Application Guide
How to Apply for Executive Assistant, US Policy
at Institute for Law & AI
🏢 About Institute for Law & AI
The Institute for Law & AI is an independent think tank shaping legal and regulatory responses to artificial intelligence, operating at the intersection of technology, law, and policy. Working here means contributing directly to high-stakes AI governance conversations that influence lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders. It's a unique opportunity for someone who wants to be at the forefront of one of the most consequential policy areas of our time.
About This Role
As Executive Assistant to a US Policy Director, you'll be the operational backbone of a fast-moving policy operation—managing calendars, triaging communications, owning deadlines, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. Your work will directly enable the Director to focus on high-impact AI governance research and advocacy. This is not a typical EA role; you'll exercise independent judgment daily and help shape how policy ideas move from concept to influence.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing the Director's calendar, rescheduling a conflicting meeting, and drafting a summary of pending policy deadlines. Mid-morning, you might coordinate with external partners on an upcoming event, then handle IT issues for a virtual team meeting. In the afternoon, you could draft correspondence to a congressional staffer, book international travel for a conference, and flag a risk to a project timeline—all while protecting the Director's focus time for research.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Institute for Law & AI Is Looking For
- Proven experience supporting a senior executive in a policy, legal, or think tank environment, with a track record of managing complex calendars and competing priorities.
- Exceptional written communication skills—able to draft substantive correspondence and triage communications with minimal guidance, and comfortable translating policy jargon for diverse audiences.
- Highly proactive and detail-oriented, with a knack for spotting risks and bottlenecks before they escalate, and the discretion to handle sensitive information.
- Tech-savvy and adaptable, capable of handling IT administration and quickly learning new tools; interest in AI policy and governance is a strong plus.
📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Law & AI
Tailor your resume to highlight experience in policy, legal, or research settings—emphasize calendar management for senior leaders, drafting correspondence, and coordinating cross-functional projects.
In your cover letter, explicitly reference the Institute for Law & AI's mission and recent publications or initiatives to show you understand their work and are not just looking for any EA role.
Demonstrate your ability to exercise independent judgment by providing concrete examples of times you prioritized tasks or made scheduling decisions without direct supervision.
Showcase any experience with international travel coordination and IT administration, as these are specific responsibilities in this role.
Use your application to prove your written communication skills—your cover letter and emails should be polished, concise, and error-free, mirroring the professionalism expected in policy correspondence.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in AI governance and how this role aligns with your career goals—show you're not just seeking a generic EA position.", "Concrete examples of how you've managed complex calendars and protected focus time for a senior leader, including any experience in policy or legal environments.", 'Your ability to draft substantive correspondence and triage communications on behalf of a principal, with an emphasis on discretion and judgment.', 'Evidence of your proactive problem-solving and project management skills, such as owning deadlines end-to-end and coordinating across stakeholders.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read the Institute for Law & AI's recent publications, blog posts, and reports to understand their research priorities and policy positions.
- → Research the backgrounds of the leadership team, especially the US Policy Director you'd be supporting, to understand their work and style.
- → Familiarize yourself with current AI policy debates in the US, such as proposed AI regulations, executive orders, and key congressional hearings.
- → Explore other AI governance think tanks and organizations to understand the landscape and how the Institute for Law & AI differentiates itself.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention AI policy or the Institute's specific work—this signals a lack of genuine interest.
- Focusing only on administrative tasks without highlighting strategic judgment, such as prioritization and proactive problem-solving.
- Neglecting to proofread your application materials—in a role that requires drafting substantive correspondence, any typos or errors can be disqualifying.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: September 30, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Institute for Law & AI!