation of American Scientists is a unique nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that leverages scientific expertise to address critical national challenges through policy research and advocacy. Unlike traditional think tanks, FAS combines deep technical knowledge with practical policy implementation, working directly with government agencies to translate research into action. Someone might want to work here to be at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, public policy, and workforce development, directly shaping state-level strategies that impact economic mobility and national competitiveness.

About This Role

This role involves leading the development and implementation of AI and cybersecurity workforce strategies for a state government, specifically supporting the Office of the Secretary to execute the Governor's AI Executive Order and statewide Cybersecurity Talent Strategy. You'll be creating sector-specific roadmaps for IT/cyber, life sciences, and aerospace, analyzing pipeline barriers, and designing programs to reskill workers for AI-transformed jobs. This position is impactful because it directly addresses equity gaps in tech fields while strengthening the state's economic resilience against workforce disruption from automation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing labor market data on AI skill gaps in the aerospace sector, then meeting with community college leaders to discuss credential alignment, followed by drafting recommendations for the Office of the Secretary on implementing part of the Governor's AI Executive Order. You'd likely spend time coordinating across state agencies, educational institutions, and industry partners to ensure workforce strategies are both technically sound and practically implementable.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Federation of American Scientists Is Looking For

  • Has 7-10 years of experience specifically at the intersection of technology policy, workforce development, and economic mobility programs, not just general management experience
  • Demonstrates practical familiarity with how AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing actually reshape employer talent needs in specific sectors like life sciences and aerospace
  • Possesses systems thinking ability to identify and address structural barriers like credential gaps, funding misalignment, and training capacity limitations in workforce pipelines
  • Can translate complex AI policy and labor market data into actionable, scalable programs that close equity gaps while meeting employer demand for AI-fluent talent

📝 Tips for Applying to Federation of American Scientists

1

Quantify your experience with specific metrics related to workforce program outcomes (e.g., 'increased credential completion by X%' or 'designed training that placed Y workers in AI-related roles') rather than listing general responsibilities

2

Tailor your resume to highlight experience with state-level policy implementation, particularly around executive orders or statewide strategic plans in technology workforce development

3

Demonstrate understanding of both the technical aspects of emerging technologies AND their workforce implications by mentioning specific AI applications in sectors mentioned (life sciences, aerospace, IT/cyber)

4

Show evidence of working across education, training, and industry sectors simultaneously, as this role requires connecting these traditionally siloed areas

5

Reference FAS's specific approach to policy implementation by showing how you've previously translated research into practical programs with measurable outcomes

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience implementing workforce strategies related to AI or cybersecurity at the state or regional level, particularly any work with executive orders or statewide roadmaps', "Concrete examples of how you've analyzed and addressed structural barriers in workforce pipelines (credential gaps, funding challenges, training-employer mismatches)", 'Demonstrated ability to work at the intersection of technology trends and economic mobility, with examples of programs that expanded opportunity while closing equity gaps', "Understanding of how this role supports both the Governor's AI Executive Order implementation AND FAS's mission of translating scientific expertise into practical policy solutions"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → FAS's specific projects at the state-federal nexus, particularly their work translating federal AI initiatives into state-level implementation
  • → The state's existing AI study roadmap and Cybersecurity Talent Strategy (though not named in the posting, research which state this likely references based on FAS's current work)
  • → FAS's unique organizational structure as a bridge between scientific research and policy implementation, including their fellowship models
  • → Current debates in workforce development policy around AI credentialing, micro-credentials, and competency-based hiring in tech fields

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would develop a workforce roadmap for AI in the life sciences sector, including specific barriers you'd anticipate and how you'd address them
2 Describe a time you translated complex policy or labor market data into an actionable workforce program - what metrics did you use to measure success?
3 How would you approach building partnerships between educational institutions, training providers, and aerospace employers to address AI talent needs?
4 What specific strategies would you use to ensure workforce programs for emerging tech close equity gaps rather than exacerbate existing disparities?
5 How do you stay current on both technological developments in AI/cybersecurity AND evolving workforce needs in priority sectors?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on technical AI/cybersecurity knowledge without demonstrating workforce development or economic mobility experience
  • Presenting generic workforce development experience without specific examples related to emerging technologies or state-level policy implementation
  • Failing to demonstrate systems thinking by proposing isolated solutions rather than addressing interconnected barriers across education, training, and industry

📅 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 Federation of American Scientists!

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